Bringing Tinkerbell and Theatre to Life

Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure – Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

A little bit of faith, a modicum of trust and a generous sprinkling of pixie dust make this delightful holiday production soar up to the heavens. Spectacular and magical, this truly imaginative production for young audiences is a beautifully-wrapped theatrical gift. Chicago Shakespeare’s excellent production, filmed two summers ago before a live audience, is now the perfect Christmas confection. Directed and choreographed with spirit and creativity by the incomparable Amber Mak, she infuses her own special charm into this enchanting musical adventure. Elliot Davis based his original adaptation upon a book by Willis Hall. The musical features a pop score by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe that’s sure to charm every audience member, young and young at heart. Under the impressive musical direction of Kory Danielson, this wonderful work of whimsy definitely takes wing.

The young lad who refused to grow up is portrayed with finesse by Johnny Shea. The youthful actor makes this role all his own, employing an outstanding singing voice and the wild abandon and athleticism of a feisty kid. His comic timing is impeccable, as is his deadpan line delivery. Wendy, as played by lovely Elizabeth Stenholt, is perfection and must be precisely what Sir James Barrie imagined. Playing Wendy as a refined young lady, with an independent streak and a flair for adventure, Ms. Stenholt is the ideal counterpart for Mr. Shea. 

Other standouts in this cast include James Konicek, as a very spoiled Mr. Darling, also doubling as the villainous, comically conniving Captain Hook. No matter what musical mayhem this pirate conjures up, Mr. Konicek provides a subtle hint of Gilbert and Sullivan in his portrayal while sometimes resembling a dapper Vincent Price. The always terrific Roberta Burke doubles as both Mrs. Darling and a cocky, one-eyed pirate named Cecco. And young Cameron Goode and Carter Graf are both excellent as wide-eyed and impressionable John and Michael Darling.

The Lost Boys are individually and collectively delightful. John Marshall, Jr. is very funny as Slightly Soiled, Peter’s second-in-command. Like his Neverland cohorts, Colin Lawrence, Michael Kurowski and Travis Austin Wright (who also serves as dance captain), he owns every musical number. The always wonderful Jonathan Butler Duplessis is humorous and heartwarming as Nana, the giant St. Bernard nursemaid for the Darling children; but the talented young man also plays a gleefully menacing pirate, as well. As Smee, Sean Patrick Fawcell is properly fastidious and Christina Hall is wonderful as a sassy, dentally-challenged pirate queen, named Starkey. The entire play is beautifully narrated by Rengin Altay, as the Storyteller who harbors a secret that she reveals in the final scene.
Theresa Ham’s colorful, expressive costumes adorn each character, all of whom live in a fluid setting that imagines both Edwardian London and a fanciful, fairy tale Neverland. They’re the work of Jeff Kmiec, festooned by Mike Tutaj’s magical projections.

Amber Mak’s superb production is just what the doctor ordered during these dark, uncertain times. The show adds some much-needed sparkle and glitter during this dismal pandemic and helps us remember something that we used to call “fun.” This timeless tale thankfully brings both Tinkerbell and theatre back to life, once again. The real magic, however, is that this show can be enjoyed for free, right in the comfort of your own home. Taking a break from Santa, Scrooge and a certain red-nosed reindeer, family audiences are sure to be captivated by Chicago Shakespeare’s wonderful new holiday production.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  

Presented December 19-January 1, and streaming for free on-demand, by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.

Simply log on to www.chicagoshakes.com/peterpan to access this 90-minute family production.

For more information about this and other area productions visit www.theatreinchicago.com.