Peter Pan (Touring)

Disappointing

The National Theatre - Washington

Sadly, this remake of Peter Pan for the stage fell flat. I had no problem with a more contemporary version of the beloved classic but the sound was subpar- and I was in the Fourth row center. The acting was lackluster. Taking the story out of London was a mistake. No Nana!! This is one of my all time favorite stories and I have seen it at multiple theaters and I left at intermission!!

Peter Pan (Touring)

Think Lovely Thoughts

The National Theatre - Washington

I saw the National Theater's production of Peter Pan at 7:30pm Wednesday, April 10th. I believe there is no more magical theater moment than when Peter first flies. This production captured its perfection. We seek all our lifetime for that feeling again. I'm guessing Peter Pan is uniquely responsible for introducing more children to a life-long love of theater and inspiring countless to become theater professionals than any other creation. I love this musical and have seen many and various productions and casts over the years, including the original Mary Martin and Cyril Ritchard on Broadway. I'm always excited to see fresh imaginings for this classic tale. As to specifics, I believe this production mostly works. Tinker Bell remains sparklingly alive and well in this production. But all my thoughts aren't lovely. Where the heck was Nana! This show deserves a dog. We were robbed. Even in an updated production, reimagining the nanny to be some sort of inattentive human doesn't work. The wise, attentive animal is an essential character. There are many effective ways to produce a dog for a touring company-real, costumed, puppet, etc. I am respectfully but artistically at odds with the director's decision to eliminate Nana's character as written. That said, the production values were superb. The integration of digital effects with physical set and live action was seamless, effective, creative and delightful. The actual flying was perfect and magic-as it always is. The sound was also excellent. Perfectly blended. No distortion. Right levels. Mics were excellent. Alas, many of the voices were not. Musical theater has it's own demands. Some voices are for made or them-some are not. It is not a concert. Nor was it a high school production. The ability to belt is essential and one thing. The ability to go velvet is also essential. Only Hook (Garcia) had what it took, and, oddly enough, for one so young, Michael (Epley). Smee (Perry) was clear and clever. John (Lee) was unintelligible. Peter (Almeida) couldn't do velvet. Wendy (Kamara) was shrill-both speaking and singing. Tiger Lily (Zaragoza) doesn't yet have what it takes for the musical stage. These leads may have it someday, but they're not ready. They need more understudy time. So much splendid updating was accomplished in the treatment of the depiction of Native Americans, I'm saddened to think that presenting players before they're ready may reinforce "woke"bias. Yet, truly, it is a lovely thing to see Peter Pan and any opportunity is not to be missed!

Peter Pan (Touring)

Wonderful⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The National Theatre - Washington

Great show start to finish. Peter Pan is perfect. Wendy is enchanting and smart with a beautiful voice. Micheal and John, both wonderful young actors. And loved, loved Capt Hook. Well played. The flying choreography was so good. I don’t think my 7 year old took her eyes off the stage. Even my curmudgeon hubby said 2 thumbs up.

Peter Pan (Touring)

So much fun and so much talent!

Perfect for all ages! The vocals are beautiful and the sets are engaging. Loved the interaction between the cast members, they truly gave a FLYING performance!

Peter Pan (Touring)

Family Favorite