Review: PETER PAN at Arkansas State University Beebe

Second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning—Arkansas State University Beebe’s Peter Pan, presented April 23–26, wasn’t just a journey to Neverland; it was a joyful celebration of student artistry, collaboration, and the kind of hands-on learning that only live theatre can provide. Based on the original novel by J.M. Barrie and brought to life through a script devised by the ASU Beebe Theatre program, this production, directed by the wonderful Hope Hargrove with assistance from Ryan Gibbons and Estella Cordero, felt like a love letter to both storytelling and education.

The familiar tale follows the boy who refuses to grow up as he whisks Wendy Darling and her brothers away to Neverland, where they encounter Lost Boys, mermaids, and the infamous Captain Hook. But what made this production especially engaging was its student-driven adaptation, which allowed the performers to shape the narrative in a way that felt immediate and personal. Rather than simply recreating a well-known story, this Peter Pan invited its cast to explore character, pacing, and staging through a collaborative lens, which is an invaluable educational experience that was evident in every scene.

What stood out most was the program’s commitment to multicasting, a choice that deserves a standing ovation all its own. By rotating roles among multiple performers, the ASU Beebe Theatre program ensured that more students had the opportunity to step into the spotlight and develop their craft. This approach not only maximized participation but also created a dynamic viewing experience for those that went more than once, as each performer brought their own interpretation and energy to the roles.

A perfect example of this was the shared role of Peter Pan, portrayed by Kota White, Sam Monroe, and Austin Kellybrew. Each performer had the opportunity to embody the mischievous, free-spirited leader of the Lost Boys. Tackling such an iconic character requires confidence, physicality, and a strong sense of imagination, and by dividing the role, the program allowed multiple students to stretch those creative muscles. It also speaks volumes about the department’s commitment to equity in casting, ensuring that more than one student gets to experience the thrill and challenge of carrying a production.

The same thoughtful approach extended to the story’s deliciously devious villain, Captain Hook, who was shared by Quinn Darnold and Zayne Wood. Taking on such a larger-than-life character is no small feat, and giving two performers the opportunity to explore Hook’s swagger and menace allowed each actor to find their own rhythm within the role, balancing comedy with theatrical bravado.

Equally delightful was the multicasting of Wendy Darling, portrayed by Rachel Cheatham, Hannah Harkey, and Cammora Maldonado. Wendy is the heart of Peter Pan, and giving three performers the chance to explore that emotional core was a beautiful educational choice. Each actress had the opportunity to lean into Wendy’s nurturing spirit while also discovering her own voice within the character, reinforcing the importance of emotional storytelling and connection in performance.

Adding an extra layer of excitement to this production is the leadership behind it. At the beginning of the spring semester, Hope Hargrove stepped into her role as Director of Theatre, and this Peter Pan already feels like a strong and inspiring start. Taking the helm of a program and immediately guiding a devised, student-centered production speaks volumes about her vision, and I can't wait to see what next year brings. 

Supporting that vision is Ryan Gibbons, who now serves as the Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts at ASU-Beebe. His passion for the program and its future is unmistakable, sharing, “I really hope that we can establish this campus as THE place for the arts in Central Arkansas before I’m put out to pasture and finally retire.” That kind of compassionate dedication and long-term vision is exactly what fuels programs like this, and it’s exciting to see that level of commitment guiding the next generation of artists.

And it’s worth celebrating just how much this program is thriving. Even as a two-year university, the theatre program at ASU Beebe has been growing exponentially, and productions like Peter Pan are a shining example of that momentum. There is a clear investment in student opportunity and creative exploration that rivals programs at larger institutions. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of passionate leadership, dedicated students, and a community that believes in the power of the arts.

In a world where the arts can sometimes be overlooked, productions like this serve as a powerful reminder of their importance, especially in education. ASU Beebe’s Theatre program is clearly devoted in developing skills in its students that they will be able to use when furthering their theatrical journey at a four-year school. It's a logical next step after high school, especially for those that don't want to be swallowed up by the bigger campuses. For more information about this program and institution, visit their website at https://asub.ludus.com/.