Peter Pan is a High-Flying Good Time at The Fabulous Fox
–by Ashley Cox
A cold and rainy Wednesday night in St. Louis had theatre goers ready to visit an island (The Fabulous Fox Theatre) where we could always find a little bit of summer. Conductor Jonathan Marro opened the show with a rousing overture featuring local musicians to round out the touring group.
Peter Pan, the musical, is much like Peter Pan, the boy… ageless, a delightful mixture of youth and age. How does a person never grow old when they still experience untold years of life? The 70-year-old musical retains its youthful glow but utilizing a new book by Native American playwright Larissa FastHorse. The Darlings no longer live in antiquated England but a modern United States, a canine nanny is replaced by a smart phone obsessed teen babysitter, and the many offensive Native American stereotypes and songs have been replaced by a cohort of Indigenous individuals from all over the world intent on preserving their cultures.
I loved seeing the mix of old and new. I have the privilege of seeing many Broadway shows and you start to see what the style of the time was… the 90s beige wall or the Millennial grey that dates a musical. “I Gotta Crow” sung by Nolan Almeida’s Pan had a classic lilt. Gone are the days of petite woman playing Peter. 17-year-old Nolan Almeida brings a poignant ting of sadness. Not a boy who won’t grow up but also can’t grow up. Who wants a mother but refuses to need anyone.
It has been a long time since I have seen or read any adaptation of Peter Pan. Viewing it as an adult who now lives far from her parents and recently lost the last of her grandparents, it was less a make-believe grand adventure and more so the need for community whether you are blood related like the Darlings or have created a found family like the Lost Boys or Tiger Lily’s tribe. We all have our pirates or crocodiles that we need protection from.
The show is beautifully and thoughtfully updated with an excellent stand out cast. The ensemble is especially brilliant with their many quick changes. The magic of flight, projected effects, and the famous Tinkerbelle add to the fun.
You should not miss this. Peter Pan runs through November 24th followed by a special run of Chicago. The Fox’s December calendar offers a wide array of holiday themed festivities including my personal favorite, A Magical Cirque Christmas on December 20th.
Tickets for Peter Pan, The Musical are available at The Fabulous Fox Box Office or online HERE.