Grade B+
If you're looking to introduce your children to theater, the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse has the perfect show for you.
“Peter Pan”, a story familiar enough to pique their interest, is also engaging enough to hold it. Singing, dancing and fighting; pirates, Indians and children who can fly. And Director Ed Sayles has wisely broken the play into three acts to help keep the youngsters from getting too antsy.
Sayles has also used broad strokes in directing the play, keeping delivery and gestures grand and characters just on the verge of cartoonish. It is a perfect choice for communicating the play to children and those children in the audience when I saw the show, including the four who were with me, were riveted.
The performances, particularly among the leads, are uniformly wonderful.
Amy Griffin is marvelous as the boy who won't grow up, with a solid presence and a terrific voice. James Van Treuren is perfect in the duel role of the imperious Mr. Darling and the villainous Captain Hook. His two “A Princely Scheme” numbers are exceptionally funny and his work in the third act is even better.
Geno Carr returns to MGR in the role of Hook's first mate, Smee. Carr is a gifted physical comic and gets plenty of opportunity here to demonstrate that talent.
Elizabeth Early is outstanding as Tiger Lily, and Joanne Baum is delightful as Mrs. Darling.
The biggest surprise here is not that these professionals are so good, but that so many of the less experienced performers are able to match them. Jessi Trauth as Wendy absolutely sparkles, delivering a solid performance with a sweetness that never cloys.
She has a superb voice and considerable ability as an actor. Jeffrey Kringer and Jonathan Mushock turn in admirable performances as her brothers, and Jeremy Lee Parrish, Joe Pine, Mark Sidor and Rachael Mou-Thiel stand out in supporting roles.
Mark Goodman's orchestra for this show is one of the best MGR has ever had in the pit.
Lori Leshner's choreography consists mainly of the dancers all making the same moves at the same time.
While this is normally ill advised, in this case it is a positive boon, serving the play flawlessly by keeping the younger audience focused and providing the adults with an athletic and complex spectacle.
Alex Koziara has done wonders with the settings for this show and Robert Frame's lighting is exceptional. Laura Simcox's costumes are right on target and stage manager Patrick Lanczki and his crew are faultless.
The show is perfect for families.
If you go
What: “Peter Pan”
When: Continues through July 20
Where: Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Emerson Park
For tickets or information: Call the box office at 255-1785 or visit www.merry-go-round.com
“Peter Pan”, a story familiar enough to pique their interest, is also engaging enough to hold it. Singing, dancing and fighting; pirates, Indians and children who can fly. And Director Ed Sayles has wisely broken the play into three acts to help keep the youngsters from getting too antsy.
Sayles has also used broad strokes in directing the play, keeping delivery and gestures grand and characters just on the verge of cartoonish. It is a perfect choice for communicating the play to children and those children in the audience when I saw the show, including the four who were with me, were riveted.
The performances, particularly among the leads, are uniformly wonderful.
Amy Griffin is marvelous as the boy who won't grow up, with a solid presence and a terrific voice. James Van Treuren is perfect in the duel role of the imperious Mr. Darling and the villainous Captain Hook. His two “A Princely Scheme” numbers are exceptionally funny and his work in the third act is even better.
Geno Carr returns to MGR in the role of Hook's first mate, Smee. Carr is a gifted physical comic and gets plenty of opportunity here to demonstrate that talent.
Elizabeth Early is outstanding as Tiger Lily, and Joanne Baum is delightful as Mrs. Darling.
The biggest surprise here is not that these professionals are so good, but that so many of the less experienced performers are able to match them. Jessi Trauth as Wendy absolutely sparkles, delivering a solid performance with a sweetness that never cloys.
She has a superb voice and considerable ability as an actor. Jeffrey Kringer and Jonathan Mushock turn in admirable performances as her brothers, and Jeremy Lee Parrish, Joe Pine, Mark Sidor and Rachael Mou-Thiel stand out in supporting roles.
Mark Goodman's orchestra for this show is one of the best MGR has ever had in the pit.
Lori Leshner's choreography consists mainly of the dancers all making the same moves at the same time.
While this is normally ill advised, in this case it is a positive boon, serving the play flawlessly by keeping the younger audience focused and providing the adults with an athletic and complex spectacle.
Alex Koziara has done wonders with the settings for this show and Robert Frame's lighting is exceptional. Laura Simcox's costumes are right on target and stage manager Patrick Lanczki and his crew are faultless.
The show is perfect for families.
If you go
What: “Peter Pan”
When: Continues through July 20
Where: Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Emerson Park
For tickets or information: Call the box office at 255-1785 or visit www.merry-go-round.com
The Citizens' Say
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