Review: 'Peter Pan' at Soulpepper Theatre
Paul Love, Associate Toronto Critic
First appearing in J.M. Barrie’s 1904 play ‘Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up’, Peter Pan has become one of the most well-known characters in theatre, as well as pop culture, appearing in everything from live action and animated films to Broadway productions, ballets, and graphic novels. The Bad Hats Theatre troupe, in conjunction with Soulpepper, is currently staging a high-energy, music-infused Peter Pan production at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto’s Historic Distillery District. I recently saw a preview performance, and I can tell you that it should be seen by all, young and old.
We all know the famous story of Peter Pan whisking Wendy Darling and her brothers, Michael and John, off to Neverland so that Wendy can be a mother to all the Lost Boys and help them fight the evil Captain Hook.
Having the stage surrounded by the audience on three sides, with blankets for children to sit at the edges of the stage, instantly created an inviting, family-friendly atmosphere. As the audience took their seats and got settled in for the show, the cast wandered on stage, a few at a time, chatting and goofing around, playing the piano and strumming guitars, and interacting with audience members. The whole thing was delightful, and it was a great way to ease the young audience members into the show starting.
Once the show got underway, it was nothing short of magical. Every cast member had boundless energy, displaying not only solid acting chops but also incredible singing and musical abilities. Fiona Sauder, as Peter Pan, was always brimming with enthusiasm, carrying the show on her back effortlessly. Paolo Santalucia was delightfully mean as Captain Hook, but without ever coming off as too scary, allowing even the youngest of audience members to enjoy his performance. Gabriella Albino, as Wendy, wowed with her powerful, enchanting singing voice. Matt Pilipiak displayed some wonderful physical comedy in his performance as Smee and the show’s narrator. Landon Doak and Victor Pokinko gave exuberant, child-like performances as the Darling brothers, and Jocelyn Adema, Ann Paula Bautista, Andrew Cameron, and Emerjade Simms performed marvellously in their dual Lost Boys/pirates roles. Kudos to Reanne Spitzer for her hilarious voice work as Tinkerbell.
This adaptation by Ms. Sauder and Ms. Spitzer has the feel of a group of children playing make-believe with a costume trunk and home-made props, like wooden swords and a giant sheet that doubles as the sea and the sky. The way in which the cast performed their dual roles was quite clever. Interactions with the audience members—from having the audience join in a song to show they believe in fairies (instead of the traditional clapping) to giving young audience members foam swords to have sword fights with cast members—really made the youngsters in the crowd (as well as us older youngsters) feel like they were all part of the show.
Director Severn Thomson deserves praise for a production that moves along at a spirited pace, never lagging, and making excellent use of the unconventional space.
My son really liked the way the cast interacted with the audience, and he really enjoyed the way they played instruments and sang songs. Of course, the real stand-out moment for him was being chosen as a volunteer to join the cast on stage for a scene—and he even got to say a line!
If you’re looking for some wonderful theatre that will entertain people of all ages, look no further than Soulpepper and Bad Hats Theatre’s production of ‘Peter Pan’.
The show is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with no intermission.
Photo of the Peter Pan Ensemble provided by Leif Norman.
PETER PAN
The show is being staged until Sunday, January 5, 2020, at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane, in Toronto’s beautiful Distillery District.
Showtimes are mainly Wednesdays to Sundays (although there are special matinee performances on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, both of which are Tuesdays), with varying showtimes at 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm, depending on the date. It is recommended that you check out the website (www.soulpepper.ca) for this and all other show information. You may also call the Box Office at 1-416-866-8666.
The show is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with no intermission.