Flying High Above All Expectations—Peter Pan Leaves Audience Crowing with Excitement!

February 12th, 2025

In my decades of reviewing Broadway musicals of every category and form, I have never been more wrong about my presumptions than I was with Peter Pan. My biased belief going in was that it would be a low-quality, cheesy rendition, only suitable for young, easy-to-please children. Not to mention, it opened Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on a school night, so I thought the huge Dreyfoos Concert Hall would be empty as well. I must tell you—I could not have been more incorrect in my preconceived, unfounded opinions.

The entire hall of the Kravis Center was completely packed, with every age group represented. My 3-year-old, Lilly (who was dressed up as a fairy), and my 9-year-old son, Elliott (who is performing in the Peter Pan play at his local elementary school), were rambunctiously giddy with excitement as the giant curtain, emblazoned with Peter Pan’s silhouette, began to light up. The house lights dimmed, and the simplified pit orchestra launched into a wonderful opening score that could’ve held its own against most other Broadway shows. Now, my attention was piqued at the same level as my children’s.

The opening set was Wendy and her brothers’ bedroom—realistic and functional, unlike the prototypical cardboard cutouts sometimes thrown on a stage. The Lost Boys’ Neverland set was even more stupendous, like a living, breathing jungle that overtook the stage. The sets were also interchangeable, so there wasn’t a single awkward pause or a crew member obstructing the audience’s view while wheeling something on or offstage.

What truly made Peter Pan’s sets so remarkable was how seamlessly they blended with the amazing backdrop screen effects. These techniques helped immerse you into each scene with the characters. Adding to this was some incredible lighting, which created depth and movement. To drive this point home, Peter Pan had some of the best sets I have ever seen—and this is coming from a journalist who has witnessed a helicopter flying down during Miss Saigon, massive puppeted animals filling the entire hall in The Lion King, and Les Misérables with its towering hill of debris.

NYC native Jonah Barricklo, who took on the iconic role of Peter Pan, wowed the entire audience. His voice soared even higher than he did as he flew around the stage. His vocal prowess was evident from the start as he launched into “I Gotta Crow”, and he showcased stellar range in “When I Went Home” and “Neverland.”

Jonah Barricklo and Hawa Kamara. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Along with his singing, Jonah’s physical dexterity and acting were second to none. His fight with his shadow, enhanced by clever effects, was pure genius. But for everyone who knows the story, we were all eagerly awaiting his flight. As the bedroom window opened, Jonah Barricklo (aka Peter Pan) launched over 20 feet into the air and then touched down perfectly onto the stage.

They did an amazing job mimicking flight while keeping it as realistic as possible. The movements weren’t jerky or forced but rather flowed naturally in every direction and at every height. They managed this not just with Peter Pan but also with Wendy, John, and Michael—simultaneously. Their number, aptly titled “I’m Flying,” had everyone hooting and jumping up and down in their seats.

“I’m Flying.” (from L) Micah Turner Lee as John, Reed Epley as Michael, Hawa Kamara as Wendy, Nolan Almeida as Peter Pan. Photo: Matthew Murphy

On the other side of the coin was, of course, Captain Hook, played by Cody Garcia, and the over-the-top Smee, portrayed by Kurt Perry. This eclectic and overtly flamboyant duo was reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast’s Gaston and LeFou. Even their song “Hook’s Waltz” (featuring a hilarious singing moon) bore similarities to “Gaston” in its playful nature. This was not a bad thing by any means—just an observation of one masterful performance reminiscent of another.

“Hook’s Tarantella.” (center) Cody Garcia as Captain Hook and the cast of Peter Pan. Photo: Matthew Murphy

The entire Peter Pan cast was fantastic—not only playing their parts well but playing off each other brilliantly. This was especially evident in “Wendy,” “I Won’t Grow Up” (where they danced on turtles), and the fun choreographed number “Friends Forever.”

“I Won’t Grow Up!” Nolan Almeida as Peter Pan (center) and the cast of Peter Pan. Photo: Matthew Murphy

The crowd at the Kravis Center was all smiles, collectively knowing their expectations had been blown away. They even clapped frantically to help bring little Tinker Bell back to life. Peter Pan: The Musical was original, masterful, talented, and entertaining for all.

Don’t think you’re too grown up to see it—check it out while you still can, before Peter Pan flies away.