Fly Away To Neverland In CCTC/HJT’s ‘Peter Pan’

See Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, Captain Hook and even the Crocodile up close in the Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre’s production of the enduring tale of “Peter Pan.” You will feel like you’ve escaped to Neverland in the enchanting outdoor setting with multiple stages and action happening all around you. 

The director of the show, Michael Cameron, also adapted the script. After nearly a decade away from this theater company, which sparked his love for theater, and after completing studies in theater, Cameron was excited to return home for this opportunity. Perhaps his return sparked a new concept for the teaching theater: having two production teams work on the show, mentors and apprentices. What a perfect way to learn a craft. 

And it seems to have had great results. The energetic and talented cast (nearly all females with the exception of Peter and one other!) fabulously enacted the story of the boy who refuses to grow up. Reese Daley is a great Peter; he plays the carefree, stubborn young man splendidly. On opening night, Juliet Seeley (Tinkerbell), Grace Olah (Smee), Amanda Gordon (Captain Hook) and Aylen Miller (Wendy) were particularly good in those high-profile roles. I’m sure you'll see each of the cast shine at some point in the production. They really give it their all. 

Making up the rest of the Darling family, the lost boys, the pirates and the “rebels” (the politically correct named Native Americans) are Fiona Mooney (John), Luna Diaz (Michael), Samantha Walker (Mrs. Darling/Starkey), Addison Wilde (Tootles), Leah Pacheco (Slightly), Indya Burch (Curly), Maddie Karczmarek (Twin One), Hope Daley (Twin Two), Xevi Zina Parker (Pandora), Finley Smith (Kestrel), Evelyn McColgan (Echo), Elianna Taylor (Cecco), Halley Stemmetz (Skylights), Keeva Oehme (Jukes), Nora McColgan (Rebelz) and Teddy Fleming (ensemble). 

You think you know the story, based on the classic by J.M. Barrie, but seeing it the theater’s outdoor setting is refreshing and new. Try to get there early to score one of the picnic tables set up like a cabaret setting. The actors leap on and off the tables! 

The apprentice production team were up to the challenge of the multiple stages and unusual setting. They included Eleanor Sears, stage manager; Fionn Pina Parker, tech director; Kristin Stagg, set design; Elisabeth DuPay, sound design; Perry Gill with an assist from Grace Olah, costume design; Maya Serris, props; and Audrey Pugh learning the ropes in marketing and social media. Cameron was mentored by Kirsten Peacock and Nick Nudler. Matt Kohler, Laura Froeschner, Robin McLaughlin, Seamus Sartin and Trish LaRose mentored and shared their specific expertise with each of the apprentices in the team. The essential backstage crew were Quill Achino (sound/lightboard operator) and Audrey Pugh (production assistant).

What a charming show! This is the perfect show to introduce the youngest in your family to the magic of live performances.