Flying High on Happy Thoughts, Peter Pan Dazzles With Heart and Humor.

May 6th, 2025

The lights dim, and in the hush of anticipation, a lone green backdrop glows—Peter Pan’s mischievous shadow dances across it, setting the stage for an enchanting journey. What followed was a spirited flight through childhood, imagination, and the timeless magic of Neverland. Book writer Larissa FastHorse breathes fresh life into Peter Pan with an inventive adaptation that enchants both children and adults, offering a dazzling theatrical escape laced with laughter, wonder, and fairy dust.

Kruz Maldonado as Peter Pan. Photo by Evan Zimmerman

From the very first transformation of the stage, the production burst to life with energy and imagination. Tinker Bell—portrayed through a flickering trail of light—was more than a sidekick; she was a scene-stealer, zipping across the set and even playfully yanking Wendy’s hair when she leaned in for a kiss with Peter! As Peter Pan, Kruz Maldonado delivered a captivating performance, combining boundless energy with stellar vocals that soared as high as the character himself. Aubrie-Mei Rubel, as Wendy, radiated warmth and charm, grounding the fantastical story with grace and heartfelt emotion.

Cheyenne Omani as Wendy, Kruz Maldonado as Peter Pan, Bailey Frankenberg as Tiger Lily in PETER PAN. Photo by Evan Zimmerman

With light and movement, Tinker Bell communicated effortlessly. As her glow started to fade away, the audience’s energy and belief in magic kept her alive. The entire production seemed designed to reignite the lost spark within us, to remind us of the magic we once believed in.

Flying by the Big Ben and above the sky, we were immersed in a magical journey that made us all bring back our childhood. Captain Hook, with an out-of-this-world performance brought to life by Cody Garcia, was one of the evening’s unforgettable highlights. His musical talent and impersonation of the worst pirate of Neverland captivated the audience. The grand finale was the perfect finishing touch. As Peter’s pixie dust leaped from the stage, it seemed to cover the audience with real sparkles and happy thoughts. Walking out of the theater, we were enchanted to find magical confetti still drifting around us, even beyond the Broward Center. To our surprise, it followed us almost to the parking lot.

PETER PAN Cody Garcia as Captain Hook. Photo by Matthew Murphy

But the true magic remained not in the confetti, but in the hearts of those who had been touched by the show. Carried home in smiles and starry eyes, that magic will be shared again—by everyone who remembers what it feels like to believe, with happy thoughts.