Peter Pan

Barrie’s classic comes to life anew 

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte 

 “There is something winsome about never having to grow up, as any fan of Peter Pan can attest.” - Bill Crowder (“Time to Grow Up”) 

After a slew of sneak previews, Peter Pan is gearing up for its Sept 29 opening at the Meralco Theater. The timeless tale about the boy who never grew up is reborn, and this time with a real boy singing the part. In the past, audiences were regaled by the classic made famous by Mary Martin, as the libretto was written for a girl. “This new version was staged in London in 2007. So this Philippine production, which we collaborate with Stages Production Specialists, marks the musical’s Asian premiere. We want to bring a new energy to Rep while continuing the legacy of bringing modern approaches to theater,” enthused Repertory Philippines’ associate artistic director Menchu Launchengco-Yulo during a media conference. 

The young at heart are, once again, invited on a thrilling musical journey to Never Land as Sir James Barrie’s all-time favorite legend is magically brought to life in its spectacular month-long run. The legend of Peter Pan has been delighting children of all ages for over a century now. The faithful new version promises to be a festive adventure with stunning scenery, show-stopping performances, swashbuckling sword fights, jaw dropping and breath-taking flight scenes. The musical is set in bustling Edwardian suburbia, and the normality of a children’s nursery. 

The magic starts with the ingenious introduction of Tinkerbell, a tiny red dot zipping around and disrupting the toys. Peter and the Darling Family are whisked away to the famous land full of colorful characters that include the Lost Boys, mermaids, Crocodile, Tiger Lily and the dastardly Captain Hook. With book by the late Willis Hall and music & lyrics by award-winning duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (of Broadway’s Mary Poppins and Honk!) is a charm of a musical with its ability to generate a real sense of magic and wonder. 

The musical opened in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1996 and won two top awards for Best Song, “When I Kill Peter Pan”(fabulously interpreted by Michael Williams at the press preview) and The Orchestra’s Award at the International Musical of the Year. The production was first broadcasted in 2001 as a New Year’s Eve concert on BBC Radio 3 and later presented at Festival Hall in the 2002 and 2003 Christmas seasons. Since then, Stiles & Drewe extensively revised the show for a stunning new production with its United Kingdom theater premiere. 

In 2007 to 2008, the show played at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and a year later moved to the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Theater veterans Jaime del Mundo and Menchu Launchengco-Yulo will each sprinkle a touch of fairy dust as they put together their creative artistries co-directing the production. “Peter Pan is the ultimate ‘rebel without a cause.’ This production is more melodic and a far better version to do than the classic made famous by Mary Martin,” shared co-director and cast member Jaime del Mundo. 

An all-star cast will have audiences hooked as Sam Concepcion marks his role as Peter Pan, the athletic young boy full of energy, commanding, yet sensitive leader of the Lost Boys. Michael Willams is Captain Hook, a delightfully evil character and nemesis to Peter. Jaime del Mundo is Mr. George Darling, a stern and unimaginative but loving father while Pinky Marquez is the caring and gentle mother, Mrs. Mary Darling. In the opening act, Pinky essays the dity ‘Just Beyond the Stars’ with effortless ease. Tippy dos Santos and Cara Barredo alternate as Wendy Moira Angela Darling, the eldest of the Darling brood; a very pleasant and charming girl who takes on the role of ‘mother’ to the Lost Boys. Nacho Tambunting and Juan Miguel Santos play the other Darling siblings, John and Michael. The Darlings, in one scene, carouse and cavort around while singing ‘Cleverness’ while Wendy and Peter takes on the duet ‘Cleverness of Me.’ 

To those who don’t believe in magic, Peter Pan has this to say: “Close your eyes and imagine. Close them and pretend. Then let your dreams take flight. So come with me, where dreams are born and time is never planned. Just believe that you can and you will.” Peter Pan is presented through a special arrangement with McNaughton Lord 200 Ltd. The musical adventure runs until October 30th with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm. 

“This is a big production, financially and artistically. We will give the production what it really deserves as we didn’t want to compromise the show. This is the first time that Rep is collaborating with another theater company,” intoned co-director Menchu Lauchengo-Yulo. For inquiries and other information, call Rep at 571-6926 and 571-4941 or simply email info@repertory.ph. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld through 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph.