"An elaborate and flashy production of 'Peter Pan' that will most certainly bring families to the theatre; however, something's missing that's key to a full appreciation."

This opening night touring production of the young boy (super work by Kruz Maldonado) who doesn't want to grow up and takes the Darling children to Neverland to battle Captain Hook (a devilishly tongue-in-cheek Cody Garcia) ticks all the correct boxes.

When I saw that Tiger Lily (Bailey Frankenberg) would be included, I raised an eyebrow in concern. There are some insensitive cultural references to the character in J.M. Barrie's story, and I wondered how they might be incorporated. Thankfully, Larissa FastHorse's additional book writing made the appropriate changes to a more acceptable twenty-first-century understanding.

The technical feats on this opening night are genuinely spectacular. 

Paul Rubin's flying sequences alone are worth half the ticket price. Maldonado's spectacular soaring entrance into the Darling nursery is marvellous. Watching the Darling children Wendy (Aubrie-Mei Rubel), Michael (Zaynn Arora), and John (Owen Suarez) think marvellous thoughts before they take to the sky drew rave responses from the young children sitting around me, who probably wish they could fly too. Paul Kieve's Tinker Bell design is lovely as the light magically dances and manoeuvres around the stage.

Structurally, other technical elements are in tip-top shape.

Anna Louizos' scenic designs of emerald and green shimmer when Peter and the Darling children arrive in Neverland. Kai Harada's sound design works beautifully. I could hear the lyrics to each of the songs. Sarafina Bush's costume designs are terrific re-creations. Although the setting is contemporary, the choice to include the storybook costumes we know still works. That's the beauty of childhood imagination. Amith Chandrashaker's lighting designs nicely focus the audience's attention to create mystery, intrigue and suspense.  As Peter, Wendy, Michael and John fly to Neverland, David Bengali's projection designs become stunning as the characters swoop across the stage.

The performances are delightful. Kruz Maldonado's Peter is on the verge of growing up, and his vocal tone indicates this reality. Kurt Perry's Smee (Captain Hook's sidekick) is smarmy, and Zaynn Arora's Michael is adorable in his onesie pyjamas.

Jonathan Marro and Lorin Latarro's effective collaboration in music direction and choreography, respectively, creates some memorable music and dance numbers. 'Hook's Tarantella' and 'Hook's Waltz' are two examples from the second act. Director Lonny Price sets out to create a fun night at the theatre through terrific singing and 'step-in-time' dancing.

For the most part, there is fun in this 'Peter Pan.' Seeing many young children dressed up for an evening at the theatre was heartwarming. Some die-hard fans even came dressed as the titular character.

The production ticks all the proverbial boxes to create a good night at the theatre.

But I'm hesitating as well.

There's an inconsistency in this opening night that doesn't leave me feeling satiated.

The story's old-fashioned story of magical charm gets lost in all the technical wizardry of the play.

Although CGIs (computer graphic images), hydraulics, and mechanics are part and parcel of Broadway/touring shows, I felt like I was watching a blockbuster film in the cinema. People behind me were munching away on popcorn during the performance. Boxes and boxes of popcorn were brought in at the interval, and the munching continued during the second act.

I get it that kids will get hungry, and treats are money-makers.

But it's the theatre…Le sigh!

There are select moments when the old-fashioned charm rings true. Those moments brought a smile to my face. It occurs when Peter and Wendy meet for the first time in the Nursery. Both Rubel and Maldonado capture the sweetness as the two characters introduce themselves. It's also there as Maldonado chases after Tinker Bell in the bedroom before the children wake up. It becomes heartbreakingly apparent in the second act when Maldonado breaks the fourth wall to ask the audience to bring Tinker Bell back to life through clapping and applause.

I wanted more of that.

I wanted to be charmed right through, just as Bad Hats' production of Alice in Wonderland (now on stage at Port Hope's Capitol Theatre) does.

By all means, yes, take the family to see 'Peter Pan' as it provides solid family entertainment.

I only wanted to be charmed by its magic more than I was.

Running time: 2 hours and 15 minutes with one interval/intermission.

The production runs until June 1 at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. For tickets: mirvish.com.


NETworks Presentations present 'Peter Pan,' a musical based on the play by Sir J.M. Barrie.
Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh
Music by Morris (Moose) Charlap
Additional lyrics by Betty Comden, Adolph Green and Amanda Green
Additional music by Jules Styne
Additional book by Larissa FastHorse

Directed by Lonny Price
Choreography by Lorin Latarro
Flying sequences choreographed by Paul Rubin
Music supervisor, orchestral adaptation and additional arrangements by Andy Einhorn
Scenic design by Anna Louizos
Costume design by Sarafina Bush
Lighting design by Amith Chanrashaker
Sound design by Kai Harada
Projection design by David Bengali
Tinker Bell design by Paul Kieve

Performers: Zaynn Aurora, Jonah Barricklo, Ryan Behan, Christian A. Boyd, Eduardo Campirano III, Shefali Deshpande, Bailey Frankenberg, Leo Galleogos, Cody Garcia, Calista Jones, Brandon Lashai, Kruz Maldonado, Lucas Moran, Ernesto Olivas, Kurt Perry, Aubrie-Mei Rubel, Hannah Schmidt, Zanie Love Shaia, Aaron Stewart, Owen Suarez, James Douglas Vinson