CapnHook Reviews New PETER PAN Tour - New Actors, New Changes, Bloopers & More!

[CapnHook]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 2:50am

I just came back from the Opening Night of the new National Tour of PETER PAN starring Cathy Rigby as "Peter Pan" and Howard McGillin as "Captain Hook," which took place Saturday, September 25, 2004.

This shall be a very long, detailed review of the show, so I have given each section a TITLE SUMMARY in all caps, so you know what is worth reading to you, or not.

A 100 YEARD OLD STORY, A 50 YEAR OLD MUSICAL - HOW THIS IS DIFFERENT

Aside from a change in actors, the production itself has changed more than I had expected. In addition to minor choreography changes and tons of blocking changes, there is the following:

1) In Act I, they added the Mr. Darling and Michael where they both challenge each other to take their medicine. This was originally in the play, but NEVER done in the Charlap/Leigh musical.

2) In "I Gotta Crow" - Cathy Rigby has respectfully added a little bit of the song doing the "duck bill" shadow puppets that everyone may remember from the 1955 production.

3) In Act II during the first "Neverland" scene - Tootles tells the Lost Boys that he saw a big white bird in the sky, and Slightly replies that "it's probably the Never Bird." But Tootles insists its a different bird, and that it keeps saying "Poor Wendy." This is new dialogue, and they mention the Never Bird, a creature first created by the 1911 novel, that originally wasn't in the play.

4) The song "Wendy" has been drastically shortened. It now acts as a segway into the song "I Won't Grow Up." I actually thought this worked better for the show, storywise and technically. The only thing I don't like is the fact that the song "Wendy" was shortened. At least we do have several CD recordings that preserve the full song.

5) The Act II finale, "Distant Melody," has been changed a bit. As Wendy begins to start the song, Peter takes out his pan pipes and he plays them as Wendy sings in a BEAUTIFUL updated duet. Peter still sings some of the duet, and some of the song solo, but now adds the pan pipes with it. It's very touching!

6) At the end of Act III, Wendy is now back home in the Nursery. She exclaims "Remember to come back for me, Peter. Please- please don't forget!" and she goes to bed. As she says this, we now see Peter Pan at the open Nursery window, hiding and peeping in. A nice touch.

THE CAST
(in order of appearance)

Mrs. Darling - Tracy Lore
Wendy Darling - Elisa Sagardia
John Darling - Gavin Leatherwood
Michael Darling - Greyson Spann
Liza - Dana Solimando
Nana - Ryan Mason
Mr. Darling - Howard McGillin
Peter Pan - Cathy Rigby
Curly - Jordan Bass
1st Twin - Janet Higgins
2nd Twin - Theresa McCoy
Slightly - Omar D. Brancato
Tootles - Lindsay Nickerson
Mr. Smee - Patrick Richwood
Cecco - Tony Spinosa
Gentleman Starkey - Michael Hawkins
Noodler - Nathan Balser
Bill Jukes - Ryan Mason
Captain Hook - Howard McGillin
Crocodile - Tony Spinosa
Tiger Lily - Dana Solimando
Mermaids - Tracy Lore, Tiffany Helland
Pirates and Indians - Nathan Balser, Tim Fournier, Seth Hampton, Tiffany Helland, Ryan Mason, Kaitlin McCoy, John B. Williford
Wendy (Grown-up) - Tracy Lore
Jane - Theresea McCoy
Swings - Lauren Masiello, Rod Roberts

A PETER PAN FAMILY - LITERALLY

The playbill reads:

"Now, figure this one out! In this Peter Pan production, Cathy is mother to "Nana," "Jane," "One of the Twins," and "The Mermaid on the Rock." She is sister to the assisstant prop coordinator, auntie to "John," sister to the general manager, and sister-in-law to Tom in Consessions. Cathy is mother to "Tiger Lily" - who married her oldest son in the last National Tour. Last but not least...[Cathy is married to the producer, Tom McCoy.]"

BLOOPERS

1) During the "Marooner's Rock" scene, the curtain opens, and the fog seeps out into the audience. OOPS! Can't see anything on stage!! The fog goes into the first few rows of the audience. I am blinded, and can't see anything for the first few minutes of the scene.

2) Act I, Wendy is asking Peter questions. Peter is supposed to shoot an arrow into the fireplace, but the wire on the bow snapped. OOPS! So Cathy just threw it.

3) Captain Hook says "'Tis me hour of triumph!," standing on the upper deck of the ship. He has Michael's teddy by its neck, via his hook. OOPS! It falls and hits Cecco on the head. He shouts "Cecco, throw me that bear!" "Try to escape, eh?" and he throws the bear overboard and we hear a splash.

4) Hook avoids mutany by fetching the doodle-doo himself. He takes the lantern, goes in half way, and starts to come out. Usually, he would say "Someone blew out the light."

However, his costume got caught on the door, so he struggled for a few seconds, didn't say his line, and finally shouted "Smee, HELP ME! THE DOODLE-DOO HAS GOT ME!"

Smee runs up after taking the hint and responds "I'll save you, Cap'n!" and then after Hook gets loose, he plays along. "Oh no, Cap'n, now he has me" and he struggles for a second.

THE ACTING

Cathy Rigby is as energetic as ever! She has so much spunk! She really IS Peter Pan! Everyone knows how athletic she is, a grand flyer, a pure talent, wonderful singer & dancer, etc. Nothing more to discuss. At over 50, she still has not grown up.

IF YOU HAVE NO OTHER REASON TO SEE THIS SHOW, SEE IT BECAUSE HOWARD MCGILLIN IS CAPTAIN HOOK! Howard McGillin adds a new, WONDERFUL, BRILLIANT rendition of the evil villain we love to hate! His "Captain Hook" boldly evil, with a twist of pure comic innocence which creates a wonderful character.

During "Hook's Tango" and "Hook's Tarantella" as well as "Hook's Waltz" - you will cry out in laughter! HILARIOUS! Howard certainly has made this role his own. His singing is marvelous, as well. Nice touch of operatic inflections here and there. Be careful if you're in the first row! You will be splashed by the sprays of spit that spout out of his mouth. LOL!

Patrick Richwood has also made the role of "Smee" his own. He portrays the character in such a unique way - you must always keep your eyes on him or you will miss his mystery!

Elisa Sagardia is also still very good as "Wendy." Again, nothing much new to say about her, nor Dana Solimando as "Tiger Lily." Both haven't changed much in the role - still at their best.

Greyson Spann is the CUTEST thing! He JUST turned 6 years old two weeks ago. You just want to pinch his cheek! Gavin Leatherwood also plays a nice John. Both kids do amazing work at such young ages.

This ensemble has so much energy! Each person is brilliant! Take a moment when the focus is on a main character, and look at ANY ensemble member's eyes. They are so focused and so into their roles!! It's remarkable! (Except for Greyson (Michael) who, at 6, does tend to be distracted. But what can be expected of such a young actor? Not noticable unless you look, anyway).

THE CROC

The Croc has these striking red eyes that grab your attention each time he enters. After curtain calls, he does his spin after Hook and Pan swordfight again, as he does on the DVD. However, now after the spin, just as the curtain approached the stage, he strikes a pose and waves.

THE SPEECH BEFORE

Tom McCoy made an opening speech, thanking everyone for coming to Cathy Rigby's "6th Farewell Tour" of Peter Pan. He informed everyone of the Peter Pan items for sale, everything you need to stop growing up, "from Peter Pan shirts, to Peter Pan DVDs, to Peter Pan Viagra..." Very funny speech.

THE AFTER-PARTY

In addition to the actors and their family, also there that I saw was Alon Williams, Drake English, the guy who hosted Supermarket Sweep, and the actor who was Horton in the first Seussical tour. Forget their names, atm.

THE MERCHANDISE, THE WEBSITE

There are several Peter Pan clothing items for purchase, as well as a foam hook, foam sword, cup, "ball of light," the cd, dvd, and vhs, and more. Programs available soon. Merchandise can be purchased at their newly enhance website, www.peter-pan.com.

IN CLOSING

I hope I have not left anything out. I'm happy to answer any questions. For touring info, www.peter-pan.com or www.peterpanfan.com.

This was the highlight of my life and I don't think I can ever not think lovely thoughts again for as long as I live, for to die would be an awfully big adventure!

That make sense? Maybe not - 3am and I am off to that place between sleep and awake - my bed.

GO SEE PETER PAN!

Updated On: 9/27/04 at 02:50 AM

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 2:54am

I love Hugh McGillin. I would see the show just for him. (And Captain Hook is a fantastic character.)

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 11:19am

how is the physical production this time?

[bially082]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 2:46pm

sounds cool

I plan to see it at some point

[CapnHook]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 3:31pm

"how is the physical production this time?"

What do you mean?

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 3:33pm

set and costume design....exact same as before... redesigned/spruced up a bit??

[CapnHook]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 3:55pm

All costumes are the same, with the following exceptions:

1) Peter's costume is more sparkling.

2) Croc has neon red eyes that are EVIL!

The set was all the same. Some new and/or revised props.

The lighting was different. Can't be specific, but it was different.

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 4:33pm

Great Review.

Glad you had fun.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 4:55pm

I wish they would have done more with the sets.

[timote316]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 5:08pm

Everyone witness Capn in his (her? sorry lol) glory.

I read this and laugh. Cathy Rigby really has made a career out of Peter Pan, hasn't she? lol

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 5:11pm

ye. I am surprised that she is VOLUNTARILY retiring from the role.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 5:14pm

Yes, Cathy laughed at how long she has done the role. I asked if she was retiring from the Peter Pan role, or from acting in general, and she replied:

"Oh no! Just from Peter Pan. I've done it [laugh] so many times!"

[Princess MimiChica]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 6:41pm

Thanks for that review!! I've been a life-loing fan of Peter Pan but have never seen it live on stage =( And the tour isn't coming anywhere near me!! No fair!!! I'm glad the little shadow-puppet part was added ,because that was alwayus my favortie part of my Mary Martin video =) Sounds like a great tour!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 8:40pm

This is my second favorite musical and I can't wait for the tour to hit New York!

"Peter Pan is the sun, the moon and the stars!"

[CapnHook]

Posted: 9/27/04 at 10:25pm

I didn't know that, DollyPop! YAY PETER PAN!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/28/04 at 12:11pm

I guess I've seen PETER PAN about 35 times. I also directed a production of it. Nowadays I'm just about right for the role of Captain Hook. I could put my absolute hatred for children to good use in that role.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 9/28/04 at 12:12pm

LOL!