Cathy Rigby Flies High In 'Peter Pan'

[CapnHook]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 12:00pm

Be sure to catch this one, folks. Who knows when the next time we see PETER PAN on the stage again will be.
Chicago Tribune Review

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 12:03pm

So my friend Bob and I are debating what show to see when we get back to Chicago. It's between Peter Pan and I am my own wife. We both realize that we would be deeper and bigger theatre snobs if we saw I am my own wife, but deep down I think we both really want to see Peter Pan. I mean, come on! She flies!

I have no doubt I will be seeing this soon.:)

[CapnHook]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 12:09pm

You COULD try to see both.

Do you want to see a play, or do you want to see a musical? A One-(Wo)Man show, or a full cast? Flying, a 100th Anniversary production, and a Cathy Rigby Farewell - or no flying.

HOWEVER, the tour is most likely heading to Broadway. So if you frequent NYC a lot, then perhaps it'd be best for you to see I AM MY OWN WIFE and catch PETER PAN on Broadway.

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 12:45pm

Oh, I want ot see her. I'm a HUGE fan of gymnastics too, so I know all about Cathy Rigby. What's this talk about a Cathy Rigby farwell?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 12:53pm

Cathy Rigby has been playing PETER PAN off and on since 1991 (really, since '79). She has revived the show to Broadway four times, and plans on a fifth time. All in less than 15 years.

Now, she is finally going to retire from the role (that she loves so much and performs wonderfully!). This tour is her last, and when it ends with a limited engagement Broadway run, she will take her final 'bow.'

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 1:20pm

2 questions....
1. Is she just hanging up her Peter Pan tights or is she not going to do anything on broadway again?
2. What's the best recording of her doing Peter Pan....should there be more than one?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 1:26pm

1) She is not retiring from acting, just Peter Pan.

2) There are several PETER PAN recording, but only two with Cathy Rigby: the A&E soundtrack, and the 1997 Broadway Cast Recording. I prefer the Broadway soundtrack.

There is also a DVD of her production.

http://www.peterpanfan.com/new/home.php
http://www.peter-pan.com

[edenespinosalover]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 2:12pm

I've got tickets to see her when she comes to Milwaukee. Can't wait.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 2:21pm

I saw this in San Diego. while I was a little "iffy" about Howard McGillin's performance as Captain Hook, I credit that to just being accustomed to the guy on the DVD. The production itself was just wonderful. Cathy is as fresh as ever. I met her at the stage door too. she's adorable.

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 3:23pm

I saw this a couple days ago here in Chicago. I really don't understand the appeal of this show and was really bored with the whole thing. The flying, however, is pretty cool, even though you can really see the wires and it's really more like swinging than flying. Cathy is a joy to watch as she energetically flips through the air, but there wasn't much else to crow about in this show.

[BWAYboi_yes]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 4:03pm

Peter Pan is a beautiful show, and very powerful. You, Menken fan, either saw a bad performance, or you're stupid.

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 4:30pm

I do not disagree with you, BWAYboy. I am probably just stupid. Updated On: 2/5/05 at 04:30 PM

[CapnHook]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 4:39pm

Hahahah.

I do not fully disagree with Menken Fan's comments. I DO think the Leigh/Charlap musical of PETER PAN is weak - in that the story should be told much darker. The songs were written with Mary Martin in mind - so the style of songs presented suited her.

However, for what the show is, it is GREAT entertainment and still a beautiful story. No one that I know has ever regretted going to see it.

[BWAYboi_yes]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 4:46pm

sometimes sarcasm doesn't come through well here. I LOVE Peter Pan, don't get me wrong, but it needs a major face lift. No pun intended...either of them.

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 5:09pm

Or maybe it's the fact that several children sitting around me were jumping around and emitting random noises for most of the first act. Luckily, there were plenty of seats for me to move to for the second and third acts...

[CapnHook]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 5:10pm

I agree.

I love the Stiles & Drewe score to PETER PAN. It seems dark, emotional, and very apprioriate to the story's tone.

I wish I were able to see a production of it.

Check them out at http://www.stilesanddrewe.co.uk

Perhaps this is the "face-lift" you are wanting...

Updated On: 2/5/05 at 05:10 PM

[BWAYboi_yes]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 5:14pm

random, yes, but wouldn't Maria Friedman make a good Pan?

Yeah, annoying kids are terrible... and ouch, I forgot... THREE ACTS. It needs a chop somewhere.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 5:25pm

The second intermission is only 5 minutes. They tried to do without, but it is crucial time needed for a scene change.

[BWAYboi_yes]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 5:27pm

well, they need to get cameron on it; he'd get that pirate ship out there in no time.

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 6:30pm

I agree with you Menken Fan. I just got back from seeing the show's matinee today and found it kind of boring. Sad to say, this is the first show that made me want to go to sleep. If it weren't for Howard McGillin I probably would've. The show I saw was very tired and luck laster. The only reason I even went was because it was part of the subscription series...ah well. I am glad I did see it so I can say that I saw Cathy Rigby in Peter Pan. I would have rathered stayed at home and watch my rented Sweeney Todd.

Updated On: 2/5/05 at 06:30 PM

[lds19]

Posted: 2/6/05 at 5:16pm

My wife and I saw it last night (subscription show) and were somewhat disappointed. Cathy Rigby is great, no doubt about it. But the pacing of the show is very odd. Intermission after 35 minutes?!!! And then the second intermission which was basically sit in the near dark (house lights were up slightly but not enough to read the Playbill) - someone mentioned they need it for a scene change but doing quick scene changes isn't something difficult in a Broadway show.

But the real problem is casued by the kids. No, not the kids themselves but their stupid parents who think the kids can't sit still without being fed something every 5 minutes and constantly talking to them. I don't think I was ever bothered by a child but I was bothered by plenty of their parents. The woman sitting next to me kept giving her kid something so sweet that I was getting a sugar high just from smelling it!

This shouldn't be a problem but it is thanks to the Broadway in Chicago theaters not only allowing food in the theaters but actually having vendors come around hawking food in the theater. I thought I was at the ball game. What next - beer vendors while the show is performing?

They call themselves "Broadway in Chicago" but as far as I'm concerned, when you have non-Broadway policies (and I know food is never allowed in a Broadway house), you're not Broadway.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 2/6/05 at 5:21pm

I'm sorry that you were disappointed. They would have fixed it to be without the intermission, but they didn't spend time on a solution since the second intermission helps with the kids.

The policy in our theatre in Charlotte is no food or drinks.

[emo_geek]

Posted: 2/6/05 at 10:38pm

She is amazing- I remember when she first went to the pantages oh I believe it was in 98 and my dad knew the assnt. choreographer (sp) so we went back stage and I was (let me count), I was 9 and back then all I would do was breathe peter pan. I was obsessed with Peter so It was a real treat seeing her. And just a couple of months ago she was back at the pantages and When I met her again...still as sweet as can be. You could tell how much she loved the role and how much effort she put into the tiniest of detials to the biggest of them all.