Cappies Review: 'Peter Pan The Musical' At Saint John Paul the Great

By Julie Kessel of Albert Einstein High School

Find the second star on the right and fly straight into Saint John Paul the Great's production of "Peter Pan the Musical," a whimsical storybook show where adventure waits just around the bend.

"Peter Pan," a musical based on the classic children's book by J.M. Barrie, premiered in 1954, garnering Tony Award wins for the actors portraying Peter and Captain Hook. With music by Morris Charlap and Jule Styne and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green, the musical follows Peter Pan, the iconic boy who never grows up, and his interactions with the Darling children. As they fly off to Neverland together, they face many challenges, from the dastardly Captain Hook to the peril that is growing up.

Maeve Williams brought the perfect boyish charm to Peter Pan. Williams's Pan was consistently confident and boisterous with large gestures, a childish voice, and quick and nimble steps across the stage. Realistic bickering with Wendy (Grace Hall) further contributed to the childish aspect of Pan's character. However, Williams also effectively portrayed much deeper emotions. When Tinker Bell was dying, the pure fear and desperation present in Williams's facial expressions and voice convinced the audience to do their best to save her through applause and cheers. Impressively, Williams maintained consistency and strength in her pure and clear singing voice, even while flying around the stage.

As Peter Pan's iconic foe, Captain Hook, Declan Martinez was a riot. Martinez's large motions and nasally character voice kept the audience engaged and entertained. Whether twirling his mustache, sword fighting with Peter, or running from the crocodile (Alex Everson), Martinez's constant energy added to the ridiculousness of Hook's character. Beside Martinez as the steadfast Smee was Anthony Morales. Morales created a significant comedic impact through detailed and over-the-top facial expressions, interactions with the pit that smoothly broke the fourth wall, and a steadfast commitment to all of Smee's actions.

Similar to Hook and Smee, the pirate ensemble was constantly engaged and immersed in the action onstage and off. Whether bickering in the background, confidently marching behind Hook, or reacting to Hook's words and actions, their characters and objectives were clear every time they graced the stage. The pirates' energy built with every scene, ensuring there was never a dull moment in their presence.

Lighting by Dominic Brunsman and Demyan Chappell was eye-catching and perfectly complemented the show. Brunsman and Chappell used a green laser to portray Tinkerbelle, and the laser's movements were timely, speedy, and delightfully flighty, alluding to Tinkerbelle's fickle character. Additionally, the lighting team masterfully spotlighted the flying actors, drawing attention to their movements and allowing set changes to occur seamlessly in the darkness underneath them.

The hair and makeup team (Ella Frey, Hannah Malinowski, and Valerie Villazon) gave each cast member unique makeup, yet all the designs fit together to form a cohesive and professional look. Frey, Malinowski, and Villazon also used hair and makeup to allude to character. The Lost Boys had rugged features and untamed hair, showing their chaotic nature, while the pirates used bold, unrefined styling to convey their gritty and intense characters. Most impressively, the makeup for the Brave Girls incorporated Native American tribal flag colors and designs, creating strong and elegant lines while remaining respectful of cultural sensitivities regarding the characters.

As the final page closed on this storybook production of Peter Pan, the audience remained lost in the spell of Neverland, leaving with a reminder that while childish whimsy has its strengths, sometimes it's okay to grow up.