“Peter Pan,” an updated and spectacular stage version of the childhood classic, is on stage at Seattle’s Paramount Theater.
It is well known as the tale of the “boy who wouldn’t grow up,” and a poignant reflection on the virtues of being young as opposed to maturing.
To me, it was an entertaining production with stunning visuals and lots of talent — some of it (appropriately) very young people.
For whatever reason, “Peter Pan” isn’t part of my childhood memories, so the story doesn’t hold any special meaning for me. And honestly, I didn’t think the “stay young or grow up?” dilemma really came through that strongly. The most impressive thing I saw was characters “flying” around the stage and being transported to Neverland, where they encountered Lost Boys, pirates and others in various farfetched plot developments.
Oh, sure, Captain Hook and his sidekick Smee were clearly meant to be comical; as was The Croc (Captain Hook’s reptilian nemesis). But the campiness went a little overboard at times, I thought. A younger person might disagree. In fact, she did:
‘Peter Pan’: teen perspective
I found “Peter Pan” to be thought-provoking for people my age, but also very fun and appropriate for kids younger than me.
It was also visually very impressive, and just overall entertaining and fun.
It was easy to follow. However, in a way that not all kids’ musicals do, I found it to have meaning deeper than just the story, and I was able to enjoy it for that reason, too: It was a glimpse into getting older vs. staying young, and it surprisingly touched me for being a children’s show.
I think little kids liked it, too, because of all the laughter around us, and I know I would have at their age.
So basically: good for everyone, just in different ways.
Nolan Almeida, 17, was a very impressive Peter Pan.
‘Peter Pan’ details
This is a short run of “Peter Pan“. Remaining performances are:
- 7:30 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 22)
- 7:30 p.m. Friday
- 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday
- 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Families (or friend groups) can get a 25% discount for buying four tickets together. Look for the “Me+3” promotion on Ticketmaster. Here’s how it works: Click on a date and showtime, click on “buy tickets,” then look for a button marked “unlock” and enter the code: FLY25.
Rant alert: I was really dismayed, when the show ended, to see so many people bolting from their seats before the final bows. The moment the curtain dropped, people rushed the aisles. What bad etiquette to not even show a moment’s appreciation for the gift that is live theater. Yes, it’s crowded when everyone leaves at once, and chances are many of us are heading to the same parking garage, but if you’re in that much of a rush you should reconsider attending. Particularly if you bring kids, please teach them to show appreciation by applauding the artists when the performance has finished. It doesn’t take that long. (And sometimes, as was the case with “Peter Pan,” there’s a little surprise treat at the end.) Rant over.
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