Photo credit: Liz Lauren
Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure
A musical adaptation of JM Barrie’s beloved play by British composers Stiles and Drewe. A production staged by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater was filmed live in 2018 and made available to stream in 2020.
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Stage Production Notes
Original Barrie Play
JM 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.
Stiles and Drewe
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.
A new adaptation of JM Barrie’s play by Stiles and Drewe, 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 (see Filmed Production Notes below).
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.
Original Barrie Play
JM 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.
Stiles and Drewe
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.
A new adaptation of JM Barrie’s play by Stiles and Drewe, 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 (see Filmed Production Notes below).
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.
Filmed Production Notes
Opening Date: June 27, 2018
Closing Date: August 19, 2018
Air date: Dec 19, 2020 - Jan 1, 2021
Release Medium: online
Where to watch: not currently available
Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure by Stiles and Drewe was staged by Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) as part of its 2018 summer program.
Directed and choreographed by Amber Mak in her CST debut, Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure opened at the Courtyard Theatre on June 27, 2018. The cast featured Johnny Shea as Peter Pan, Elizabeth Stenholt as Wendy Darling, and James Konicek as Captain Hook.
As noted by reviewer Hedy Weiss, Mak dedicated the production to “her friend and mentor friend and mentor, Rachel Rockwell,” a director and choreographer who had passed away earlier in 2018 from cancer. In the program notes, Mak stated “Rockwell showed us… that ‘All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.’”
The production received predominantly glowing reviews, with critics commending the show’s ability to be captivating for both children and grown-ups alike. Reviewers praised Mak’s direction, Jeff Kmiec’s scenic design, and Mike Tutaj’s projection design. The cast as a whole were applauded for their performances, particularly Elizabeth Stenholt as Wendy Darling and Johnny Shea for his impish yet emotionally hitting portrayal of Peter Pan. James Konicek received rave reviews for his turn at Captain Hook.
In a gushing write-up for Chicago Theatre Review, Colin Douglas described Stiles and Drewes’ version of the classic tale as “thoroughly captivating,” and the production as “magical” thanks to the “spirit and whimsy” of Mak’s direction and Jerry Galante’s “breathtaking stage combat.”
Writing for the Chicago Sun-Times, reviewer Catey Sullivan extolled the musical as “one of the most joyous and entertaining pieces of theater you’re apt to encounter this summer.” Sullivan praised the storytelling for respecting “the intelligence and the imagination of children as well as the depths of the source material,” along with Jeff Kmiec’s scenic design. Sullivan also lauded the performances of the cast, particularly noting James Konicek’s “diabolically good bad guy” portrayal of Captain Hook, stating in a deliciously descriptive passage:
Opening Date: June 27, 2018
Closing Date: August 19, 2018
Air date: Dec 19, 2020 - Jan 1, 2021
Release Medium: online
Where to watch: not currently available
Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure by Stiles and Drewe was staged by Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) as part of its 2018 summer program.
Directed and choreographed by Amber Mak in her CST debut, Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure opened at the Courtyard Theatre on June 27, 2018. The cast featured Johnny Shea as Peter Pan, Elizabeth Stenholt as Wendy Darling, and James Konicek as Captain Hook.
As noted by reviewer Hedy Weiss, Mak dedicated the production to “her friend and mentor friend and mentor, Rachel Rockwell,” a director and choreographer who had passed away earlier in 2018 from cancer. In the program notes, Mak stated “Rockwell showed us… that ‘All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.’”
The production received predominantly glowing reviews, with critics commending the show’s ability to be captivating for both children and grown-ups alike. Reviewers praised Mak’s direction, Jeff Kmiec’s scenic design, and Mike Tutaj’s projection design. The cast as a whole were applauded for their performances, particularly Elizabeth Stenholt as Wendy Darling and Johnny Shea for his impish yet emotionally hitting portrayal of Peter Pan. James Konicek received rave reviews for his turn at Captain Hook.
In a gushing write-up for Chicago Theatre Review, Colin Douglas described Stiles and Drewes’ version of the classic tale as “thoroughly captivating,” and the production as “magical” thanks to the “spirit and whimsy” of Mak’s direction and Jerry Galante’s “breathtaking stage combat.”
Writing for the Chicago Sun-Times, reviewer Catey Sullivan extolled the musical as “one of the most joyous and entertaining pieces of theater you’re apt to encounter this summer.” Sullivan praised the storytelling for respecting “the intelligence and the imagination of children as well as the depths of the source material,” along with Jeff Kmiec’s scenic design. Sullivan also lauded the performances of the cast, particularly noting James Konicek’s “diabolically good bad guy” portrayal of Captain Hook, stating in a deliciously descriptive passage:
“Konicek doesn’t chew the scenery so much as he devours it like a famished crocodile, chomping away with the force of a thousand chainsaws taking to a pile of toothpicks and then spitting it back out into the atmosphere like pulverized sawdust being shot out of a water cannon, wholly infiltrated by laughing gas.”
Hedy Weiss, writing for WTTW praised the “elaborately produced” musical for its “exceptionally fine aerial work by ZFX Flying Effects, and an exemplary cast and design team.” Weiss also noted the “lovely lyricism and wistfulness” of the Stiles and Drewe score.
In a write-up for Third Coast Review, Lisa Trifone noted that under Mak, the musical had “polished, clever staging and child-like wonder that’ll have even the most cynical among us clapping to keep Tinkerbell alive.” Trifone also shared that her 5-year old theatre companion “[had eyes] wide as dinner plates the whole time” and despite reservations about the flying devices being clearly visible, “he was… adorably awed by the whole thing.” Trifone summarized the show was a “perfect introduction for future musical theater lovers but a treat for those of us who’ve grown up a bit since our first show, too.”
In a less enthusiastic two-and-a-half star review for the Chicago Tribune, Chris Jones noted that despite the young (and grown-up) audience having a wonderful time, the story felt rushed. Jones ultimately stated “I just wish… it had taken more time to feel and breathe.”
During its run, CST captured the production with multiple cameras.
In mid-late 2020, the film was re-mastered and made available to stream on demand for free between December 19, 2020 and January 1, 2021. CST billed the stream as a “feature film” and noted that the capture was filmed with a live audience. Closed captioning, audio description, and duo-interpreted ASL services were provided with the stream.
Julia W. Rath in Around the Town Chicago praised HMS Media and Chicago Shakes Stream for doing a “fantastic job with this archival video production in enhancing the sound design and mix and building on the work of music director Kory Danielson and orchestrator Matt Deitchman.” Rath also shared how the capture had “reawakened one of [her] earliest childhood memories” from around 1960 of seeing Mary Martin in the touring Broadway production of Peter Pan.
Other reviewers of the film praised the musical itself, but made no mention of the filmic aspects of the capture. Philip Fisher in British Theatre Guide described the musical as “jaunty” without being “stint on the some of the tale’s darker moments,” and Jodie Jacobs for Chicago Theater and Arts stated it “delightfully proves that not everything watched this time of year has to have a Christmas or Hanukkah theme.” Similarly, Colin Douglas in the Chicago Theatre Review stated “The real magic… is that this show can be enjoyed for free, right in the comfort of your own home. Taking a break from Santa, Scrooge and a certain red-nosed reindeer, family audiences are sure to be captivated by Chicago Shakespeare’s wonderful new holiday production.”
Peter Pan a Musical Adventure is not currently available to view.
In a write-up for Third Coast Review, Lisa Trifone noted that under Mak, the musical had “polished, clever staging and child-like wonder that’ll have even the most cynical among us clapping to keep Tinkerbell alive.” Trifone also shared that her 5-year old theatre companion “[had eyes] wide as dinner plates the whole time” and despite reservations about the flying devices being clearly visible, “he was… adorably awed by the whole thing.” Trifone summarized the show was a “perfect introduction for future musical theater lovers but a treat for those of us who’ve grown up a bit since our first show, too.”
In a less enthusiastic two-and-a-half star review for the Chicago Tribune, Chris Jones noted that despite the young (and grown-up) audience having a wonderful time, the story felt rushed. Jones ultimately stated “I just wish… it had taken more time to feel and breathe.”
During its run, CST captured the production with multiple cameras.
In mid-late 2020, the film was re-mastered and made available to stream on demand for free between December 19, 2020 and January 1, 2021. CST billed the stream as a “feature film” and noted that the capture was filmed with a live audience. Closed captioning, audio description, and duo-interpreted ASL services were provided with the stream.
Julia W. Rath in Around the Town Chicago praised HMS Media and Chicago Shakes Stream for doing a “fantastic job with this archival video production in enhancing the sound design and mix and building on the work of music director Kory Danielson and orchestrator Matt Deitchman.” Rath also shared how the capture had “reawakened one of [her] earliest childhood memories” from around 1960 of seeing Mary Martin in the touring Broadway production of Peter Pan.
Other reviewers of the film praised the musical itself, but made no mention of the filmic aspects of the capture. Philip Fisher in British Theatre Guide described the musical as “jaunty” without being “stint on the some of the tale’s darker moments,” and Jodie Jacobs for Chicago Theater and Arts stated it “delightfully proves that not everything watched this time of year has to have a Christmas or Hanukkah theme.” Similarly, Colin Douglas in the Chicago Theatre Review stated “The real magic… is that this show can be enjoyed for free, right in the comfort of your own home. Taking a break from Santa, Scrooge and a certain red-nosed reindeer, family audiences are sure to be captivated by Chicago Shakespeare’s wonderful new holiday production.”
Peter Pan a Musical Adventure is not currently available to view.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Theatre: Courtyard Theatre at Navy Pier, Chicago
Producer: Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Book: Elliot Davis, based on the book by Willis Hall
Music: George Stiles
Lyrics: Anthony Drewe
Director & Choreographer: Amber Mak
Musical Director: Kory Danielson
Orchestrations: Matt Deitchman
Fight Choreography: Jerry Galante
Scenic Design: Jeff Kmiec
Costume Design: Theresa Ham
Lighting Design: Greg Hofmann
Sound Design: Ray Nardelli
Projections Design: Mike Tutaj
Wig and Make-Up Design: Richard Jarvie
Stage Manager: Deborah Acker
Cast:
Rengin Altay (Storyteller)
Roberta Burke (Mrs. Darling/Cecco)
Jonathan Butler-Duplessis (Nana/Bill Jukes)
Sean Patrick Fawcett (Smee)
Cameron Goode (John Darling)
Carter Graf (Michael Darling)
Christina Hall (Starkey)
James Konicek (Mr. Darling/Captain Hook)
Michael Kurowski (Tootles)
Colin Lawrence (Curly)
John Marshall Jr. (Slightly Soiled)
Johnny Shea (Peter Pan)
Elizabeth Stenholt (Wendy Darling)
Travis Austin Wright (Nibs)
Theatre: Courtyard Theatre at Navy Pier, Chicago
Producer: Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Book: Elliot Davis, based on the book by Willis Hall
Music: George Stiles
Lyrics: Anthony Drewe
Director & Choreographer: Amber Mak
Musical Director: Kory Danielson
Orchestrations: Matt Deitchman
Fight Choreography: Jerry Galante
Scenic Design: Jeff Kmiec
Costume Design: Theresa Ham
Lighting Design: Greg Hofmann
Sound Design: Ray Nardelli
Projections Design: Mike Tutaj
Wig and Make-Up Design: Richard Jarvie
Stage Manager: Deborah Acker
Cast:
Rengin Altay (Storyteller)
Roberta Burke (Mrs. Darling/Cecco)
Jonathan Butler-Duplessis (Nana/Bill Jukes)
Sean Patrick Fawcett (Smee)
Cameron Goode (John Darling)
Carter Graf (Michael Darling)
Christina Hall (Starkey)
James Konicek (Mr. Darling/Captain Hook)
Michael Kurowski (Tootles)
Colin Lawrence (Curly)
John Marshall Jr. (Slightly Soiled)
Johnny Shea (Peter Pan)
Elizabeth Stenholt (Wendy Darling)
Travis Austin Wright (Nibs)
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 Mark Charlap and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, additional music by Jule Styne and additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green (1954)
The most well-known musical version of 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.
Shortly after the Broadway run had closed in 1955, 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.
The Robbins version of Peter Pan has been revived multiple times on Broadway, most notably starring former Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby. The Rigby revival saw three Broadway runs, and multiple national tours, with a run at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada, California being filmed live in early 2000. Learn more about the filmed live production at Peter Pan (2000).
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 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 musical, 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 Mark Charlap and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, additional music by Jule Styne and additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green (1954)
The most well-known musical version of 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.
Shortly after the Broadway run had closed in 1955, 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.
The Robbins version of Peter Pan has been revived multiple times on Broadway, most notably starring former Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby. The Rigby revival saw three Broadway runs, and multiple national tours, with a run at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada, California being filmed live in early 2000. Learn more about the filmed live production at Peter Pan (2000).
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 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
- Harry Haun, “Next Stop, Neverland: Cathy Rigby Returns to Peter Pan” Playbill (Dec 16, 1998)
- 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)
- Susan King, “Clap If You Believe in Fairy Tales,” The Los Angeles Times (Oct 8, 2000), p.3
- 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)
- Cathy Martin, “Folio: Peter Pan at the Lyric Theatre,” The F Words (Dec 6, 2019)
- 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)
- Garth Edwin Sunderland, “Peter Pan (1950): Program Note,” Leonard Bernstein Office (undated)
- Lisa Trifone, “Chicago Shakespeare Theater Captures the Magic in Peter Pan–A Musical Adventure,” Third Coast Review (July 5, 2018)
- Elisabeth Vincentelli, “Wait, Leonard Bernstein Wrote a ‘Peter Pan’ Musical?” New York Times (June 26, 2018)
- Joanne Weintraub, “Classics ‘Pan,’ ‘Twist’ get revisit, new slant,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Oct 7, 2000) p.B-14
- Hedy Weiss, “High-Wired ‘Peter Pan’ Flies on Well-Defined Gender Battle,” WTTW: News (July 9, 2018)
- Martie Zad, “Cathy Rigby Flies High in `Peter Pan’” The Washington Post (Oct 8, 2000)
- 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
- Uncredited, “Home Video: Merchants & Marketing,” Billboard (April 8, 2000) p. 61
- Uncredited, “Cathy Rigby stars in ‘Peter Pan’ Sunday,” Lancaster New Era, (Oct 6, 2000), p.C-7
- Uncredited, “On the Tube: New Releases,” The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky (Nov 4, 2000) p. 89
- 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 (January, 2023)