By Jason and Alisha Hagey
The Broadway Touring Company of Peter Pan at the Eccles Theatre invites audiences into a spellbinding reimagining of J.M. Barrie’s timeless tale. This production preserves the wonder and thrill of Neverland with inventive modern updates that make it a perfect fit for today’s audiences. With advanced stage technology, exciting choreography, and a story revamped to reflect values of friendship and empowerment, Peter Pan soars in more ways than one.
The updating of this production by Larissa Fasthorse (Additional Book) and Betty Comden, Adolph Green, and Amanda Green (Additional Lyrics) has carefully reimagined Peter Pan‘s classic, occasionally out-of-date aspects. Essential concepts of respect for one another and friendship replace the negative stereotypes, and biases vanish. This production is a joyful celebration of togetherness. The friendship feels less like a story of romance and purity and more like a collaboration based on bravery, kindness, and curiosity: a potent lesson for kids and adults.
Through careful leadership, Lonnie Price (Director) emphasizes the blend of modern storytelling with beloved traditional elements, letting fans enjoy what they loved about Peter Pan while making space for updated characters and relationships. This direction is a tricky endeavor. Not wanting to alienate the audience, which has specific expectations after more than 100 years of Pan, updating the message and era takes sensitivity and an immensely dynamic direction. Price does this and elevates the adventure to whole new heights.
Nolan Almeida (Peter Pan) and Cody Garcia (Captain Hook) naturally command much of the stage, each as charismatic and captivating as the other. Almeida’s boundless energy and puckish charm contrast perfectly with Garcia’s larger-than-life villainy, played with a delicious balance of menace and humor. Their scenes together are especially exciting during the battles where high-flying stunts and sharp dialogue keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Hawa Kamara (Wendy) is more than just a supporting character in this production. Kamara’s performance in “Distant Melody” is impressive. Being one of the most moving scenes in the show, the song’s calm yearning and contemplation of growing up grounds the story’s otherwise magical parts in something incredibly human.
Raye Zaragoza (Tiger Lily) explodes onto the stage with raw exuberance and enormous talent. Zaragoza proves herself a worthy foil and partner to Almeida’s Pan. She shines when she sings and appears to have boundless ability on stage as a dancer and a performer.
Hook always needs his Smee. Smee requires someone relatable, empathetic, and possessing incredible comic timing. Kurt Perry (Smee) is an absolute delight in every one of his scenes. Giggles abound when he whimpers. Perry is fun and funny, whether he reacts to Hook’s hook or recommends a hasty retreat.
The infectious energy of the supporting cast drives the show. William Foon (John) and Camden Kwok (Michael), the Pirates, the Lost Boys, and the reimagined Native characters keep the plot exciting and captivating. The universe is fascinating and magical because each character’s distinct personalities and charms contribute to its inclusion and joy. Each group member adds to the feeling of an adventure. Together, they share a true community.
From the outset, it’s clear that Peter Pan leans into imaginative visuals to bring the stage to life. David Bengali (Projection Design) is remarkable; the projections instantly change the room from a warm nursery to a colorful, glittering Neverland. The illusion of flying unfailingly impresses the audience, and the dynamic use of light and motion gives the sensation of the endless adventure that Peter promises. Projections create an infinite realm that makes distinguishing between reality and fantasy difficult, with stars, shadows, and landscapes stretching in all directions. Paul Kieve’s (“Tinker Bell” Design) Tinker Bell, portrayed through shimmering lasers mixed with a percussive sound, flits around the stage with glowing energy, enchanting both kids and adults alike. These projections support and amplify the story, making Tinker Bell and Neverland feel alive and wonderfully otherworldly.
The playful fight choreography by Sordelet Inc. (Fight Direction) is a high-energy highlight of the show, combining swordplay, acrobatics, and comedic timing to create scenes that are as thrilling as they are fun. The choreography cleverly incorporates slapstick elements, especially with Hook and his pirate crew, adding humor to the tension and making each battle feel more like a mischievous game than a serious duel.
The choreography is playful and dynamic, filling the stage with movement and life. Lorin Latarro (Choreographer) adds physical excitement and highlights the character dynamics — Peter’s agility, Hook’s swagger, incredible dancing, fantastic flexibility, and the Lost Boys’ childlike energy each bring unique layers to the story. Every dance feels tailored to the character’s personality, making it as expressive as it is entertaining.
Paul Rubin (Flying Sequences Choreographer) crafts aerial scenes that blend technical mastery with a sense of magic and wonder. Their work brings the iconic moments of Peter, Wendy, and the Darling children soaring above London and through Neverland to life with graceful, seemingly effortless motion. Every moment in the air feels carefully designed to heighten the story’s fantasy, allowing the audience to share the exhilaration of flight.
Smith Chandrashaker (Lighting Design) is instrumental in shaping the mystical, enchanting world of Neverland. Subtle shifts in tone and vibrant highlights create an ethereal quality that enhances the show’s atmosphere. From glowing stars to shadowy pirate scenes, lighting captures the world’s magic.
The costumes blend whimsy with authenticity, giving each character a distinct look while remaining true to the story’s fairy-tale charm. Sarafina Bush (Costume Design) makes everything feel timeless, yet she adds something new; each character in Neverland has slight variations that give a nod to different time periods. It is such a fresh take but so brilliant that I wonder why I’ve never seen it like this before. J. Jared Janas’s (Wig, Hair, and Makeup Design) work subtly enhances each character, adding enough detail to differentiate the Lost Boys, pirates, and other Neverland inhabitants, making them instantly recognizable and visually striking.
Anna Louizos (Scenic Design) balances realism with fantasy, transporting the audience into the Darling Nursery, the lush jungles of Neverland, and the imposing Jolly Roger. Every set piece feels immersive without overwhelming the actors, allowing them to bring the scenes to life. Simple yet effective set changes keep the story moving smoothly, never interrupting the show’s pace.
Ultimately, Peter Pan is a delightful journey into Neverland. Crafted with reverence for the original and an eye toward inclusivity and modern storytelling, Peter Pan is a production that taps into the eternal magic of Barrie’s story while evolving to embrace the values and dreams of today’s audiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Neverland or a lifelong fan, this Peter Pan is a show that lets you leave reality behind and fly — if only for a couple of enchanting hours.
Recommended for ages 5+. Please note: This performance will feature haze, flashing lights, and confetti effects.
Zions Bank & Broadway at the Eccles presents Peter Pan
Based on the Play by Sir James M. Barrie
Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh
Music by Morris (Moose) Charlap
Additional Music by Julie Styne
Additional Lyrics by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, and Amanda Green
Additional Book by Larissa Fasthorse
November 5th – October 10th, 2024
Salt Lake City, Utah
The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater
131 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Tuesday-Thursday 7:00pm
Friday 7:30pm
Saturday 1:00pm & 7:30pm
Sunday 1:00pm & 6:30pm
Tickets are $64 – $169
Broadway at the Eccles
Peter Pan Tour
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Run time: 2 hours and 15 minutes with 1 intermission
Assisted listening devices are available at Patron Services. For optimal experience, bring your favorite wired headphones.
Accessible Performances:
OPEN CAPTIONED: Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM
During our captioning performances, we offer a screen near the stage that will provide live captions throughout the show. Patrons who are interested in the captioned performance should select seats located at Orchestra Right on the Main Floor (excluding Orchestra Pit seating).
AUDIO DESCRIPTION: Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 7:30 PM
The spoken narration of the performance’s key visual elements. This option is available on the following performances. Devices are available at the Patron Services window in the main lobby.
ASL INTERPRETED: Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 7:00 PM
American sign language is scheduled upon request. Listed below are our current scheduled performances.
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