BWW Reviews: Northern Stage 'Makes You Believe' With PETER PAN

Regional theaters always provide theatergoers with a surprise. Certain productions require additional casting in order to round out the Ensemble. In this case, Northern Stage was able to round out casting with local children to fill the stage as Indians and Lost Boys.

Peter Pan is based on the play written by James M. Barrie, with lyrics and music by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Mark Charlap and Jule Styne. The musical introduces you to Peter Pan and his attempt to find a mother for his crew of Lost Boys. In doing so, he meets the Darling children and convinces them to "think lovely thoughts" and fly away with him to Neverland.

William Thomas Evans (The Scarlet Pimpernel, Camelot) brings a welcomed twist to the role of Captain Hook. With his clever and modern take on the role, the audience is left chuckling at his witty ways in getting you to loathe him. Katie Emerson is charming as Wendy. With random moments of pure innocent, she steals the show and reminds us of Wendy's youth. Eric Deiboldt as Peter Pan is a welcomed change for those who expect to find a woman playing the role. His small stature is overshadowed by his vocal and physical strengths. He stands out amongst the rest of the men (boys) in a positive way.

The ensemble is full of athletic movers and dancers. Director and Choreographer Connor Gallagher (First National Tour of Elf) keeps the action moving as the cast dances and fights their way through Neverland. The use of "ninja flyers" to make the children soar around the room is a perfect way to achieve the effect in a small space. Shu-Nan Chu (Puppeteer), Seth Danner, Ryan Dietz (Smee) Tripp Fountain, Jacqueline Grabois (Mrs. Darling/Mermaid), Matthew Hooper, Eric Anthony Johnson, Andrew Kruep (Slightly), Tommy Martinez (Tootles), Frankie Paparone (Twin), Alexandra Blake Redelico (Tiger Lily) Michael Rios (Twin) round out casting.

After taking Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off, Peter Pan plays through January 6th, 2013, at the Briggs Opera House in White River Junction, Vermont.

Photo Courtesy of Northern Stage.