Peter Pan Flies Into Twinsburg

Just For Fun,Out and About in Cleveland
1/29/2012
4:28 pm

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Filed Under: Alec Albright, Christine Daae, City of Twinsburg, J.M. Barrie, Jennifer Cull, Jim Volkert, Kory, Mary Martin, Ohio..., parks and recreation, Peter Pan Musical, phantom of the opera, Piers Chater-Robinson, Q104, Theater, Theatre, Twinsburg, Twinsburg High School

Alec Albright and Mark Durbin in Peter Pan Musical - Image Credit: Varina Patel

“ The 170+ multi-generational cast alone is astounding and brings the story to life in a big way.
” Kory Most of us are familiar with the 1954 musical Peter Pan, made famous by Mary Martin in the 50′s and 60′s. This is not that show. In fact, as someone who was raised on frequent re-runs of the Broadway production’s TV specials I was ecstatic to see and hear a different take on J.M. Barrie‘s classic novel. Thankfully the Twinsburg Community Theatre in association with The Twinsburg Parks & Recreation Department present the 1985 (slightly more relevant than 1954) version of Peter Pan penned by Piers Chater-Robinson, The aptly named Peter Pan Musical.

I always place myself in the mindset of the size and type of production I am about to see when I take my seat. Immediately, I had high expectations for this show when I walked into Twinsburg High School’s gorgeous 1,000 seat auditorium. I was not disappointed. Producing Director Jim Volkert took a large scale and highly technical production (complete with flying) and passed it off with relative ease and simplicity. The 170+ multi-generational cast alone is astounding and brings the story to life in a big way.

The show’s breakout star is 13 year old Alec Albright. One of the first male Peter Pan’s I have ever seen, he held the show together with expertise and a confidence normally reserved for much older actors. Jennifer Cull (Wendy) at 16 years old steals the show on several occasions with her powerful soprano vocals. Phantom Of The Opera…future Christine Daae? Just saying.

Overall the show is a roaring success. “Braves To War/War Dance” and “You’ve Gotta Believe” bring the house down in the second act and “Don’t Say Goodbye” will move you to tears. All of the performances are passable and a few are really good, and the technical side of the show (despite a few slow set changes) is especially stunning when you remember that this is a community theatre and not a big budget Broadway show.

I would definitely recommend Peter Pan as a fun night out for the whole family. Plus, $9-$11 a ticket is a steal for the quality of the entertainment you’ll see at Peter Pan. Buy your tickets at TwinsburgRecreation.com.