Peter Pan takes flight at Theatre by the Sea
Children of all ages have the opportunity to see Peter Pan, the classic musical at Theatre by the Sea through August 8. Based on the novel by J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan follows Peter and Tinkerbell, Wendy, Michael and John to the small island of Neverland, where they share their adventures with the Lost Boys, Indians, Pirates, and the evil Captain Hook. Memorable songs include "Never, Never Land," "I Won’t Grow Up," and "I’m Flying."
The production is being helmed by Gary John La Rosa, who has directed several shows at Theatre by the Sea, including Smokey Joe’s Café, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, and Always...Patsy Cline.
The large cast includes New York performer Cary Michele Miller, will be making her Theatre By The Sea debut in the role of Peter Pan, with IRNE nominated actor Peter S. Adams portraying the dual roles of Mr. Darling and Captain Hook. Rebecca Barko will play the role of Mrs. Darling, with Nicholas Mercurio and Dylan Temel, portraying John and Michael Darling respectively. Other local performers include Lauren Avarista, Corinne Cannon and Caroline Jackson, Cassie Collinson, Dominique Rose DeSimone, Albert Jennings, and Sarah Pothier. Former Providence Journal reporter Ron Sarro returns to the Ocean State in the role of Mr. Smee.
LaRosa believes Peter Pan has widespread appeal to audience members of all ages. What the story allows us to do is to reconnect with the carefree moments of our youth, when we didn’t have all these adult responsibilities.
"It speaks to both children and adults," LaRosa explained. "It speaks to adults in a way that helps them to remember the innocence of their childhood. Children respond to the fantasy elements and the humor of it all. Everyone can find themselves in Peter somewhere. That’s what makes (Peter Pan) so entertaining and is what makes it so moving."
Adds Miller: "I think it also gives adults permission to be kids again."
Miller is a veteran actress, having appeared in the National tours of Little Women and Seussical, in addition to numerous other productions including State Fair, Carousel, Into the Woods, and A Chorus Line.
"Being able to play Peter Pan, I feel like it’s fun to be given permission to be a kid again," Miller said. "It’s fun to remember that’s still within us."
Peter Pan is a large-scale production, with a huge cast, many different sets, flying sequences, and choreographed fights.
"It definitely is a challenge to put it up quickly and to let it all happen the way that you envision it," LaRosa noted.
Peter Pan continues through August 8 at Theatre by the Sea, 364 Cards Pond Rd., Wakefield, Rhode Island. For performance times and more information visit the Theatre by the Sea website.
