The national touring production of “Peter Pan: The Musical” flies into Oklahoma City this week, landing at The Civic Center and playing through March 23rd, 2025.
Based on the original story by JM Barrie, this version of the beloved Broadway musical is a new adaptation by playwright Larissa FastHorse. The tour launched in 2024 and features a young, diverse cast and an energetic production. Directed by Lonny Price, the age-old tale offers something new to discover for theatregoers. Peter Pan features mild, thematic violence and high-flying acrobatics, but is suitable for families and all ages.
“Peter Pan” originally debuted on Broadway nearly 70 years ago. Long known as a staple of musical theatre, it has introduced generations of children to the art and thrill of live performance.
When Peter loses his shadow, he and his sparkling sidekick Tinkerbell sneak into the home of Wendy Darling to get it back. Waking Wendy in his pursuits, Peter regales her with stories of his Neverland – a magical place where fairies, pirates, and timely crocodiles roam.
Wendy convinces him to take her back there, where she can be the mother to Peter’s Lost Boys. Peter sprinkles fairy dust on Wendy and her brothers, and they fly off to Neverland, where a host of fairytale friends, villains, and heroes await.
Kruz Maldonado as Peter and Hawa Kamara as Wendy carry the bulk of the show, with standout moments for each, including Wendy’s tune “Distant Melody” and Peter’s solos “Neverland” and “When I Went Home”.
Cody Garcia is the ominous and hilarious Captain Hook, Peter’s nemesis and one of the only adult characters. With Kurt Perry as Hook’s loyal Smee, Captain Hook and his band of thieves create moments of comedic relief and provide a redemptive arc to the tale. Garcia is having the most fun on stage, and when his character breaks the fourth wall, the audience gets raucous indeed.
Peter Pan. (Photo: Matthew Murphy)
Bailey Frankenberg portrays Tiger Lily, a Queen of sorts and the leader of a group of Indigenous warriors in Neverland. Great care has been taken to honor Indigenous tribes, and that is particularly special in Oklahoma.
The show begins with a formal Land Acknowledgement, and the cast features two Native performers from Oklahoma. The costume design for Tiger Lily and her warriors is by Sarafina Bush. Bush based these costumes on the traditional dress from each actor’s Tribal heritage.
“Peter Pan” is a technical marvel; moments abound throughout the performance that leave the audience awestruck and wondering how it’s done. Fairy dust, sparkling lights, and even confetti are utilized throughout the show. Background video provides depth to the set, and this aspect works well if the performers remain on time with their cues.
“Peter Pan” serves as a reminder to theatres to offer more family-friendly shows during their seasons.
The mid-week opening night performance is packed at the Civic Center, and kids on Spring Break enjoy a night out that doesn’t involve screens. Live performance benefits everyone, regardless of age or prior experience. Children are engaged throughout the show and seem to genuinely have a good time.
“Peter Pan” runs only about 2 hours, so it’s not a slog or overly long. It’s well-paced with both action and moments of tenderness that keep the plot moving along easily. The technical elements are surprising and exciting, and after the show ends the audience filters out with glitter and confetti on the floor. All have a memorable time!
The show runs through March 23rd, 2025 at the Civic Center Music Hall. OKC Broadway’s next show, “Some Like it Hot,” runs in April. The 2024-2025 season concludes in May with one of Broadway’s hottest shows last year, “& Juliet.”
Their 10th Anniversary Season kicks off in September with Kimberly Akimbo, followed by much-anticipated titles like Beauty and the Beast, The Wiz, Hell’s Kitchen, and Shucked.
Season tickets are available now on okcbroadway.com.
Adrienne Proctor is a theater and arts writer in Oklahoma City. She's been contributing to the arts reporting space since 2017.
