Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
If you have a child, I highly recommend letting him/her experience a pure magic of imagination, where freedom is profoundly experienced through the fantasy of flying. Being a kid here is cherished and enjoyed profoundly, and having loving parents is important and appreciated. The theme of motherhood is explored with the emphasis on how important a mother is to a child. The longing for a mother is expressed in Neverland, where kids want a mother to tell them happy stories. Having a loving family and a happy home is a joyful place of gratitude and blessings.
The spectacular show of Peter Pan - the Hit Broadway Musical, at the Pantages theatre has all the expected imaginative faculties. The full spectrum of inventiveness is created for us here; from pure magic of spectacular entrances, striking flying characters, incredible backdrops - where even the moon talks, and the water splashes as someone falls into it from the ship. The enchanting ball of light flying around creates a spectacle of a character of Tinkerbell, who speaks through the specific musical tones that after a while, we can understand what is being communicated. The vocals are phenomenal, the dance and fight choreography are sensational, and the energy of an entire cast is beyond incredible. Even the youngest boy dances, sings and acts with so much enthusiasm and love, conquering those scenes with super professionalism. So many lovely singing voices and fast feet with humor and joy create the magic of an epic story of Petar Pan - the boy who did not want to grow up.
Peter Pan is a play that evokes the love for life in everyone, brings out that kid within us and transforms everyone who is willing to be a kid again, for the time being. I found myself with my mouth open, wide-eyed and the joyful feeling of happiness and excitement. As Peter Pan invites us, 'I am flying, look me up high, lovely things and my heart is flying to my home where dreams are born. Just think of a happy thought and then leap through the air.' This wonderful show about growing up with impressive special effects, costumes, lights, and the live orchestra, creates the mesmerizing effects of how wonderful is to be a kid and an adult too.
The TEAM players in the cast are: Nolan Almeida (Peter Pan), Hawa Kamara (Wendy), William Foon or Micah Turner Lee (John-at certain performances), Reed Epley or Camden Kwok (Michael-at certain performances), Shefali Deshpande (Mrs. Darling), Cody Garcia (Mr. Darling & Captain Hook), Hannah Schmidt (Liza & Zemyna-Early Slavs), Christina Helene Braa (The Croc, Jane & Gyo ti-Olmec), Raye Zaragoza (Tiger Lily-Hohokam, Yamato), Kurt Perry (Smee), Kenny Ramos (Acoma-Cahokia Mississippian), Kiara Williams (Ife-Nok), Shefali Deshpande (Boa Sr-Bo), Jordan T. Deleon (Kai Bi'a-Gonaqua), Michael Marrero (Aiyo-Chorrera) and Ryan Perry Marks (Nintoku-Yamato). Lost Boys are Charles Antenen, Zaynn Arora, Jonah Barricklo, Levi Chrisopulos, Reed Epley, William Foon, Leo Gallegos, Brandon Gille, Camden Kwok, and Micah Turner Lee. And the Pirates are Christina Helene Braa, Jordan T. DeLeon, Kenny Ramos, Shefali Deshpande, Ryan Perry Marks, Michael Marrero, Hanah Schmidt, and Kiara Williams. Bravo!
The musical of Peter Pan is based on the play by Sir J.M. Barrie and was originally directed, choreographed, and adapted by Jerome Robbins with additional book by Larissa Fasthorse. The Executive Producer is Trinity Wheller, Music and Orchestra Arrangements are by Andy Einhorn, flying sequences Choreographed by Paul Rubin, Choreography by Lorin Latarro and skillfully directed by Lonny Price.
Dance, Fight & Co-fly Captain is Bailey Frankenberg, Assistant Dance & Fight Captain is Tonny Collins, and Co-fly Captain is Ryan Perry Marks.
*** 'In 1929 Sir J. M. Barrie bequeathed Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London, which has benefited thousands of children since then. The Producers are proud and happy that everyone who has bought a ticket for today's performance of Peter Pan is helping towards making the hospital the incredible center of hope it is today.'
The Show runs from July 16-28, 2024 at Pantages Theatre in Hollywood on 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028. For tickets call (323) 468-1770 or go to www.BroadwayInHollywood.com