[NEohioPAL] REVIEW: Peter Pan in Canton

[Tom Wachunas]

 Panning for Gold
By Tom Wachunas
 
    In the song, Never Never Land, a wistful Peter Pan
intones, “You’ll have a treasure if you stay there/ More precious far than
gold.” The 2008 production of the musical Peter
Pan by the Canton Players Guild Theatre (which has, for many years,
consistently lived up to its motto, “your ticket to Broadway in your
backyard!”) was indeed a dazzling theatrical treasure. So how does the current
return visit to Neverland stack up?
    Opening night had
the feel of a full-out dress rehearsal with a few production issues. But the
technical glitches didn’t usurp the show’s overall appeal, beautifully enhanced
here by Susie I. Smith’s costume designs and scenic design by Joshua Erichsen. 
    I take my cues
from the looks of wide-eyed wonder on the faces of my grandchildren who were
clearly entranced by the iconic story, beginning to end. At the point when
Peter Pan stood at the foot of the stage and pleaded with the audience to clap
their hands to save his poisoned Tinkerbell (inventively “played” by a darting
squiggle of green light), my grandkids, like the rest of the children in the house,
squealed excitedly. They inspired me to not grouse too much about problems that
I’m sure crew and cast can resolve for future performances.
   The cast, directed
by Craig Joseph, is a vivacious and sturdy group of performers/singers – the
Darling family (including the infectiously energetic Gabe Scott as younger
brother, Michael), pirates, Indians (including Sarah Karam as the remarkably
supple Tiger Lily) and The Lost Boys. For the most part they stand up quite
well to the demanding paces set by choreographer Michael Lawrence Akers. His
movement design is an impressive blend of airy grace with strong, earthbound rhythms.
All of it is successfully entwined with the high- spirited live orchestra
conducted by Steve Parsons, particularly in the show-stopping Ugg-A-Wugg songat the top of the second act - a gem of wild, percussive
precision.
   In his dual roles
of the Darling family patriarch and Captain Hook, Adam Ford cuts a striking
enough figure. As Hook, Ford delivers many comedic moments, including his
hilarious cavorting inTarantella and Hook’s Waltz, and his Laurel and
Hardy-type antics with the gullible, bumbling first mate, Smee, played to the
hilt by the endearing Andrew Knode.
    Here, though, is
where the grown-up in me (the one who likes to grapple with the darker side of
the human psyche) gets the upper hand. The character of Hook is a deliciously complicated
one. Yes, he’s malicious and conniving and vengeful. He’s also an inveterate
coward, insecure in his own boots, and a vainglorious fop. A megalomaniac with
an inferiority complex. This is dense emotional territory and arguably too thick
to be navigated by children. Still, I longed to see Hook’s inner tensions
played out in a more convincing manner. As it is, Ford’s portrayal is not too
threatening - more an entertaining cartoon than a convincing portrait of a conflicted
leader.
    Pan’s character is
similarly conflicted, though for other reasons. He’s an orphaned, insufferably
prideful imp, carefree on the outside, brooding on the inside, who thinks
kisses are trinkets to be traded and females are for spring cleaning. Adulthood
is a horrific plague to him, but there’s also real, selfless heroism alive in
his damaged heart.
    Amanda Medley
reprises her role of Peter Pan from the 2008 production. Once again she delivers
a genuinely credible performance made all the more fiery by her wondrously
piquant singing and acting. Her considerable giftedness is evident in not only
the show’s more ebullient and raucous songs (I’ve Gotta Crow and I Won’t
Grow Up), but also in quieter, more reflective moments, such as the
lullaby, Distant Melody. It’sa tender, bittersweet duet with Natalie
Welch, who is herself authentically charming in the role of Wendy Darling.
Poignancy personified.
    There’s much that glitters
about this show. But in the end it’s Amanda Medley who strikes the mother lode,
as it were. Her impassioned understanding of her character’s complexity gives
this evening of theatre an aura which is truly golden.        
    Peter Pan, presented by The Players
Guild Theatre, 1001 Market Avenue North, in Canton. Shows THROUGH JUNE 23,
Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25, $19 for age
17 and under, $23 for seniors, and can be purchased at the box office (in
person or by phone,330-453-7617) or online at www.playersguildtheatre.com 
    For other reviews
and commentaries by Tom Wachunas on the performing and visual arts in the
greater Canton area, please visit his blog, ARTWACH, at www.artwach.blogspot.com  
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