"You can fly you can fly, you can fly..."
I recently had the priviledge to attend the stage production of
PETER PAN at the
Orange County Performing Arts Center. I have always been a big fan of Pan, Tinkerbell, and Wendy so I was very excited to go. I wasn't sure of what to expect, as I don't go to the theater very much anymore. So I decided not to bring my 3 year old. I really wanted to be able to enjoy the show without, having to deal with a toddler.
It was a huge tent, and the theater was in the round, which I had never experienced before. In seeing the story of the boy who refused to grow up, my only regret was that we weren't allowed to take any photos or videos once inside. So that was torture for this photographer, because it was really awesome, and I would like to display that. The actors were superb. The set was imaginative. But the BEST part was the FLYING. The cast gets hooked (pun intended) onto little cables throughout the show and get catapulted around the theater. It mixes high tech screens, computer animated graphics onto a 360-degree projected background. It really set the mood, and added so much to the performance. I just can't say enough. It gives you the feeling that you are taking the journey to Neverland. Just like an IMAX theater. (people with motion sickness beware)
The obvious stand-outs were Peter Pan, and Captain Hook (who also plays Mr. Darling). They were so good, so entertaining. The beloved nurse maid Nana, was actually a puppet with a lot of personality. The crocodile is made out of household items like hangers and clothespins.
My favorite scene is when Tinkerbell's light goes out, and the entire audience is asked to whisper "I do believe in fairies" over and over again into it turns into a loud roar, and Tink gets revived.
Other highlights were when the mermaids come out. Bubbles and lighting fills the stage, and they were hanging like Cirque du Soleil performers with big ribbon like tails. Also when Tigerlilly does a special indian maiden rhythmic sexy dance (not too sexy) for Peter as a Thank you for setting her free.
Other great things about the play were Peter, Michael, the pirates, the lost boys, Mrs. Darling and Mr. Smee will all steal your heart. Much like how Peter stole the hearts of Wendy, Tinkerbell and Tigerlilly.
It was staged in two parts, about an hour long each, with a 15-20 minute intermission in between. Just long enough to stretch your legs, get some more snacks, refill your wine glass (yes, wine) or coffee cup, and buy some souvenirs. I'm even thinking about taking my 3 year old back to see the show. Now that I know the layout, and what to expect, I feel like she may be able to sit through it. (At least for the first half) It's just so magical, that I would hate for her to miss it. If you're locals would hate for any of you to miss it...
The show was originally intended to run through November. But now, it has been picked up to go through January. (See, I told you it's FANTASTIC!) It is such a great show, and would be a really nice family outing for the holidays. Very magical indeed.
For further details:
"To live would be an awfully big adventure..."
(Disclosure: I was not for this post, however I was given tickets to some see and review the show. Thanks OCPAC!)
