Peter Pan
Theatre By The Sea’s production of the timeless children’s classic Peter Pan is a genuine crowd pleaser; a delightful assortment of talent from right here in the Ocean State.
Depending on the decade you were born, Peter Pan is synonymous with a variety of images and personas: Sandy Duncan, Cathy Rigby, Mary Martin, and perhaps most famously, the animated Disney feature film. Regardless of when or how you were first introduced to the flying boy from Never Never Land who refused to grow up, virtually everyone young or old is familiar in some way with the character and his story, created by novelist and playwright Sir James M. Barrie.
The first of three acts begins as Mr. and Mrs. Darling (Peter S. Adams and Rebecca Barko) say good night to their three children, Wendy (Anna Kimmel), John (Nicholas Mercurio) and Michael (Dylan Temel), before heading out to dinner. Mrs. Darling is hesitant to leave the youngsters at home alone because she thinks she has seen a young boy appear outside their bedroom window. She recently discovered the detached shadow belonging to a child and is certain the creature on the balcony has come looking for it.
Even with the family dog, Nana (Matthew Wagner), keeping a watchful eye on the children, the boy known as Peter Pan (Cary Michele Miller) appears soon after the couple leaves, and the antics begin. Wendy, the first to be awakened, helps Peter stick his shadow back on, and then asks to be introduced to his travel companion, a fairy called Tinkerbell, who appears only as a bright green speck of light. Shortly thereafter, Peter sprinkles Wendy and her brothers with pixie dust, teaches them to fly and invites them to all to return with him to his home, Never Never Land. There they meet The Lost Boys, The Indians, The Pirates and Captain Hook.
While the story of Peter Pan explores several profound themes--faith, age, belief in the unknown--the production and depiction is tailor-made for children. Although a bit long overall, the costumes, songs and dance numbers are a veritable feast for kids, especially those who have little or no prior exposure to musical theater. Even the song titles, which include "I Won’t Grow Up," "I Gotta Crow," and "Ugg-a-Wugg," exemplify the show’s seemingly limitless youthful energy.
Keeping with the tradition of casting a female to play Peter Pan, Miller is an absolute delight in the title role. Both her voice and stature could easily be mistaken for that of a preteen male, and she never fails to impress, particularly when suspended in air. Kimmel’s performance as Wendy is as touching as it is engaging and Adams is a natural in the dual roles of Hook and Mr. Darling. Honorable mentions belong to Mercurio and Temel (both from Rhode Island) as the Darling brothers, and Ron Sarro as one of Hook’s henchmen, Mr. Smee.
The production and cast, many of whom are from the local area, make for a truly enjoyable evening at the theater.
Peter Pan runs through August 8 at Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road, Matunuck. For schedule, ticket prices and more information, visit
