It’s a starry night at the Darling’s home. Mr. Darling (Porter LaPray) and Mrs. Darling (Janai Collins) are getting their three kids, Wendy (Kiera Howington), John (Gracie Parsley) and Michael (Nic Lopez) ready for bed before leaving for Mr. Darling’s work party.
As the kids are sound asleep, Peter Pan (Bailey Jenkins) comes flying in with Tinkerbell (Juliana McManus) looking for Peter’s shadow. What follows is a classic tale of fairies, pirates and pure wonder, but with a twist.
Lamar University’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents “Peter Pan” through Nov. 10. The play centers around Pan, the Darling children and their adventures in Neverland. Based on the original story by James M. Barrie, this version has a war-torn and foreboding edge.
When Wendy, John, Michael and Peter Pan arrive in Neverland, they meet the Lost Boys who see Wendy as their mother figure, not having one themselves.
While still being faithful to the story, this version of the classic fairy tale has darker tones.
For example, instead of Tiger Lilly being a member of the Native American tribe like the 1953 Disney film, she is instead the leader of the wolf pack, portrayed by two wolf puppets. Tinkerbell also wears a World War II face mask, and the set is reminiscent of an abandoned playground. It feels as if we have just stepped out of a post-World War I reality.
This is also true for the pirates. Captain Hook (Collins) and Smee (LaPray) are a dynamic duo, Hook being a true villainess. Instead of being portrayed as cowardly fools, Hook and her crew are scary and brooding, unhesitant to kill Pan and his Lost Boys.
Jenkins’ Peter is cocky and naïve but is likeable and charming at the same time. He manages to portray the spirit of a child who’s been broken by childhood trauma.
Howington’s Wendy is strong and resourceful, but also kind and caring from the start. She acts as a mother figure to her brothers, to Peter and to the Lost Boys, and is not afraid to duel a pirate in a sword fight.
McManus’s Tinkerbell is sassy and charming in her own right. Her scenes with Peter and Wendy are humous and charming. But where she really shines is in her loyalty to Peter. It is clear she cares for him deeply and would do anything to help him ¾ even if it costs her own life.
Pan and Hook’s vulnerable moments tug at the heartstrings. Their rivalry is not based off a black and white version of good against evil, rather the opposite.
Collins’ Hook is conniving and wicked, a truly twisted villain seeking revenge after the boy that cut her hand off. But despite her bloodthirsty personality, there’s a soft maternal side hidden deep down.
LaPray’s Smee is not the sharpest tool in the shed, but is Hook’s right-hand man, ready to fight to the death for her at all costs.
“Peter Pan” manages to delve into these lovable characters through a deeper lens, while still maintaining its childlike charms. The Lost Boys are also captivating to watch as they play and interact with each other, making up games and going on adventures. For a grownup, it is like looking back on their childhood without the rose-colored glasses.
The show is a delight for the whole family. Don’t miss this wild and daring ride.
Showtimes for “Peter Pan” are 7: 30 p.m., Nov. 7, 8, 9, and 2 p.m., Nov. 10.
The show is suitable for children ages 7 and older. Content warnings include fog and possible strobe lighting.
General admission tickets are $15, $10 for seniors, $7 for students with LU ID, and 5$ for children 12 and under. For tickets, visit lamar.edu/ lutdtix.