Page 24 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • June 16, 2010
‘Peter Pan’ takes flight at Paper Mill Playhouse
by Dennis Seuling “Peter Pan,” the James M. Barrie classic, has always elicited a sense of wonder while capturing the joy of childhood innocence and the fear of growing up to take on adult responsibilities. Never have these themes been more focused than at Millburn’s Paper Mill Playhouse, where “Peter Pan” is onstage -- and often up in the air -- as the theater’s final production of the 2009-10 season. Those who are of a certain age will fondly recall the TV broadcasts of “Peter Pan” starring Mary Martin, which would come into our homes through the small screen and enchant us. There is nothing quite like seeing this show in person, where its fantasy, comic pirates, dancing Indians, and amazing flying effects transport audiences to the thrilling, unpredictable world of Neverland, which lies at the second star to the right. The Victorian-era Darling family consists of Mother (Glory Crampton), Father (Douglas Sills), and their children, Wendy (Hayley Podschun), John (Josh Pins), and Michael (Lewis Grosso and Jack Broderick alternate in the role). Nana (Casey Garvin), a Saint Bernard, looks after them. After the Darling parents leave for an evening out, a boy flies in through the nursery windows. It is Peter Pan (Nancy Anderson), who has come looking for his shadow, left at the Darling home on a previous, surreptitious visit. Wendy, John, and Michael awaken as Peter boasts of his abilities in “I’ve Got to Crow” and tells them about the fairyland where he lives in “Neverland,” two of the show’s most famous numbers. But the show really turns magical when Peter teaches the Darling kids to soar heavenward in “I’m Flying” as the nursery set gives way to a star-studded night sky complete with billowy clouds. Once in Neverland, the audience is introduced to the leader of the local pirates, Captain Hook (Douglas Sills again), more buffoon than fearsome buccaneer, with a penchant for assorted dance tempos to help him think. Also on hand are Tiger Lily (Jessica Lee Goldyn) and her band of local Indians, and the Lost Boys, Peter’s scruffy, ragtag
Nancy Anderson (left), Jessica Lee Goldyn, and cast in ‘Peter Pan,’ the current production at the Paper Mill Playhouse.
followers. Anderson is well cast as Peter. Small of stature, with closely cropped hair, and convincing in the athletic requirements of the role, she conveys a combination of bravado, innocence, daring, and whimsy. She continues a long tradition of actresses who have played the role on stage, including Maude Adams, Jean Arthur, Sandy Duncan, and Cathy Rigby. Anderson has a lovely voice and beautifully interprets the songs by Julie Styne, Carolyn Leigh, Mark Charlap, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green. Whether in the air above her fellow performers, earthbound engaging in swordplay, or front and center urging the audience to help a major character by declaring their belief in fairies, Anderson is a charming Peter, steering clear of sentimentality and retaining his independence so he won’t have to grow up into an adult and forgo the pleasures of childhood. In Captain Hook, Sills has one of the campiest roles
ever written for the musical theater. This is the role that put Cyril Ritchard on the map, with his pompous posturing (continued on Crossword page)
2010
K A S S C H AU
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