By Larisa Hicken
As part of Payson Golden Onion Days, Payson Community Theater is performing the beloved musical classic Peter Pan based on J.M. Barrie’s original tale with popular music written by Morris Charlap and Jule Styne with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh and Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Most people are familiar with the Disney animated film version about a boy who can fly and refuses to grow up and Payson’s version stays pretty true to this beloved tale of pirates, Indians, and fairies.
Keeping with tradition set by the original cast of 1954, the role of Peter Pan is played by a petite woman. Tia Trimble tackles the role with tremendous enthusiasm (at times maybe a bit too much) and gives a high energy performance. She definitely commands the stage with her larger-than-life physical antics and when she flies in over the audience and straight into Wendy, John, and Michael’s window, it’s a moment of sheer theatrical beauty.
Her flying techniques and facial expressions throughout the show are an absolute delight. Her singing is magnificent in the scene with Captain Hook where she gets to pretend to be a lady during the song “Oh, My Mysterious Lady.”
Trimble’s counterpart, Captain Hook, played by Darren Poulsen, absolutely steals the show with his interactions with the audience and hilariously perfect comedic timing. I haven’t laughed that hard during a live performance in a long time and he received a standing ovation from several audience members during the curtain call. The show would be worth the price of the ticket just to see his performance.
Along with Poulsen, Smee (Evan Nielson) and the other pirates perform the best numbers of the night. They are greatly aided by fabulous choreography by Katie Wiscome and amusing costumes designed by Miranda Duke. A ridiculously funny crocodile on a scooter board (played by Ethan Nielson) gets a lot of laughs, too.
The other highlights in the show are the dance numbers performed by the Indians, particularly Necia Poulsen as Tiger Lily. Her coordination and grace are unmatched by anyone else on the stage and I hope to see her again in another show soon.
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Peter Pan’s lost boys are absolutely adorable, although I would like to see more individual characters and interactions from them. Admittedly they are much younger than the rest of the cast members, but I think they are definitely capable of even more characterization.
The show is well-directed by Steve Poulsen, assisted by his wife Kara Poulsen. The only suggestion I would have would be to accelerate the pacing of the first act a little. Since audience members are so familiar with the show, we are quite anxious to get to Never Land!
Wendy is played by the beautiful Mariah Webber, a sophomore at Payson High School. She stays away from the stereotypical whiny and demanding Wendy and emphasizes the adventurous and patient side of the character which makes for a lighter interaction between her and Peter Pan. Her brothers John and Michael are played by real life brothers Talon Maurin and Carter Maurin. They are both sweet boys and I would like to have seen more tenderness between the three siblings. The children in the audience were delighted by a full-sized Nana dog played by Thane Kennedy.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the terrific set design by Craig Zeeman, Richard Lindsey, and Steve Poulsen. The stage rotates around for several entertaining effects and the flying throughout the entire show is downright stunning.
If you’re looking for a great way to spend your Labor Day weekend, bring the family to see Peter Pan in Payson. With an interactive Tinkerbell Tracker for kids, incredible flying effects and stunts, and full-belly laughs, you won’t be disappointed in this top-quality show.
The show runs August 27-29 and September 1-5 at 7:30PM, and matinees September 5 and 7 at 3PM. Tickets available at paysoncommunitytheater.com and NAPA Auto Parts in Payson.
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