Peter Pan
Peter Pan is a musical version of J.M. Barrie’s 1904 play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up. With music by Mark Charlap and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, additional music by Jule Styne and Albert Sendrey, and additional lyrics by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, the musical has been revived multiple times on stage and television
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Original Play
J.M. Barrie’s play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up opened at the Duke of York Theatre in London on December 27, 1904. The title role was played by Nina Boucicault, and Hook was played by Gerald du Maurier. The play transferred to New York where it opened at the Empire Theatre on November 6, 1905 starring Maude Adams. It ran for 223 performances, and returned for short runs with Maude Adams continuing to play the title role during the Christmas period in 1906, 1912, and 1915.
The play was revived in New York at the Knickerbocker Theatre in 1924 starring Marilyn Miller, and at the Civic Repertory Theatre in 1928 starring Eva Le Gallienne.
Barrie also wrote a novelization of the play under the title Peter and Wendy which was published in 1911 and became an instant best-seller. It remains in print today.
In 1929, Barrie gifted the rights for Peter Pan to the Great Ormond Street Hospital, a hospital for seriously ill children. In 1988, the House of Lords voted to provide a clause in British copyright legislation to ensure that the hospital would continue to receive royalties from the play in perpetuity.
There have been several musical adaptations of JM Barrie's play:
See History of Peter Pan Musicals at the bottom of this page for more details.
Peter Pan
Peter Pan, with music by Mark Charlap and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, additional music by Jule Styne and additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on October 29, 1954. Directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, the production featured Mary Martin as Peter Pan and Cyril Ritchard as Captain Hook. Incidental music was composed by Elmer Bernstein (no relation to Leonard, though they were friends) and Trude Rittman, the latter of whom was the musical coordinator on the Bernstein production.
Although it had a relatively short run of 152 performances, the Robbins’ Broadway production received high praise. Mary Martin won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, and Cyril Ritchard won for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Richard Rodda also won the Stage Technician Tony Award.
Robbins’ Peter Pan closed on February 26, 1955.
On March 7, 1955, shortly after the Broadway run had closed, Peter Pan was filmed live (without an in-person audience) at NBC studios in a special made-for-television “spectacular.” The telecast was immensely popular, receiving high critical praise and drawing an unprecedented 65 million viewers.
With a few cast changes, the telecast was repeated a year later in 1956 in full-color. The 1956 telecast was viewed by between 55 to 60 million people. Video Artists International released the kinescope of the 1956 broadcast on Blu-ray and DVD in 2015. The Blu-ray also includes the original 1955 broadcast.
A new television production, again starring Martin and Ritchard, was broadcast in 1960. This production was also taped and became an annual television favorite. It is also available on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Another television version of Peter Pan aired in 1970 on NBC’s Hallmark Hall of Fame. The production featured a new score by Anthony Newley and Leslie Briccuse, and starred Mia Farrow as Peter Pan and Danny Kaye as Captain Hook.
Peter Pan has been revived on Broadway five times since Mary Martin flew across the stage. The first revival opened in 1979 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre starring Sandy Duncan. The subsequent revivals in 1990, 1991, and 1999 played respectively at the Lunt-Fontanne, Minskoff, Marquis, and Gershwin Theatres, all starring Cathy Rigby.
Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby
Cathy Rigby is a gold medal winning Olympic gymnast and commentator. She first appeared in Peter Pan in the touring NBC Arena Touring production in 1973, though the vocals were lip-synched. Following rigorous theatre training, Rigby once again appeared in a touring production Peter Pan in 1986 (and also in a myriad of other musicals around the United States including Annie Get Your Gun, Meet Me In St. Louis, South Pacific, Paint Your Wagon, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Silvia, and Steel Magnolias).
The 1990 revival opened on Broadway for a limited 45 performance engagement on December 13. The production was nominated for two Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical, and Best Actress in a Musical for Cathy Rigby.
Rigby’s Peter Pan embarked on a national tour before returning to Broadway, playing at the Minskoff Theatre in 1991. This pattern was repeated in 1998 and 1999, with the tour performing in over 60 cities throughout the United States (see Filmed Production Notes below). Rigby returned to Broadway, playing at the Marquis in 1998 and the Gershwin in 1999. The 1999 revival earned Rigby the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Rigby announced in the 2004 season, the hundredth anniversary of the original J.M. Barrie play, that she was retiring from the role. By the time she actually retired in 2013 at the age of 60, Rigby had performed the role of Peter Pan over 3000 times.
NBC Live!
NBC revisited the live television broadcast format with Peter Pan Live! starring Allison Williams and Christopher in 2014.
Licensing
The 1954 Broadway version of Peter Pan is available for licensing through Music Theatre International, the Stiles and Drewe version is available through Concord Theatricals, and a concert version of Berstein’s adaptation is available via Boosey & Hawkes.
J.M. Barrie’s play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up opened at the Duke of York Theatre in London on December 27, 1904. The title role was played by Nina Boucicault, and Hook was played by Gerald du Maurier. The play transferred to New York where it opened at the Empire Theatre on November 6, 1905 starring Maude Adams. It ran for 223 performances, and returned for short runs with Maude Adams continuing to play the title role during the Christmas period in 1906, 1912, and 1915.
The play was revived in New York at the Knickerbocker Theatre in 1924 starring Marilyn Miller, and at the Civic Repertory Theatre in 1928 starring Eva Le Gallienne.
Barrie also wrote a novelization of the play under the title Peter and Wendy which was published in 1911 and became an instant best-seller. It remains in print today.
In 1929, Barrie gifted the rights for Peter Pan to the Great Ormond Street Hospital, a hospital for seriously ill children. In 1988, the House of Lords voted to provide a clause in British copyright legislation to ensure that the hospital would continue to receive royalties from the play in perpetuity.
There have been several musical adaptations of JM Barrie's play:
- Peter Pan by Leonard Bernstein (1950)
- Disney Animation (1953)
- Peter Pan by Mark Charlap and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, additional music by Jule Styne and additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and directed by Jerome Robbins (1954)
- Peter Pan by Anthony Newley and Leslie Briccuse (television adaptation, 1970)
- Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure by Stiles and Drewe (1999)
- Peter Pan the Musical by Paul Boyd (2019)
See History of Peter Pan Musicals at the bottom of this page for more details.
Peter Pan
Peter Pan, with music by Mark Charlap and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, additional music by Jule Styne and additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on October 29, 1954. Directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, the production featured Mary Martin as Peter Pan and Cyril Ritchard as Captain Hook. Incidental music was composed by Elmer Bernstein (no relation to Leonard, though they were friends) and Trude Rittman, the latter of whom was the musical coordinator on the Bernstein production.
Although it had a relatively short run of 152 performances, the Robbins’ Broadway production received high praise. Mary Martin won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, and Cyril Ritchard won for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Richard Rodda also won the Stage Technician Tony Award.
Robbins’ Peter Pan closed on February 26, 1955.
On March 7, 1955, shortly after the Broadway run had closed, Peter Pan was filmed live (without an in-person audience) at NBC studios in a special made-for-television “spectacular.” The telecast was immensely popular, receiving high critical praise and drawing an unprecedented 65 million viewers.
With a few cast changes, the telecast was repeated a year later in 1956 in full-color. The 1956 telecast was viewed by between 55 to 60 million people. Video Artists International released the kinescope of the 1956 broadcast on Blu-ray and DVD in 2015. The Blu-ray also includes the original 1955 broadcast.
A new television production, again starring Martin and Ritchard, was broadcast in 1960. This production was also taped and became an annual television favorite. It is also available on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Another television version of Peter Pan aired in 1970 on NBC’s Hallmark Hall of Fame. The production featured a new score by Anthony Newley and Leslie Briccuse, and starred Mia Farrow as Peter Pan and Danny Kaye as Captain Hook.
Peter Pan has been revived on Broadway five times since Mary Martin flew across the stage. The first revival opened in 1979 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre starring Sandy Duncan. The subsequent revivals in 1990, 1991, and 1999 played respectively at the Lunt-Fontanne, Minskoff, Marquis, and Gershwin Theatres, all starring Cathy Rigby.
Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby
Cathy Rigby is a gold medal winning Olympic gymnast and commentator. She first appeared in Peter Pan in the touring NBC Arena Touring production in 1973, though the vocals were lip-synched. Following rigorous theatre training, Rigby once again appeared in a touring production Peter Pan in 1986 (and also in a myriad of other musicals around the United States including Annie Get Your Gun, Meet Me In St. Louis, South Pacific, Paint Your Wagon, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Silvia, and Steel Magnolias).
The 1990 revival opened on Broadway for a limited 45 performance engagement on December 13. The production was nominated for two Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical, and Best Actress in a Musical for Cathy Rigby.
Rigby’s Peter Pan embarked on a national tour before returning to Broadway, playing at the Minskoff Theatre in 1991. This pattern was repeated in 1998 and 1999, with the tour performing in over 60 cities throughout the United States (see Filmed Production Notes below). Rigby returned to Broadway, playing at the Marquis in 1998 and the Gershwin in 1999. The 1999 revival earned Rigby the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Rigby announced in the 2004 season, the hundredth anniversary of the original J.M. Barrie play, that she was retiring from the role. By the time she actually retired in 2013 at the age of 60, Rigby had performed the role of Peter Pan over 3000 times.
NBC Live!
NBC revisited the live television broadcast format with Peter Pan Live! starring Allison Williams and Christopher in 2014.
Licensing
The 1954 Broadway version of Peter Pan is available for licensing through Music Theatre International, the Stiles and Drewe version is available through Concord Theatricals, and a concert version of Berstein’s adaptation is available via Boosey & Hawkes.
Filmed Production Notes
Opening Date: Nov 7, 1999
Closing Date: Nov 23, 1999
Air date: Oct 8, 2000
Medium: TV
Where to watch: Amazon and BroadwayHD and Broadway on Demand.
During the 1999 national tour starring Cathy Rigby, Peter Pan played at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada, California from November 7 until November 23. Rigby and husband Tom McCoy were, and are still Executive Producers of the McCoy Rigby Entertainment Series at the theatre.
In a rave review for the Los Angeles Times, Kathleen F Foley described Rigby as “A sinewy sprite who twirls through the air with breathtaking abandon… [She is] an eerily elfin presence, cackling with throaty laughter, hopping on one foot in a transport of boyish glee at any opportunity for adventure--or mischief,” and concluded that Rigby was “The perfect urchin, [who] personifies the spirit of childhood as few before her.” Foley also praised the “crack design team” and excellent performances of the cast, notably Paul Schoeffler as Mr. Darling/Captain Hook and Barbara McCulloh (Mrs. Darling).
In February 2000, cable network Arts and Entertainment, better known as A&E, taped Peter Pan at the La Mirada. As noted in the Los Angeles Times, although not known as a “family network,” A&E chose to take on the project after Kris Slava, director of drama and performing arts, saw the production on Broadway.
In addition to Rigby in the title role, the filmed production featured three of Rigby’s four children — Thomas Buck Mason as Nana and the Crocodile, Theresa McCoy as Jane Darling, and Kaitlin McCoy as a mermaid.
The production was captured with 8 cameras in front of a live in-person audience. The choice to film the musical with a live audience was an intentional one. As quoted in Billboard Magazine, Rigby felt the participation of a live audience “is what makes theater so wonderful.” In the Los Angeles Times, producer Tom McCoy noted “With ‘Peter Pan’ you have to got to have that live response…when she [Rigby] flies you see the audience gasping because it looks so dangerous. It’s tremendously wonderful to watch.”
According to Billboard Magazine, the musical was A&E’s “largest marketing campaign to date,” with several corporate tie-ins including peanut butter, Chenay Bay Resort, American Airlines, and Samsung.
Peter Pan aired on A&E Television on October 8, 2000, and the VHS and DVD were released a few days later. As noted by John Hartl in The Seattle Times, the television version contained commercials, while the VHS and DVD had “the uninterrupted version” available for $20US and $30US respectively. The DVD also included a short behind-the-scenes featurette, and a sing-a-long feature for 3 songs.
Cathy Rigby received glowing reviews for her performance. An uncredited write-up in the Lancaster New Era noted “You can catch the fierce and infectious joy in the eyes of the gold-medal-gymnast-turned-actress as she spreads her muscled arms and flies into the role she brought to life on Broadway and in more than 60 cities.”
Reviewer John Hartl noted “Rigby is terrific…” and brought “an unexpected hint of neurosis to such songs as I Gotta Crow, suggesting that Peter’s case of arrested development may not be entirely benign.” Hartl was less enamored with the rest of the cast, describing them as “bland.”
In a review originally published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and widely reprinted, Joanne Weintraub praised Rigby’s “big voice” and the “thrilling” nature of her aerial work. Weintraub lamented that the “the only flaw in this “Peter Pan” is its scheduling — right in the middle of the network premieres for flying out loud.” Weintraub encouraged audiences, even those without children, to “tape it, keep it and cherish it.”
The broadcast of Peter Pan was nominated for 4 Primetime Emmy Awards, and won the Emmy for Outstanding Art Direction for a Variety or Music Program.
Opening Date: Nov 7, 1999
Closing Date: Nov 23, 1999
Air date: Oct 8, 2000
Medium: TV
Where to watch: Amazon and BroadwayHD and Broadway on Demand.
During the 1999 national tour starring Cathy Rigby, Peter Pan played at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada, California from November 7 until November 23. Rigby and husband Tom McCoy were, and are still Executive Producers of the McCoy Rigby Entertainment Series at the theatre.
In a rave review for the Los Angeles Times, Kathleen F Foley described Rigby as “A sinewy sprite who twirls through the air with breathtaking abandon… [She is] an eerily elfin presence, cackling with throaty laughter, hopping on one foot in a transport of boyish glee at any opportunity for adventure--or mischief,” and concluded that Rigby was “The perfect urchin, [who] personifies the spirit of childhood as few before her.” Foley also praised the “crack design team” and excellent performances of the cast, notably Paul Schoeffler as Mr. Darling/Captain Hook and Barbara McCulloh (Mrs. Darling).
In February 2000, cable network Arts and Entertainment, better known as A&E, taped Peter Pan at the La Mirada. As noted in the Los Angeles Times, although not known as a “family network,” A&E chose to take on the project after Kris Slava, director of drama and performing arts, saw the production on Broadway.
In addition to Rigby in the title role, the filmed production featured three of Rigby’s four children — Thomas Buck Mason as Nana and the Crocodile, Theresa McCoy as Jane Darling, and Kaitlin McCoy as a mermaid.
The production was captured with 8 cameras in front of a live in-person audience. The choice to film the musical with a live audience was an intentional one. As quoted in Billboard Magazine, Rigby felt the participation of a live audience “is what makes theater so wonderful.” In the Los Angeles Times, producer Tom McCoy noted “With ‘Peter Pan’ you have to got to have that live response…when she [Rigby] flies you see the audience gasping because it looks so dangerous. It’s tremendously wonderful to watch.”
According to Billboard Magazine, the musical was A&E’s “largest marketing campaign to date,” with several corporate tie-ins including peanut butter, Chenay Bay Resort, American Airlines, and Samsung.
Peter Pan aired on A&E Television on October 8, 2000, and the VHS and DVD were released a few days later. As noted by John Hartl in The Seattle Times, the television version contained commercials, while the VHS and DVD had “the uninterrupted version” available for $20US and $30US respectively. The DVD also included a short behind-the-scenes featurette, and a sing-a-long feature for 3 songs.
Cathy Rigby received glowing reviews for her performance. An uncredited write-up in the Lancaster New Era noted “You can catch the fierce and infectious joy in the eyes of the gold-medal-gymnast-turned-actress as she spreads her muscled arms and flies into the role she brought to life on Broadway and in more than 60 cities.”
Reviewer John Hartl noted “Rigby is terrific…” and brought “an unexpected hint of neurosis to such songs as I Gotta Crow, suggesting that Peter’s case of arrested development may not be entirely benign.” Hartl was less enamored with the rest of the cast, describing them as “bland.”
In a review originally published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and widely reprinted, Joanne Weintraub praised Rigby’s “big voice” and the “thrilling” nature of her aerial work. Weintraub lamented that the “the only flaw in this “Peter Pan” is its scheduling — right in the middle of the network premieres for flying out loud.” Weintraub encouraged audiences, even those without children, to “tape it, keep it and cherish it.”
The broadcast of Peter Pan was nominated for 4 Primetime Emmy Awards, and won the Emmy for Outstanding Art Direction for a Variety or Music Program.
While the DVD was re-released in 2007, it is no longer in print. Second-hand copies are widely available online including on Amazon.
Peter Pan is currently available to stream on demand via Amazon, BroadwayHD, and Broadway on Demand.
Peter Pan is currently available to stream on demand via Amazon, BroadwayHD, and Broadway on Demand.
Peter Pan PRODUCTION CREDITS
Theatre: La Mirada Theatre, California
Producer: McCoy Rigby Entertainment,The Nederlander Organization, La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in association with Albert Nocciolino, Larry Payton and Lynn Singleton.
Film Producer: Marc Bauman, Tom McCoy, Kris Slava, David Walmsley
Book: J.M. Barrie
Adapted By: Jerome Robbins
Music: Mark Charlap Additional Music: Jule Styne, Albert Sendrey, Kevin Farrell
Lyrics: Carolyn Leigh; Additional Lyrics: Betty Comden, Adolph Green
Director: Glenn Casale, Film: Gary Halvorson
Musical Director: Craig Barna
Orchestrations: Craig Barna, Steve Bartosik, Kevin Farrell
Additional Arrangements: Craig Barna, Kevin Farrell, Brian Tidwell, M. Michael Fauss
Choreography: Patti Colombo (based on the original Jerome Robbins staging)
Scenic Design: John Iacovelli
Costume Design: Shigeru Yaji
Lighting Design: Martin Aronstein
Sound Design: Francois Bergeron
Hair and Wig Design: Robert Cybula
Stage Manager: Michael McEowen (production), Gina Farina, Michael Biondi (assistant)
Cast:
Cathy Rigby (Peter Pan), Barbara McCulloh (Mrs. Darling / Mermaid), Paul Schoeffler (Mr. Darling / Captain Hook), Elisa Sagardia (Wendy Moira Angela Darling), Drake English (Michael Darling), Barry Cavanagh (John Darling), Dana Solimando (Liza / Tiger Lily), Thomas Buck Mason (Nana / Bill Jukes / Crocodile), Alon Williams (Curly), Janet Higgins (1st Twin), Joseph Favalora (2nd Twin), Scott Bridges (Slightly Soiled), Hally McGehean (Tootles), Michael Nostrand (Mr. Smee), Tony Spinosa (Cecco / Pirate / Indian), Randy A. Davis (Noodler / Pirate / Indian), Kaitlin McCoy (Mermaid), Sam Zeller (Starkey), Kim Arnett (Pirate / Indian),
Jeffrey J. Bateman (Pirate / Indian), William Alan Coats (Pirate / Indian), Seth Hampton (Pirate / Indian), Steven Petrillo (Pirate / Indian), Roger Preston Smith (Pirate / Indian), Danny Valle (Pirate / Indian), Theresa McCoy (Jane)
Band:
Craig Barnar (musical director), Tod Barnard (drums), Steve Bartosik (drums / orchestrator)
Theatre: La Mirada Theatre, California
Producer: McCoy Rigby Entertainment,The Nederlander Organization, La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in association with Albert Nocciolino, Larry Payton and Lynn Singleton.
Film Producer: Marc Bauman, Tom McCoy, Kris Slava, David Walmsley
Book: J.M. Barrie
Adapted By: Jerome Robbins
Music: Mark Charlap Additional Music: Jule Styne, Albert Sendrey, Kevin Farrell
Lyrics: Carolyn Leigh; Additional Lyrics: Betty Comden, Adolph Green
Director: Glenn Casale, Film: Gary Halvorson
Musical Director: Craig Barna
Orchestrations: Craig Barna, Steve Bartosik, Kevin Farrell
Additional Arrangements: Craig Barna, Kevin Farrell, Brian Tidwell, M. Michael Fauss
Choreography: Patti Colombo (based on the original Jerome Robbins staging)
Scenic Design: John Iacovelli
Costume Design: Shigeru Yaji
Lighting Design: Martin Aronstein
Sound Design: Francois Bergeron
Hair and Wig Design: Robert Cybula
Stage Manager: Michael McEowen (production), Gina Farina, Michael Biondi (assistant)
Cast:
Cathy Rigby (Peter Pan), Barbara McCulloh (Mrs. Darling / Mermaid), Paul Schoeffler (Mr. Darling / Captain Hook), Elisa Sagardia (Wendy Moira Angela Darling), Drake English (Michael Darling), Barry Cavanagh (John Darling), Dana Solimando (Liza / Tiger Lily), Thomas Buck Mason (Nana / Bill Jukes / Crocodile), Alon Williams (Curly), Janet Higgins (1st Twin), Joseph Favalora (2nd Twin), Scott Bridges (Slightly Soiled), Hally McGehean (Tootles), Michael Nostrand (Mr. Smee), Tony Spinosa (Cecco / Pirate / Indian), Randy A. Davis (Noodler / Pirate / Indian), Kaitlin McCoy (Mermaid), Sam Zeller (Starkey), Kim Arnett (Pirate / Indian),
Jeffrey J. Bateman (Pirate / Indian), William Alan Coats (Pirate / Indian), Seth Hampton (Pirate / Indian), Steven Petrillo (Pirate / Indian), Roger Preston Smith (Pirate / Indian), Danny Valle (Pirate / Indian), Theresa McCoy (Jane)
Band:
Craig Barnar (musical director), Tod Barnard (drums), Steve Bartosik (drums / orchestrator)
History of Peter Pan Musicals
There have been several musical adaptations of JM Barries' original play about the boy who wouldn't grow up including:
Peter Pan
by Leonard Bernstein (1950)
The first musical adaptation of Peter Pan was composed by Leonard Bernstein and directed by John Burrell and Wendy Toye (though as noted by Garth Edwin Sunderland, Bernstein was working in Europe during rehearsals, and not directly involved in the actual production). The musical opened at the Imperial Theatre on April 24, 1950 starring Jean Arthur in the title role and Boris Karloff as Captain Hook. During its run the show transferred to the St. James Theatre, and after total of 321 Broadway performances closed on January 27, 1951. The musical embarked on a national tour starring Veronica Lake and Lawrence Tibbett, though the tour was cancelled part-way through its run.
Almost 70 years after its premier, Bernstein’s Peter Pan was once again performed as part of Bernstein’s centennial celebrations, receiving 30 productions by 6 presenters in 6 countries across Asia, Europe, and North America.
An original cast recording of Bernstein’s Peter Pan is available on CD, though it uses alternative instrumental music by Alec Wilder. In 2005, Koch released a studio recording of the complete Bernstein score conducted by Alexander Frey.
Disney’s Peter Pan
by Frank Churchill, Sammy Cahn, Sammy Fain, and Jack Lawrence (1953)
In 1953, Disney released Peter Pan an animated version of JM Barrie’s story with music by Frank Churchill, Sammy Cahn, Sammy Fain, and Jack Lawrence. The animation is now available to stream, and on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Peter Pan
by Anthony Newley and Leslie Briccuse (1970)
Another television version of Peter Pan aired in 1970 on NBC’s Hallmark Hall of Fame. The production featured a new score by Anthony Newley and Leslie Briccuse, and starred Mia Farrow as Peter Pan and Danny Kaye as Captain Hook.
Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure
by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (1999)
George Stiles and Anthony Drewe are a prolific, multi-award winning, musical theatre writing duo from the UK whose work has been performed around the world and translated into multiple languages. In addition to Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure, their works include Mary Poppins, Honk!, Soho Cinders, Betty Blue Eyes, Travels with my Aunt, Just So, Tutankhamun, a trilogy of 50-minute musicals for younger audiences — Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Billy Goats Gruff and The Three Little Pigs, Half a Sixpence (also known as Kipps) and The Wind in the Willows. The latter two were filmed live in the West End and are available to stream on demand.
Stiles and Drewe’s musical take of JM Barrie’s play, Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure, first premiered at Denmark’s International Musical of the Year in 1997. The musical was awarded Best Song and The Orchestra’s Award for Best Musical.
Songs from the musical were featured on the inaugural episode of In the Company of Sondheim, a six-part Radio 2 programme hosted by Sondheim about new British musical theatre which aired in early January 1997. Observer theatre critic Michael Coveney described Stiles and Drewe’s music as “very good.” Sunday Telegraph reviewer Russell Davies was less kind, who described the song “Never Land” as “the usual sugar-bowl. It was twinkly, trite and twee all at once.” An ad in The Independent stated the episode had “rebarbative moments, but provokes some interesting conversation.”
Two years later in 1999, a fully staged Danish-language production was performed at Copenhagen’s Det Ny Teater.
In 2001, the musical was performed in a staged concert version at Royal Festival Hall with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Directed by Julia McKenzie, the concert featured John Thaw as Captain Hook, Joe McFadden as Peter Pan, Jenna Russell as Mrs. Darling, Sheila Hancock as the Storyteller, and real-life siblings Laura Michelle Kelly, Jorim Kelly, and Nathan Kelly in the roles of Wendy, Michael, and John.
An audio recording of the Royal Festival Hall concert was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on December 31, 2001.
A year later, in December 2002, the concert was reprised at the Royal Festival Hall in a “fuller semi-staged” version with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Directed by Ian Talbot, the 2002 cast featured Richard Wilson as Captain Hook, James Gillian as Peter, Susannah York as the Storyteller, Lottie Meyer as Wendy, and David Bamber as Smee.
Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure premiered in the United States at Philadelphia’s Prince Theatre in December 2002.
In December 2007, Birmingham Repertory Theatre staged the UK’s first fully-staged production of the Stiles and Drewe musical. Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, choreographed by Jenny Arnold, and designed by Peter McKintosh the production featured Pater Caulfield as Peter Pan, Gina Beck as Wendy, David Birrell as Captain Hook, Gerald Carey as Smee, and Fiona Dunn as the voice of Tinkerbell.
In 2018, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater presented Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure as part of their summer program. It was filmed live during its run and made available to stream during the 2020 theatre shutdown.
Presented by JGH Associates, the Malthouse Theatre in Canterbury is scheduled to present a new production of Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure in March 2023. With Joseph Garden Hodges directing, and choreography by Jay Gardner Hodges, the production is set to feature a cast and orchestra of over one hundred.
Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure is available for licensing via Concord Theatricals.
Another musical by Stiles and Drewe musical, Half a Sixpence, was filmed live in the West End in 2016 and released under the title of Kipps (its new licensing name). The capture was broadcast in December 2021 on Sky Arts, where it is still available to view.
Peter Pan the Musical
by Paul Boyd (2019)
Peter Pan the Musical was commissioned by the Lyric Theatre, Belfast as part of their 2019 Christmas season. The highly praised production was filmed live during its run and released online for free during the 2020 shutdown.
- Peter Pan by Leonard Bernstein (1950)
- Disney Animation (1953)
- Peter Pan by Mark Charlap and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, additional music by Jule Styne and additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and directed by Jerome Robbins (1954)
- Peter Pan by Anthony Newley and Leslie Briccuse (television adaptation, 1970)
- Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure by Stiles and Drewe (1999)
- Peter Pan the Musical by Paul Boyd (2019)
Peter Pan
by Leonard Bernstein (1950)
The first musical adaptation of Peter Pan was composed by Leonard Bernstein and directed by John Burrell and Wendy Toye (though as noted by Garth Edwin Sunderland, Bernstein was working in Europe during rehearsals, and not directly involved in the actual production). The musical opened at the Imperial Theatre on April 24, 1950 starring Jean Arthur in the title role and Boris Karloff as Captain Hook. During its run the show transferred to the St. James Theatre, and after total of 321 Broadway performances closed on January 27, 1951. The musical embarked on a national tour starring Veronica Lake and Lawrence Tibbett, though the tour was cancelled part-way through its run.
Almost 70 years after its premier, Bernstein’s Peter Pan was once again performed as part of Bernstein’s centennial celebrations, receiving 30 productions by 6 presenters in 6 countries across Asia, Europe, and North America.
An original cast recording of Bernstein’s Peter Pan is available on CD, though it uses alternative instrumental music by Alec Wilder. In 2005, Koch released a studio recording of the complete Bernstein score conducted by Alexander Frey.
Disney’s Peter Pan
by Frank Churchill, Sammy Cahn, Sammy Fain, and Jack Lawrence (1953)
In 1953, Disney released Peter Pan an animated version of JM Barrie’s story with music by Frank Churchill, Sammy Cahn, Sammy Fain, and Jack Lawrence. The animation is now available to stream, and on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Peter Pan
by Anthony Newley and Leslie Briccuse (1970)
Another television version of Peter Pan aired in 1970 on NBC’s Hallmark Hall of Fame. The production featured a new score by Anthony Newley and Leslie Briccuse, and starred Mia Farrow as Peter Pan and Danny Kaye as Captain Hook.
Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure
by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (1999)
George Stiles and Anthony Drewe are a prolific, multi-award winning, musical theatre writing duo from the UK whose work has been performed around the world and translated into multiple languages. In addition to Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure, their works include Mary Poppins, Honk!, Soho Cinders, Betty Blue Eyes, Travels with my Aunt, Just So, Tutankhamun, a trilogy of 50-minute musicals for younger audiences — Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Billy Goats Gruff and The Three Little Pigs, Half a Sixpence (also known as Kipps) and The Wind in the Willows. The latter two were filmed live in the West End and are available to stream on demand.
Stiles and Drewe’s musical take of JM Barrie’s play, Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure, first premiered at Denmark’s International Musical of the Year in 1997. The musical was awarded Best Song and The Orchestra’s Award for Best Musical.
Songs from the musical were featured on the inaugural episode of In the Company of Sondheim, a six-part Radio 2 programme hosted by Sondheim about new British musical theatre which aired in early January 1997. Observer theatre critic Michael Coveney described Stiles and Drewe’s music as “very good.” Sunday Telegraph reviewer Russell Davies was less kind, who described the song “Never Land” as “the usual sugar-bowl. It was twinkly, trite and twee all at once.” An ad in The Independent stated the episode had “rebarbative moments, but provokes some interesting conversation.”
Two years later in 1999, a fully staged Danish-language production was performed at Copenhagen’s Det Ny Teater.
In 2001, the musical was performed in a staged concert version at Royal Festival Hall with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Directed by Julia McKenzie, the concert featured John Thaw as Captain Hook, Joe McFadden as Peter Pan, Jenna Russell as Mrs. Darling, Sheila Hancock as the Storyteller, and real-life siblings Laura Michelle Kelly, Jorim Kelly, and Nathan Kelly in the roles of Wendy, Michael, and John.
An audio recording of the Royal Festival Hall concert was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on December 31, 2001.
A year later, in December 2002, the concert was reprised at the Royal Festival Hall in a “fuller semi-staged” version with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Directed by Ian Talbot, the 2002 cast featured Richard Wilson as Captain Hook, James Gillian as Peter, Susannah York as the Storyteller, Lottie Meyer as Wendy, and David Bamber as Smee.
Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure premiered in the United States at Philadelphia’s Prince Theatre in December 2002.
In December 2007, Birmingham Repertory Theatre staged the UK’s first fully-staged production of the Stiles and Drewe musical. Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, choreographed by Jenny Arnold, and designed by Peter McKintosh the production featured Pater Caulfield as Peter Pan, Gina Beck as Wendy, David Birrell as Captain Hook, Gerald Carey as Smee, and Fiona Dunn as the voice of Tinkerbell.
In 2018, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater presented Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure as part of their summer program. It was filmed live during its run and made available to stream during the 2020 theatre shutdown.
Presented by JGH Associates, the Malthouse Theatre in Canterbury is scheduled to present a new production of Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure in March 2023. With Joseph Garden Hodges directing, and choreography by Jay Gardner Hodges, the production is set to feature a cast and orchestra of over one hundred.
Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure is available for licensing via Concord Theatricals.
Another musical by Stiles and Drewe musical, Half a Sixpence, was filmed live in the West End in 2016 and released under the title of Kipps (its new licensing name). The capture was broadcast in December 2021 on Sky Arts, where it is still available to view.
Peter Pan the Musical
by Paul Boyd (2019)
Peter Pan the Musical was commissioned by the Lyric Theatre, Belfast as part of their 2019 Christmas season. The highly praised production was filmed live during its run and released online for free during the 2020 shutdown.
Sources
Articles
Websites
Other
- Michael Billington, “Peter Pan,” The Guardian (Dec 20, 2002)
- Alan Bresloff, ““Peter Pan- A Musical Adventure,” Around the Town Chicago, (2018)
- Cathy Brown, “Peter Pan – Lyric Theatre – Review,” No More Workhorse (Dec 2, 2019)
- Catherine Cella, “Rigby Crows on A&E’s ‘Peter Pan’” Billboard (Aug 26, 2000) p. 74
- Michael Coveney, “Musical cheers,” The Observer (Jan 19, 1997) p.8
- Jane Coyle, “Peter Pan the Musical,” The Stage (Dec 2, 2019)
- Logan Culwell-Block, “15 Broadway Plays and Musicals You Can Watch On Stage From Home” Playbill (Oct 6, 2017)
- Russell Davies, “He’s too polite to say it’s trite,” Sunday Telegraph (Jan 12, 1997), p. 29
- Colin Douglas, “A High-Flying Spectacle,” Chicago Theatre Review (July 9, 2018)
- Colin Douglas, “Bringing Tinkerbell and Theatre to Life,” Chicago Theatre & Concert Reviews (Dec 21, 2020)
- Philip Fisher, “Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure,” British Theatre Guide (undated)
- Kathleen F Foley, “STAGE REVIEW; The Peter Pan Principal; Cathy Rigby makes the perfect urchin, capturing the spirit of childhood in Barrie's classic,” Los Angeles Times (Nov 13, 1997) p. 28
- Clive Fuller, “Peter Pan, a Musical Adventure,” BBC Birmingham (Dec 10, 2007)
- Laurel Graeber, “FAMILY FARE,” New York Times (May 28, 1999)
- John Hartl, “Cathy Rigby’s ‘Hanging at Home: Peter Pan’ to take flight on A&E,” The Seattle Times, Reprinted in Dayton Daily News (Oct 6, 2000) p.2C
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- Lynne Heffley, “BRIEF ENCOUNTER; Bidding adieu to Neverland; Cathy Rigby launches a 'Peter Pan' farewell tour,” Los Angeles Times (Sept 26, 2004), E3
- Jodie Jacobs, “Around Town: Three shows to consider seeing now,” Chicago Theater and Arts (Dec 21, 2020)
- Chad Jones, “Cathy Rigby flies high as Peter Pan,” San Francisco Gate, (Nov 18, 2012)
- Chris Jones, “Formidable CST lineup announced,” Chicago Tribune (March 15, 2018), Arts + Entertainment Section p. 3
- Chris Jones, “Soaring atop Navy Pier,” Chicago Tribune (July 21, 2018), Arts + Entertainment Section p. 11
- Kenneth Jones, “Rigby's Peter Pan Flies Into Homes on A&E Oct. 8; On Video and DVD Oct.10,” Playbill (July 18, 2000)
- Steve Julian, “PHOTOS: Former Gymnast Cathy Rigby to end her 4-decade long role as Peter Pan on stage,” Southern California Public Radio (Jan 18, 2013)
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- Dan Lopez, “A&E Home Video presents Peter Pan (2000)” Digitally Obsessed! (Oct 12, 2000)
- Peter Marks, “THEATER REVIEW; Ticktock: The Flying Boy and His Shadow,” New York Times (Nov 24, 1998)
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- Julio Martinez, “Peter Pan,” Variety (Aug 6, 1998)
- Nancy McCalister, “Cathy Rigby Stars in “Peter Pan” Airing Sunday Evening Only On A&E,” The Signal (Oct 8, 2000) p. 78
- Alan Meban, “Peter Pan – Paul Boyd’s fresh adaptation of the classic tale (Lyric Theatre until 4 January),” Alan in Belfast (Nov 29, 2019)
- Peter M. Nichols, “New Video Releases,” New York Times (Nov 10, 2000)
- Marissa Oberlander, “Chicago Shakespeare’s Peter Pan is a soaring delight for both kids and adults,” Chicago Reader (July 11, 2018)
- Ed Perkis, “Peter Pan (2000),” Cinema Blend (Nov 6, 2007)
- Michael Quinn, “Peter Pan,” British Theatre Guide (undated)
- Julie-Ann Spence, “Peter Pan flies onto the web thanks to the Lyric Theatre,” News Letter (April 8, 2020)
- Julia W. Wrath, ““Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure”- revisited (and original) reviewed by Julia W. Rath,” Around the Town Chicago (2021)
- Catey Sullivan, “Joyous ‘Peter Pan’ a summertime musical adventure not to be missed,” Chicago Sun-Times (July 9, 2018)
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- Hedy Weiss, “High-Wired ‘Peter Pan’ Flies on Well-Defined Gender Battle,” WTTW: News (July 9, 2018)
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- Uncredited, “Radio: Today’s Radio: In Company With Sondheim (10pm R2),” The Independent (Jan 7, 1997), p.43
- Uncredited, “Last Chance; Ends this Weekend: [Home Edition]." Los Angeles Times, (Nov 20 1997), p.2
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- Uncredited, “Cathy Rigby stars in ‘Peter Pan’ Sunday,” Lancaster New Era, (Oct 6, 2000), p.C-7
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- Uncredited, “Chicago Shakespeare Theater Presents PETER PAN ― A MUSICAL ADVENTURE ― Preview,” Picture This Post (Oct 31, 2020)
- Uncredited, “New production of Stiles & Drewe’s ‘PETER PAN: A Musical Adventure’ to open in March 2023,” The Arts Shelf (July 15, 2022)
Websites
- Boosey & Hawkes, Accessed via: https://www.boosey.com/
- Chicago Shakespeare Theater, “Peter Pan - A Musical Adventure,” Accessed via: https://www.chicagoshakes.com/plays_and_events/explore_season/peterpan
- Concord Theatricals, “Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure (Stiles and Drewe),” Accessed via: https://www.concordtheatricals.com/p/17343/peter-pan-a-musical-adventure-stiles-and-drewe
- Facebook, “Paul Boyd Musicals - pbm,” Accessed via: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2664044263704769
- Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, “The play and the novel,” Accessed via: https://www.gosh.org/about-us/peter-pan/history/play-and-novel/
- Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, “History,” Accessed via: https://www.gosh.org/about-us/peter-pan/history/
- IBDb, “Peter Pan,” Accessed via: https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/peter-pan-2143
- IMDb, “Peter Pan (2000)” Accessed via: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0255873/?ref_=ttawd_awd_tt
- Lyric Theatre, “Watch Peter Pan the Musical Online,” Accessed via: https://web.archive.org/web/20200516102957/https://lyrictheatre.co.uk/watch-peter-pan-the-musical-online/
- Malthouse Theatre, “Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure,” Accessed via: https://malthousetheatre.co.uk/event/peter-pan/
- McCoy Rigby Entertainment, “About Cathy Rigby,” Accessed via: https://mccoyrigby.com/about-cathy-rigby/
- Paul Boyd Music, “Biog,” Accessed via: https://www.pbmusicals.com/biog
- The Shows Must Go Online, “Peter Pan the Musical,” Accessed via: https://theshowsmustgo.online/peter-pan-the-musical/
- Stiles and Drewe, “Peter Pan - A Musical Adventure,” Accessed via: http://stilesanddrewe.com/shows/peterpan/
Other
- “Leonard Bernstein at 100: Centennial by the Numbers,” Accessed via: https://leonardbernstein.com/uploads/pages/files/LB100bytheNumbers.pdf
Written by Luisa Lyons (December, 2022; updated January 2023)