PETER PAN. Fantasy musical based on JM Barrie’s story. Music/Lyrics Marcel Meyer. Director Fred Abrahamse. Presented by Abrahamse and Meyer Productions in association with Toys R Us. At Canal Walk Theatre at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm daily (except Mondays) until 23 July.
SHEILA CHISHOLM reviews.
Re-coining an old adage “Good theatre from little shows grow” applies to Fred Abrahamse and Marcel Meyer’s musical Peter Pan. Presently showing at Canal Walk Shopping Centre Theatre, Abrahamse and Meyer Productions (A and M) held their first show, Hansel & Gretel, in a vacant shop 17 years ago.
A multi-dimensional production
Said Meyer: “Our first productions quickly burgeoned till we created the theatre space you see today. Every July holiday we build the theatre from scratch. Our raked auditorium seats 500. Stage and decor we devise ourselves. To date we have entertained 350 000. And in keeping with JM Barrie’s bequest of his Peter Pan rights to Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, we give a percentage of our takings towards some children’s cause. We’ve purchased a heart machine for Red Cross Memorial Children’s Hospital and this year we’re supporting no fees, science and maths, LEAP schools. Our donation, combined with a generous R250 000 from Hyprop Foundation will go towards advancing those kiddies education. We’re also linking to Mandela Day (18 July)”.
A and M ask patrons to please buy a tin of Rhodes Quality tinned food and drop it off at Toys R Us. These contributions turn A and M’s Peter Pa, into a multi-dimensional production by going beyond entertainment value. But it has enormous entertainment value too.
While it helps to know the story, Meyer has adapted Barrie’s tale to a precise, easy, song-and-dance plot to follow. What’s a surprise is that in this “homemade” theatre, it’s possible for Peter Pan (Grant Aimirall) to fly. True, his harness is visible. Neither do the Darling children – Wendy (Jenny Stead) John (Kyle Jardine) Michael (Luke Tyler) fly. But this doesn’t matter.
“I Believe in Fairies”
What does matter is the team, led by Meyer, as nasty, evil Captain Hook and his simple-minded sidekick Smee (Dean Balie) give delightful performances. They engaged the audience who yelled loudly: “I Believe in Fairies” when asked to save Tinkerbell’s life – a bubbly expressive Raine Waring. Add to those Lost Boys Roberto Kyle and Roland Perold; pretty Bianca Flanders as Princess Tiger-Lily; cheerful music (sung with excellent diction); attractive sequined costumes, as well as uncredited Nana; and a scary looking Crocodile – and you have a charming family show.
What: Peter Pan
Where: Canal Walk Theatre, Cape Town
When: 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm daily (except Mondays) until 23 July, 2017
Book: www.computicket.co.za
WS
