PETER PAN

A HIT

By Nancy Condit

Gymnasts Sarah and Pamela Grigsby have their picture taken with Cathy Rigsby, Peter Pan in Wednesday
          night's production of Peter Pan, presented by Celebrity Attractions.  Photo by Nancy Condit

The musical Peter Pan was a hit at the Civic Center Music Hall Wednesday night. The childhood classic was led by former gymnast and actress Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan as she flew through the windows of the Darling children’s nursery.  All the familiar parts of the childhood classic were in place as Peter and the children flew off into a starry night to Never Never land.

  

The original Broadway performances were a musical production of the play by Sir James Barrie, and based on the original Broadway  production conceived, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. Lyrics were by Carolyn Leigh, additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, music by Moose Charlap, and additional music by Jule Styne.

Cathy Rigby, the highest scoring American gymnast at the Mexico City Olympics in 1968, is as flexible as ever, and entranced the Darling children and the audience with great flying.  Her acting was well supported by Tom Hewitt as Mr. Darling and Captain Hook.  Kim Crosby was a good Mrs. Darling and adult Wendy.  The Darling children were played by Krista Buccellato, Cade Canon Ball, and Julia Massey /Jordyn Davis}.  The British accent could have been down played at the play’s beginning.  No Peter Pan would have been complete without the very maternal Nana (Clark Roberts) and the Crocodile (Clark Roberts) with his gleaming red eyes.

The dancing, choreographed by Patti Colombo, was great, especially the inclusion of a percussive dance using metal and bass drums, and drumsticks on the floor by the troupe on the stage floor.  The pirates’ tango on the ship’s deck was wonderful, especially between Smee (James Leo Ryan) and Hook.  Earlier, the Indians’ dance included ballet, jazz, and an aerial dance on the silks.

The great sets by John Iacovelli were traditional 1950’s – 1960’s.  The orchestration by Jules Levinson was good, as was the tour orchestra, but was over-miced in the first part of the play, even over-powering the actors. It was lowered as the play went on. The sound by Julie Ferrin had too much timbre and needed more bass throughout the play.

Peter Pan is the opening show of Celebrity Attractions’ season, and will be followed by Memphis on November 8 through 13.

Peter Pan continues at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday night, at 7 p.m. Sunday night, and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday afternoons.  Tickets run from $25 plus fees to $60 plus fees. To buy tickets on line, visit http://www.myticketoffice.com/.

    

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