[NEohioPAL]Berko review: PETER PAN (Porthouse)

[Roy Berko]

Alex and grandpa agree:  ‘PETER PAN’ flies
successfully at Porthouse

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	

Following the Porthouse Theatre production of ‘PETER
PAN,’  I asked Alex Berko, my 11-year old grandson,
who serves as my “kid’s view of children centered
plays,” what was the message of the play.  He said,
“Some people never want to grow up.  They want to be
kids forever.”  I followed-up by asking, “Would you
like to stay a kid forever?”  He replied, “No, I want
to experience everything in life.”  (Ah, to be young
and innocent.)

The story of Peter Pan centers on a mischievous boy
who spends his never ending childhood having
adventures on the island of Neverland as leader of the
Lost Boys.  The story features many fantastical
elements, including Peter’s ability to fly and his
friendship with a fairy named Tinkerbell.  There is
also a crocodile who stalks the fearsome Captain Hook,
the pirate leader who is Peter's nemesis.

Barrie created Peter Pan in stories he told to the
sons of his friend, Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, with whom
he had forged a special relationship.  When Davies'
death from cancer came within a few years after the
death of her husband, Barrie was named as co-guardian
of their boys and unofficially adopted them.  These
experiences are all alluded to directly and indirectly
in the play.

In addition, the ticking clock within the crocodile,
who seeks out Captain Hook is parallel to the time
that is chasing after all of us.  Some, in order to
avoid the ticking clock  seek physical youth through
plastic surgery and pursuing the “fountain of youth.”

Other mind joggers are:  What’s the role of women?
What’s the function of motherhood? Is there a best way
to bring up children?  And, who are the true “bad
guys?”  

J. M. Barrie’s concept of eternal youth gave birth to
a psychiatric term, “The Peter Pan Syndrome” used to
describe adults who are afraid of commitment or refuse
to act their age.  

Peter Pan first appeared in print in 1902  in the book
‘THE LITTLE WHITE BIRD.’   In 1904 , a play version,
‘PETER PAN, OR THE BOY WHO WOULDN'T GROW UP,’
premiered in London.

The production at Porthouse, is an adaptation of
various play versions and director Matthew Earnest’s
imagination.   

Just as with his wonderful production of ‘OUR TOWN,’
which was part of Porthouse’s 2006 season, Earnest
pulls out all sorts of creative juices to give the
show a “new” approach.  He has added original music
(don’t anticipate hearing “I Got to Crow,” or “I’ll
Never Grow Up.” They aren’t included), has young
adults playing the children, makes the audience use
their imagination to create illusions, and has
generally assembled a good cast to showcase his ideas.
 The visualization of Tinkerbelle, the creation of a
“water-filled lagoon,” and boats floating around the
stage, are all inspired concepts. 

Emily Pote, who was a Times Theatre Tribute award
winner for her portrayal of Emily in ‘OUR TOWN,’ again
excels as Wendy.   Monica Bell makes for a sympathetic
and wise mother.  Matthew Troillett is filled with
wide-eyed wonder and youthful exuberance as Michael,
Wendy’s youngest brother.  Both Gabriel Riazi
(Tootles, one of the lost boys) and Elizabeth Ann
Townsend (Nana, the Darling families dog and child
care keeper) are delightful.

Jonathan Ramos lacks the necessary charm and
pluckiness of Peter.  Most of his lines are presented
with little affect.  He lacks facial expression, and
does not inhabit the role.  John Woodson does not
develop well either his role as Mr. Darling or of the
evil Hook.  As Alex stated, “The pirate leader just
wasn’t scary enough.”

Alex’s other comments:  “The first act was a 10 out of
10, the second a 7 1/2.”  His reasoning?  “The first
act was fun and there were lots of clever things
happening, such as the kid crawling out of the bucket.
 However, the second act was slower and didn’t hold my
attention as well.”  He also liked the flying effects
and some of the music.

CAPSULE JUDGEMENT:  Overall, Porthouse’s ‘PETER PAN’
is an excellent evening of theatre.  It adds new
dimensions to the story, well beyond those of the Walt
Disney animation or the stage production.   It may be
a little long for younger children, but it is a fine
way for older children and their parents to see a play
that they can view and discuss and delight in.

‘PETER PAN’  continues at KSU’s Porthouse Theatre,
through July 21 .   For tickets call 330-672-4102. or
800-304-2363.

Porthouse’s next production is ‘SWEET CHARITY,’
running from July 26-August 12 and stars Porthouse
sweetheart Mary Ann Black.  It has a book by Neil
Simon, music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy
Fields.


Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info
      
Roy's theatre and dance reviews appear regularly on NeOHIOpal, an on-line source.   To subscribe to this free service via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.fredsternfeld.com/mailman/listinfo/neohiopal.  His reviews also appear on www.coolcleveland.com


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