A Peter Pan for Today

Neverland – Prop Theatre

 

Devised, inspired, guided and shaped by the company’s new Artistic Director, Olivia Lilley, the twelve member ensemble for this production worked closely together through the rehearsal process to create a Peter Pan for today’s world. They took their inspiration from the original play, “Peter Pan; or, the Boy Wouldn’t Grow Up, by Sir James M. Barrie, along with his own novelization of the story, Peter and Wendy. Both sources contain many of the same characters, some of whom are included in Lilley’s version of her ensemble-improvised play: Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and Smee are all part of this original adventure. In addition, this version also has a band of Lost Boys, organized and directed by Peter Pan; but in this play they’re simply called The Lost.

Theatergoers will undoubtedly have a familiarity with the Peter Pan legend. Whether from reading the novel, enjoying a version of Barrie’s original play, perhaps seeing one of several musical adaptations or from any number of film treatments, Peter Pan is a well-known

character, as is his story. But what audiences will find in Prop Thtr’s newly improvised version is a contemporary boy who refuses to grow up. As this play begins, we watch him visit several different locales, during a variety of time periods. In each he finds an orphaned child, to whom he offers care, protection and membership in his gang of the Lost. The kids only have to promise to never grow up and to play Peter’s games all day long.

However, the threads of this particular version grow longer, more tangled and increasingly confusing. The theatergoer has to work hard to keep these characters and their stories straight. To complicate matters, not only is Pan played by a young woman, a familiar conceit to those who know this play; but Captain Hook is also a female, along with most of the Lost. Wendy is a spoiled, self-centered Latina who, we eventually learn, is something of a minor drug lord, selling mood enhancers to the students at her school. Other members of the Lost include a little girl who Peter rescued from somewhere in war-torn Europe; a young survivor from the Industrial Revolution; and a teenage fashionista from the 1960’s who’s run away from home. There’s a sort of Gypsy girl named Calliope who can foresee the future, and a young French boy named Jean Marc who’s become Peter’s second in command. 

High above the stage floor, is Tinkerbell. She’s a fairy who more resembles a vintage Lady Gaga than the Disney pixie. Although the character appears on stage as a light, Mary Iris Loncto voices the fairy through a series of gongs, bells and chimes. Peter Pan is portrayed with dynamic energy and profound affability by Gaby Labotka. She “flies” by climbing up one of a several ladders that are perched against the walls of the theatre. Kate Black-Spence plays a stylish, well-spoken Hook. As Pan’s mentor, she’s the person who inspired and taught Peter the ropes, helping him to become the leader of the Lost. But in an early dispute, Hook and Pan battled with swords and the Captain lost one of his hands. Before the play ends, allegiances will shift dramatically, tempers will flicker and flair and another fight will break out.

The climax of this play will undoubtedly leave audiences surprised, scratching their heads in wonder and inspiring hours of questions and discussion.        

As America awaits the results of the 2018 midterm elections, so much hope is being placed on the voting public to choose candidates who’ll restore civility and humanity to this nation. In this premiere production, which launches the theatre’s 2018-19 season, we long for a society that’s humane, empathetic and caring of each other. 

In this production, we’re treated to another of Prop Thtr’s typically inventive productions. In addition to offering a fresh examination of great literature, this is a company that, as its name implies, makes strong, creative choices involving the use of properties. It also brilliantly incorporates sound and light in a magical, memorable way that stands out from every other theatre company. Yes, the story is a little confusing, and its plot does converge and get tangled; but the overall experience for the theatergoer is strong, thrilling and thought-provoking.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas   

 

Presented October 26-December 2 by Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office or by going to www.propthtr.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.