Trending

Advertisement

‘Peter Pan’ soars onto Moonlight’s stage

Share

Get ready to have your imagination take flight as “Peter Pan” soars onto Moonlight Amphitheatre’s stage with an enjoyable, well-performed production that will appeal to all ages.

The Tony Award-winning musical is the second in Moonlight’s 36th summer season. It can be seen in outdoor evening performances through Aug. 6.

Misty Cotton — one of three Actors’ Equity Association members in the cast — charms as the free-spirited title character who refuses to grow up.

Joined by the Darling children — Wendy (Jill Townsend), John (Elliot Weaver) and Michael (Jacob Farry) — the youngsters are led by Peter to his home in Neverland where they encounter his family of Lost Boys, plus some Indians, a mermaid and a group of pirates led by the villainous Captain Hook (Robert Townsend) and his sidekick Mr. Smee (James Vàsquez) — the show’s other two Equity actors.

The show is based on the 1954 Broadway musical, which itself was inspired by J. M. Barrie’s 1904 play “Peter Pan” and 1911 novel “Peter and Wendy.” There have been several revivals of the musical, including versions with Cathy Rigby playing the title role. Moonlight’s presentation features the sets and costumes from the Rigby production, including its flying effects.

Several of Moonlight’s actors stood out for their performances. Cotton aptly shines in the highly physical role that has her gliding through the air, sword fighting with Hook and participating in other high jinks. Her rich voice is showcased early on when singing “Neverland” while in the nursery, which was a nice contrast from her peppier songs like “I Gotta Crow.”

When playing a villain, getting loud “boos” at times is the equivalent of a standing ovation and Townsend definitely earned those “boos” with his evil portrayal of the pirate captain who wants to kill Peter Pan. Of course, with this being a family-friendly show, his numerous attempts are foiled. One of the more spectacular has Peter’s fairy, Tinker Bell, drinking the poison Hook has left for Peter. To save Tink’s life, Peter pleads with the audience to clap loudly since their faith in fairy magic can save the mischievous and sometimes jealous sprite who is seen only as a bright green light that flits across the stage.

Celeste Lanuza, as Tiger Lily, beautifully showed her agility during her various dances, including a solo when first appearing on stage. Her dancing, along with that by the Indians and pirates during various numbers, was very enjoyable and brought a lightheartedness to some of the musical’s darker scenes. Choreographer Carlos Mendoza, fight choreographer Janissa Saracino and director Steven Glaudini artfully staged these and other memorable scenes throughout the 2 1/2 hour show.

From visuals like a tick-tocking crocodile and oversized dog (both humourously played by Quinton Walker) to a pirates’ ship and mermaid island, there’s lots for those of all ages to enjoy. Attendees should plan on staying through the curtain call because of a surprise they won’t want to miss, courtesy of some “fairy magic.”

“Peter Pan” can be seen at 8 p.m. now through July 31, then Aug. 4 to 6 at Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive in Vista. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking. Bring your own or buy food and beverages on site. No alcohol can be brought into the venue, but may be purchased there.

Tickets are $10 to $55 for theater seating and $8 to $20 for general admission lawn seating (lawn chairs are provided and reserved lawn seating is a new option for the 2016 season, for an additional fee). Purchase at moonlightstage.com or 760-724-2110. Parking and shuttle service are free. It is advisable to bring a light jacket or blanket.

Advertisement