“I Gotta Crow.” (from L) Nolan Almeida as Peter Pan, Hawa Kamara as Wendy. Photo: Matthew Murphy
By Sarah E. Saysoukha | Photos by Matthew Murphy
“Peter Pan,” an updated version of the classic Disney movie, has come to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center! This is an updated version of the classic Disney movie. “Peter Pan” is a touching reflection on the benefits and virtues of being young and never maturing.
The production was entertaining, the visuals were outstanding, and the actors were incredibly talented. Even the young kids in the production, John (Levi Chrisopulos) and Michael (Camden Kwok) were brilliant. I would also consider the actor who played Peter Pan (Nolan Almeida) young; he is a senior in high school. I can’t imagine being a senior in high school on a national tour of a musical! His voice was impeccable and his depiction of Peter as the child-like hero to Wendy (Hawa Kamara), her brothers, and the Lost Boys was flawless. And don’t get me started on his ability to sing, flip, and dance in flight! The character that is played by a flash of light, Tinkerbell, brought to life the wonder and whimsy of Peter Pan’s magic — along with his glittered entrances and throwing of fairy dust to help Wendy, John, and Michael fly. It’s also worth mentioning the magic of Neverland is its own character in Peter Pan. One must believe in magic and suspend one’s knowledge of the world outside of the playhouse to truly enjoy and appreciate the musical.
One of my favorite parts of the musical was that indigenous actors played the indigenous characters. The actor who plays Mr. Darling/Captain Hook (Cody Garcia) also tells theatergoers in the program that he is proudly a “tall and stereotypically indecisive non-binary Libra.” Plus the cast was filled with people of color! Hello representation and thank you casting! It’s so refreshing to see a production that has not only just talent in mind but also true diversity. The best part of the visuals was the video screen behind the sets. It brought the magic of the movie to the stage. I’ve read varying reviews of the video screens, some found it to lessen the experience and suggested it made the musical pedestrian. I believe it made the flying trip to Neverland exciting and engaging. The screen also brought Peter Pan’s song, “I Gotta Crow,” to life. At first, you think he’s just dancing with his shadow — made from the spotlight — and then his shadow is brought to life and it dances on its own, out of sync with Peter.
I loved the campiness of Captain Hook and Smee (Kurt Perry). They were gloriously and extravagantly flamboyant in their dialogue and acting. Captain Hook and his right-hand man, Smee, were certainly a crowd favorite with their silly lines and adult innuendos. They for sure kept everyone laughing. Captain Hook’s nemesis, the crocodile, had me in stitches as it slithered across the stage and left him in hysterics.
I thoroughly enjoyed this production of “Peter Pan.” The costumes were simple but well-fitted to the characters and didn’t take away from the acting or pull focus from the dialogue. The sets were beautiful from the children’s room to Neverland to Captain Hook’s boat. If you can attend “Peter Pan” at TPAC, I suggest purchasing tickets for this run (January 7-12) at www.tpac.org. There are limited seats left for the rest of the performances.
Know Before You Go
What: “Peter Pan”
Where: TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall
When: January 7-12, 2025
How: Buy tickets here.
Important: Content/Sensory advisory from TPAC – “This performance will feature haze, flashing lights, and confetti effects.”
