Peter Pan — Page 2

Even if doesnt come to Dallas, I might catch it in Houston.

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So is that your website CapnHook? Its pretty cool and the layout is very nice. I dabbled a little with website creating this summer and made my own website www.ryanchittaphong.com
But its mostly for fun, I can't do any of that Java crap.

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Yes, it is my Site. Your Site is designed well.

Small correction for your site: should be "Peter Pan (2003)" for your favorite film, as it was released December 25, 2003.

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Glad to see some discussion of Peter Pan, so I thought I'd join in for my first post!

Pan is a show that is really close to my heart. I've known the story since I recieved the novel as a hand-me-down from my Uncle. Then, around Eastertime while I was a fourth-grader, NBC decided to do a special re-broadcast the Mary Martin production as filmed in the 1960s. I fell deeper in love with this show and its story.

I remember wanting to see Peter Pan on tour with Cathy Rigby in the early 1990s when it came to St. Louis, but I never got the chance to see it for one reason or another.

As luck would have it, Cathy Rigby decided to tour with it a second time in '98 as a pre-broadway tour. Needless to say, I was enthralled because tour came in the summer of 1998 to the St. Louis MUNY. It was quite the event, since Cathy had played the role there back in 1987, and it was sort've like a homecoming for her. (In interviews, Cathy remembers 'flying' across the stage wondering if she'd be able to scale its entire width.) I went to the MUNY twice during the one-week engagement. I felt like nothing could ever replace the experience of finally seeing Cathy in the role.

After the show had been on Broadway, then toured a second leg, then came back to Broadway (during Tony time), they sent it back out on tour for the THIRD time in late 1999. On this third leg of the tour, Pan came back to St. Louis...only this time it was at the Fox Theatre in midtown. I caught the show again on the day after Thanksgiving. My only disappointment was the lack of Cathy's curtain call flight into the audience... Was this done nowhere but Broadway and La Mirada? This time, though, I got to meet Cathy in person. She was very sweet to me, and took time to ask me all about what I do in theatre. It was just so nice to talk, rather than ask for an autograph as a segue into talking.

I must admit that it's quite wild that Cathy wants to tour with it for the third and final time. I guess third time's a charm. It probably won't hit St. Louis (the season has already been booked/announced here: Producers, Mamma Mia!, Wonderful Town, Chicago, etc.) It will actually be good that this is her last turn with the role. Why? I can't help but feel that she is getting really old for the role. Even on the wonderful A&E DVD of the production, the closeups on Cathy don't make her look very youthful...though I will say that the acting, singing and athleticism that she brings to the role more than makes up for it.

Though it might have been clarified before, here's what I know of "Oh My Mysterious Lady"... Supposedly, Cathy Rigby cut it from her '98 tour (not sure about her previous productions) because she thought it was ridiculous for Peter, a little boy, to be singing in a mock-soprano. I don't agree with her, but that was her creative decision. Personally, I think it would be rather appropriate a.) because it's funny & b.) because a young boy usually has a soprano voice... Oh well.

(By the way: I, too, love "Distant Melody" and think it's the greatest song in the score.)

Well there are my random musings. I hope to have some great conversations here at broadwayworld!

-SuperSchubert

p.s. Am I the only one that was a little disappointed with the most recent film adaptation of Peter Pan? A darker approach is acceptable, but this film seemed a little TOO dark.

I saw Cathy's version when it was last on Broadway and was enthralled - there is nothing that can compare with good old fashioned well-written shows. Even the special effects far surpassed those used in Wicked. Seeing Cathy Fly out over the audience at the end of the show gave me goosebumps (still does when I think about it)...I am putting Distant Melody into my cabaret act, because it is one of the most beautiful songs ever written, and I hope to play Hook someday before I get too old.

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I LOVE Peter Pan. it was my first BIG show to se and it made me want to become an actor. The memories I have of seeing it any time are truly cherished because of that. However, I AM sick of Rigby and I want someone new... and I want a producer who will shell out more than 2 million for a first class production. With a good budget, steller creative team, and great marketing, this show could have UNBELIEVABLE staging possibilities.

I want to see a male Peter. They have had them in every major market BUT Broadway/first class tour.

Grand post, SuperSchubert!

The only production Cathy Rigby MIGHT have done "Mysterious Lady" was in her 1974 tour. It certainly won't be used in this tour. I loved when Mary Martin did it, but I cannot imagine Cathy Rigby doing it.

I think it is a nice song to remember Mary Martin by, and leave it be at that.

I am glad we finally have a positive discussion on PETER PAN. I tried one months ago, but the board thrased her because of her excessively reviving the show.

In my opinion, she isn't BAD in the role, if you don't want to see the show again, then don't; even though EACH production has been different and improved.

If she loves the role so much, let her do it. I love her in it. The largest run Cathy had on Broadway with Pan was 166 performances, others being 45, 48, and 48. That equals 307 shows combined, the combined total equiviling a nice small run today.

I look forward to seeing Cathy's final bow. May she never grow up.

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