Review: PETER PAN at The Rose Theatre-A Delight For All Ages

Young children donning fairy wings and other costumes filled the auditorium opening night at The Rose for Peter Pan. Young and old turned out for the enchanting two hour musical production, directed by Amy Lane and assistant directed by Becca York Jackson. Everything from action to dialogue was played to the audience, and larger than life. And although tailored for children, adults will enjoy this classic that reminisces back to a yesteryear of childhood and imagination.

The set is visually stunning, a fairytale come to life on a grand scale with a beautiful post-Victorian renovated nursery and a window beckoning to the world beyond, "to the second star to the right, and straight on till morning," where fantasy and whimsy awaits. But the flying aspect of the show is what really makes it magical, and indelibly convincing. The children take flight to the fantastical island of Neverland where they are met with a band of Lost Boys, dancing tribal posse of all-female Native Americans, "The Pounce," led by Tiger Lily, and nefarious pirates bent on avenging Captain Hook ever since the loss of his hand, which trickster Peter was of course at fault.

Deviating away from the traditionally played adult female role Danny Denenberg is Peter Pan, the boyish and lovable adolescent rascal full of charisma and charm. And he can fly, with the help of a very cunning and magical fairy, Tinkerbell. Engulfed in the perpetual childhood of a boy who refuses to grow up, Wendy, John, and Michael join him in Neverland where Wendy can take on maternal instincts of caring for the lost boys and be their mother.

Tynlie Tingelhoff displays a lovely angelic voice with rich timbre, and is endearing as Wendy. Kian Roblin (Michael) is young and bright while Jimmy Nguyen lends a touch of sound realism with refined and rich vocals as John. Sarah Gibson, Mrs. Darling, harkens back to an Edwardian image of the quintessential mother figure and is fitting with her elegance and poise on stage. The diabolical and scheming Captain Hook, played by Ablan Roblin, perfectly portrays the swashbuckling pirate, dramatic and villainous with fluid comedic timing. Along with a crew of misfit zany pirates, he steals the show.

You won't want to miss this delightful and nostalgic show that will take you away to a time long ago, yet not that far away, if you close your eyes.

Show dates run through June 18 at 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

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