Poway has been besieged by pirates, crocodiles, Indians, Lost Boys, and ultra-jealous fairies. But not to worry! For flying into the fray are three young English children and that kid who won't grow up, the beloved hero Peter Pan.
Yes, the Poway Center for the Performing Arts has been transformed into Neverland, this one accessible via walking, driving, and the more standard flying. And the high-flying adventures that await all who undertake the journey include swashbuckling action, priceless comedy, delightful singing, and a classic story that has charmed children of all ages for more than one hundred years. Director Joshua Carr has assembled a cast soaring with talent led by 2002 "Billie" winner Lauren Campbell as Peter Pan. Seventeen-year-old Lauren has already had leading roles throughout San Diego in Annie, Annie Get Your Gun, Annie Warbucks, Oliver!, and most recently in Moonlight's Bye, Bye Birdie, not to mention a featured role in La Jolla Playhouse's Jane Eyre. Here she plays Peter for her FOURTH time. The combination of Lauren's singing and acting talent, along with her previous Pan experiences, make for an unforgettable performance of Lauren's exuberant singing, acrobatic flying, and amusing sense of humor (especially Lauren's uncomfortable expressions as Wendy encourages him to take on the role of the Father to the Lost Boys -- while Wendy plays the Mother). Joining her are three real-life siblings Deidre, Jacob, and Jarvis Haren as Wendy, John, and Michael Darling. And what an incredibly talented family of actors and singers they are -- a remarkably perfect fit for the Darling kids that seems fated. The three shared the stage earlier this year in Encore Youth Theatre's Honk! wherein Jacob played the Ugly Duckling, Deidre played the regal leader of the ducks Grace, and Jarvis a duckling. And before that, Deidre and Jacob took the stage on Encore's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow which accumulated a whopping eight "Billie" awards including one for Jacob's performance as Jonathan. Their beautiful voices soar whether they are physically soaring above the stage or not. Deidre is a consummate Wendy with her exquisite singing and talking voice and her nurturing affection for Peter Pan -- even when he brushes off her affections and her "kisses." Jacob is great as the adventure-seeking, patriotic John. And the adorable seven-year-old Jarvis wins the hearts of the audience with his precious performance as Michael -- and his standing up to mean, old Captain Hook with his powerful, vehement declaration, "And I refuse!" that puts Hook in his place. Speaking of Hook, you'll never see a group of more comically villainous creatures than the one-handed Captain (Tony Eisenhower) and his ruthless, but fortunately somewhat bungling, band of thugs. Hook makes hilarious use of his hook throughout, including using it to move his pirates around to do his bidding. Scott Schroeder, as the big-bellied Smee, is a riot as Hook's mostly loyal sidekick. Add to all that a lively group of Indians who dance circles around everyone, led by Mara Soler as Tiger Lily (rejoining Lauren Campbell, where she recently played a terrifically obnoxious Lucy Van Pelt to Lauren's Sally Brown in San Diego Junior Theatre's You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown). Not to mention a high-spirited group of Lost Boys who seek adventure at every turn -- and find it in Neverland. And you can find it, too! Fly on up to Poway to keep the magic, and Tinkerbell, alive for yet another century. Rob Hopper San Diego Playbill ~ Cast ~
Peter Pan: Lauren Campbell Hook/Mr. Darling: Tony Eisenhower Mrs. Darling: Summer Dohrman Wendy: Deidre Haren Michael: Jarvis Haren John: Jacob Haren Liza: Jennefer Gillette Wendy Grown Up: Blair Hollingsworth Jane: Shanna McCue Tiger Lily: Mara Soler Nana and Croc: Daniel Hannify Smee: Scott Schroeder Cecco: Sean Hannify Starky: John Hatherill Noodler: Michael Tomaselli Mullins: Craig Casey Mackie: Enrique Munoz, Jr. Jukes: Christopher Gomez Slightly: Brent Beavers Toodles: Tiffany Chow Twin #1: Jenianne Fortney Twin #2: Amanda Lenhart Nibs: Steven Hypnarowski Curly: Ryan Davidson Indians: Jessica Wilson Michelle Pierce Molly Harrington Amy Knoll-Gentry Karen Friedenberg Definique Juniel Kristina Meek Lost Boys: Michael Fortney Leah Lyons Taylor Savitt Janessa Gillette Amy Hypnarowski William Lenhart Karina Gillette Evan Ehrenberg Morgan Thomas Hollingsworth Laura Taylor Director: Joshua Carr Choreographer: Crystal Burden Musical Director: Joshua Carr Stage Manager: Mary Hannify Conductor: Mark Wadleigh Accompanist: Terese Richardson |