There’s a good reason why Peter Pan is considered Northwest Children’s Theater’s flagship production. Actually, there are several: it’s magical; it’s full of high-flying action and adventure; and it showcases a top-notch cast. Need more reasons? There are puppets; there’s humor; there’s heart . . . have I mentioned the flying?
Just about every child knows the story of Peter Pan. This original adaptation, which NWCT premiered in 2012, breathes the beloved tale to life in a way that makes you feel like you’re really in Neverland. Fanciful and colorful sets paint the imaginative place in vivid color. And when Peter and the Darling children take flight, it’s as if you’re in the air with them. Cast members (and puppets) make great use of the aisles to bring the action to you. Smee and Cecco (Kevin-Michael Moore and Sam Burns) are thoroughly entertaining with their hilarious back-and-forths while seamlessly keeping the action going during scene and set changes.
The seasoned adult actors all do an amazing job, and the young performers possess talent well beyond their age. Peter Pan is truly a boy (a 7th grader!) who is brave and fearless. Even when in the background, the Lost Boys and the puppeteers create stories of their own with their expressions and the subtlest movements.
The 90-minute production (with one 15-minute intermission) moves pretty quickly and features eight songs. This show is recommended for ages 5 and up. My kids (ages 6 and 10) really enjoyed it. The older one laughed quite a bit at Smee and Cecco’s antics and banter. (Actually, we all did.) The younger one was captivated from start to finish. And she loved meeting the cast and getting autographs and photos in the lobby after the show—a NWCT ritual she always looks forward to.
Peter Pan runs every weekend through May 20 at Northwest Children’s Theater. ASL, audio-described, and sensory-friendly shows are scheduled for May 5 and 6 (visit the website for more information). If you’re going by car, allow time for parking. There’s a (very) small lot next to the building. Street parking west of NW 17th Ave. is metered, while spaces between I-405 and NW 17th are free but have time limits.
But parking woes, begone! Set a course for the second star to the right and straight on ’til morning and delight in the adventure you find there.
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