I was excited to see EHS’s latest musical theater performance because Peter Pan is one of my favorite childhood movies. I wasn’t disappointed.
At the beginning of the show, the crowd was introduced to an abundance of music performed by the band. The overture was very uplifting and prepared the audience (and me) for the adventure of Peter Pan! The crowd applauded as the curtains opened and revealed a children’s nursery where we saw Michael (Gio Solimando) and Wendy (played by both Diana Tamayo and Audrey Riquelme, but played by Audrey on closing night) waltzing and pretending to be grown-ups. Then, surprisingly, a human in a dog costume came out from the audience, and I heard confusion and laughter from the crowd. As the children went to sleep, a mysterious green light shined over Wendy’s face while she was asleep, and the windows opened on their own! A roar of applause erupted when Peter Pan soared through the window.
Not surprisingly, the crowd was focused and amazed while watching Peter Pan take flight! In fact, “I’m Flying” was my favorite scene in the show; it felt magical. Peter’s energy (played by both Madison Ostroff and Olivia Karathomas, but played by Olivia on closing night) was already enough to lift us up, but I’m sure the pixie dust didn’t hurt either. The band set the tone by making the music sound mystical and upbeat. We all cheered as Peter Pan, Wendy, and the children took off to Neverland!
At the end of the first intermission, we were once again greeted by the band, preparing the audience for Peter Pan, Wendy, and the boys’ adventures in Neverland! The pirates made a big entrance, and then I spotted Mrs. Martinucci as one of the pirates! (She showed off her dance moves at the end of the conga line.) The crocodile (Mr. Schama) made everyone laugh. But it wasn’t all giggles. In one scene, the Lost Boys hunted and shot arrows at “the Wendy Bird”, and Peter was very emotional; the audience could feel his shock.
During the second act, Captain Hook (played by the incomparable James Nienstedt) showed off his dance moves as the crowd clapped along. The cast was very interactive with the crowd, and I especially enjoyed the part where Peter Pan asked the audience members to hold back the group of pirates with his stick.
Wendy and her brothers wanted to go back home, and she offered to bring the Lost Boys with her. Peter didn’t want to grow up, and wanted to stay in Neverland. At the end of Act Two, Peter said goodbye to Wendy, but suddenly, she got kidnapped by the pirates, and Peter was super determined to rescue her and the others. Things really took a dramatic turn when Tinkerbell drank poison and the crowd needed to bring her back to life – by clapping!
In the third act, I was very impressed with the crew and cast’s work on building the pirate ship. (EHS’s very own Mr. Monchino played a crucial role in this year’s production by building the sets and helping the “flyers”.) I observed the designs, and I wondered how long it took to build and paint them. It made me think about all of the effort that goes on behind the scenes of a production, and the numerous people who contribute to each and every performance.
SPOILERS: Wendy and her children were forced to walk the plank, but just in time, Peter saved them!
Overall, this play was very enjoyable, and the crowd was extremely engaged. After seeing numerous plays at Emerson Junior-Senior High School, I’ve noticed that the cast always does a great job of interacting and engaging with the audience. All of the actors gave such a wonderful performances, but my favorite character was Captain Hook because of his dancing, which amazed me!
Even though this was the last show, I would want to see it again!
What a great way to finish off the spring show! Congratulations to the cast and crew of Peter Pan!
