The Official Peter Pan Thread

[CapnHook]

Posted: 8/26/04 at 10:47am

The Peter Pan Centennial (for all you kids, the play turns 100) is nearly here!

There are MANY events taking place:

In London, Andrew Birkin is doing a different rendition of the play. Originally, the title was PETER PAN, OR THE BOY WHO HATED MOTHERS. And so, Birkin shall be doing this show - how Barrie originally intended.

In Shrevesport, Louisana, starting in September will be a 4 month Peter Pan festival! Street faire, exhibition (with the Mary Mary, Cathy Rigby, etc. Broadway costumes and SO much more!), film screenings, etc etc etc, in addition to special events, such as the Regional Premier of the highly anticipated film, FINDING NEVERLAND.

Speaking of FINDING NEVERLAND, the film opens this November nationwide, with a limited release earlier. The film is a fictional story based on true events of Peter Pan author Sir James Matthew Barrie (portrayed by Johnny Depp). The film also stars Kate Winslet, Dustin Hoffman, Radha Mitchell, and Julie Christie.

Also starting in September is the new National Tour of Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby, with Howard McGillin as "Captain Hook." This tour not only celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Charlap/Leigh musical, and not only the 100th anniversay of the play, but it is also Cathy Rigby's farewell tour. Her final bow as "the boy who wouldn't grow up." Look for new changes to the show when it nears a city near you! (The tour is potentially Broadway bound, as well.)

In addition, the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London has just announced that they are in search for an author to write a sequel to the novel, to eventually be transferred to film and possibly a play. GOSH aquired the rights from Barrie in 1929. The royalty fees benefit the sick children. GOSH has been able to buy new, advanced equipment and have done wonderful things for children.

Recently, GOSH sponsored a picnic, where several celebrities showed up for support! Click for pics:

http://www.gosh.org/news/2004/PeterPan-photo-gallery.html

GOSH is also sponsoring several other events, including concerts, auctions, treasure hunts, charity balls, and a new Centennial Edition release of the 1911 novel. Visit http://www.gosh.org/about_us/peterpan/anniversary.html for details.

Coming soon is a petition to NBC to rebroadcast the Mary Martin Peter Pan once more. It has been aired a dozen times on the network since 1955, and has won several Emmy Awards. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the first telecast, and of the Centennial, we are asking NBC to rebroadcast the show once more in the Christmas season.

And there are yet more events to come!

Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Youth, Joy, and Freedom! Celebrate Peter Pan!

Updated On: 8/26/04 at 10:47 AM

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 8/26/04 at 11:08am

IF NBC were to air Peter Pan again, I want them to air the ORIGINAL version -- the black and white 1955 version. It is out there on kinescope recording (like teh old Honeymooners TV series).

[Fair 2 Middlin]

Posted: 8/26/04 at 11:11am

When I was 9 I saw Peter Pan on Broadway with Sandy Duncan and Christopher Hewitt. It was my 2nd Broadway show, Annie being the 1st. I remember the show so clearly. Sammy Davis Jr was in the audience and I managed to get an autograph during intermission. The one character that stood out to me was Wendy, played by Marsha Kramer. We went to the stage door after the show for autographs and I waited for Wendy. Sandy came out, as did Christopher Hewitt and the 2 boys but no Wendy. I went home disapointed. Twenty years later a boyfriend at the time was working on "Touched By An Angel" and called to tell me that one of the actresses he was working with had been on Broadway.
What show? Peter Pan.
Who did she play? Wendy.
Is it Marsha Kramer? It was.
Long story short, I received an autographed 8x10 of her as Wendy in the mail the following week.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 8/26/04 at 9:51pm

Awwww.

bwayguy, I would too, however, I doubt they would do it. I am sure they would do the color version, since it is more "modern" and would keep audience's attention.

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 8/26/04 at 9:53pm

Is anything happening at Neverland Ranch - USA's finest Peter Pan Shrine - ?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 8/26/04 at 9:56pm

Don't start. Keep seperate Michael Jackson and the Peter Pan story. Seriously, it is too disturbing and gives Barrie's masterpiece a negative image.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 8/26/04 at 9:57pm

I can't watch the Mary Martin one anymore... I grew up with it, as well, but I find Cathy Rigby much more enjoayble, and the DVD is really fantastic.

[Matt_G]

Posted: 8/26/04 at 10:00pm

Oh, not me. Mary Martin's version is the one I love. And I do wish they would air the black and white version. In some ways I prefer it to the color one.

[rclocalz]

Posted: 8/26/04 at 10:07pm

I love the musical "Peter Pan"! I always wondered what would happen if in the musical, a boy were to actually play the role of Peter and they tweaked the music a little to accommodate his voice. It would just be lovely, because then Peter could kiss Wendy just like in the new 2003 movie!

[CapnHook]

Posted: 8/26/04 at 10:16pm

The Mary Martin version was great for its time, superb! But now that technology has developed, the Cathy Rigby version is better for today's audience.

If you were alive in the '50s, you will probably love the Martin one more, since it is near and dear to your heart. The following generation loves it as well, but ranks more of a classic.

They both are wonderful in their own ways.

[SMiller]

Posted: 8/26/04 at 10:23pm

I am so happy that a Peter Pan tour is coming out again. I love the DVD with Cathy Rigby. Watch it all the time.
Does anyone know if the show is going to be the same as the dvd or are they redesigning it? Is the cast list and creative team out yet?
Thanks,

SM

[CapnHook]

Posted: 8/26/04 at 10:39pm

The show won't be exactly the same. Some parts are being redesigned. There is a new director.

The only cast announcements thus far are:

Peter Pan - Cathy Rigby
Captain Hook/Mr. Darling - Howard McGillin
Wendy Darling - Elisa Sagardia
Tiger Lily - Dana Solimando (to be replaced in December)

[SMiller]

Posted: 8/26/04 at 10:51pm

Wow, a new director. Is there a new set? Are they going back to Flying by Foy? I loved ugg-a-wug.

SM

[CapnHook]

Posted: 8/26/04 at 11:00pm

Nope, using ZFX Flying Illusions (they wouldn't go back to Foy - not even consider it. ZFX's harness is best).

Paul Rubin is the Flying Choreographer/Designer. We'll see about new flying.

Not so much a new set. Maybe a few alterations here and there.