17512 Columbia

Peter Pan … really was in Marietta!

Were you as disappointed with last night’s live production of Peter Pan Live! as we were?

As one of the disappointed ones, we turned the tv off after an hour or so and went on to other things. Wal-Mart tried, but honestly tv commercials helped complete the wreckage this rendition was to be.

Here are some comments and links to reviews:

  • “And then something incredible happened. Peter Pan Live! wasn’t an epic failure. It was something much more shocking to the American public. It was… fine.” – Entertainment Weekly
  • “Was it the amateur train wreck that was last year’s ‘Sound of Music Live!’ No, it was worse. It was boring. Where’s the fairy dust when you need it?” – The Daily Beast

And Playbill’s got numerous links to reviews and the best and worst tweets.

Columbia news, view & reviews was far more blown away by the summertime production in Marietta. The Peter Pan we saw on stage in Marietta “was Peter Pan.”

“Peter Pan is a fun production at the Susquehanna Stage Co.”

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Cast members mingle for photos and conversations following yesterday’s performance of “Peter Pan.“

The 53 people who had on-stage roles in the delightful production of Peter Pan are but one contingent of the scores of dedicated folks who have come together to present a magical version of the classic show.

This local show, which has five performances remaining,  combines a sparkling, smiling (except for the scowling – in a good way- pirates), effervescent and highly talented cast; spectacular scenery; wonderful music; terrific costumes; spirited dance and choreography and, well, appreciative audiences to present this classic tale.

Some pretty famous ladies have been cast in the role of Peter Pan – you know the names, Mary Martin, Sandy Duncan, Cathy Rigby – and the young lady who plays Peter Pan in Marietta is as vibrant, impish and loaded with talent as they. She has a voice as big as the forest and is non-stop motion … plus she’s got charismatic charm that just reels in audiences.

Playing Peter Pan, Penn Manor student, Lauren Elledge, is in love with theatre and acting.

So, too, is director, Jim Johnson. His coaching shows as the faces of each of the cast members emote for every scene. Each pirate, each Lost Boy, each Indian and even the dancing animals had the emotions down pat. We’re pretty certain we saw facial expressions that changed with Nana and the Croc!

Kudos to James Landis, who played the Mr. Darling/Captain Hook role that Cyril Ritchard had on Broadway. He is the “swiniest swine in the world,” indeed, and he’s sufficiently timid to lead a band of “Home Alone”- like miscreants. They are, though, the kind of miscreants that audiences love.

Have to say, too, that the Indian maidens were, well, strikingly stunning and beautiful.

Call the theater or go online now. Then gather your family and go see this play in Marietta. Here are the remaining shows:

Wednesday, July 30 — 7:30 pm
Thursday, July 31 — 7:30 pm
Friday, August 1 — 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 2 — 7:30 pm
Sunday, August 3 — 2 pm

Your best bet nights for tickets probably are Wednesday and Thursday. But do go see this show.

Susquehanna Stage Company Website

Susquehanna Stage Company facebook page

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