When it gets rolling, PMT’s ‘Pan’ takes flight
The musical “Peter Pan” is having a moment — several, actually — mostly on the screen, so you have to crow when a stage production comes along to remind us of the first time Peter makes his big entrance and our imaginations begin to take flight.
The Pittsburgh Musical Theater production now at the Byham Theater takes its time getting to Peter Pan’s arrival, but it’s worth the wait to see Michelle Coben in graceful flight, trailing golden glitter and looking for Tinkerbell’s green glow.
Ms. Coben sings her heart out on “I’ve Gotta Crow” and “Never Never Land” as Peter gets to know young Wendy Darling (Jillian Ferguson) and invites her back to the place “where dreams are born” to be mother to the Lost Boys. But there is a lot of prologue with narration by grown-up Wendy and getting the Darling parents out the door, and not enough of Wendy and her brothers (Brecken Newton Farrell as John and Benjamin Godley-Fisher as Michael) learning to fly while thinking good thoughts.
That is probably because the wire work is left mostly to Ms. Coben, who seems as comfortable in midair as she is in keeping the denizens of Never Land in line. She has command of the stage whether grappling with the decision to never grow up or pleading with the audience to clap their hands and keep Tinkerbell glowing.
Ms. Coben follows a long line of women to play Peter, but she is more age-appropriate than most, as is Ms. Ferguson as Wendy. The diminutive Ms. Ferugson has a lovely voice that doesn’t get much of a workout. Her role is as Peter’s counterpoint, which means she has to be the sensible one.
The pace picks up in Never Land with the welcome sight of Tiger Lily — played by the gymnastic Victoria Buctan — and her team of “Indian” dancers. Choreographer Lisa Elliot’s group numbers with Indians and pirates, including Hook’s tango and waltz, are highlights, as are the colorful costumes by Kim Brown.
“Peter Pan” is the culmination of a larger-than-life PMT season for Tim Hartman, who plays the blustery Mr. Darling and the devilish Captain Hook. In the father role, he uses his booming baritone to demand a little less noise from his children. When Peter hears himself saying something similar, he starts to question playing make-believe parent with Wendy and examining what he wants out of life — a very mature thing for a boy to do, even one who wants to stay a boy forever.
When “Peter Pan” achieves full flight, the delightful, family friendly show proves a perfect vehicle for Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s talented mix of veteran and student actors.
PMT’s 2015-16 season
On opening night for “Peter Pan,” Pittsburgh Musical Theater announced its schedule for next season, with the theme “Magnificent Movie Musicals”:
Oct. 22-25: “Oliver!” (with CAPA Orchestra)
Feb. 11-21, 2016: “Saturday Night Fever”
March 17-27, 2016: “Sister Act”
April 21-May 1, 2016: “Grease”