The People’s Return
of Neverland
Book and Lyrics by Andrew Park
Music by Scott Lamps
Directed by Andrew Park
at The Blue Theater, 1609 W. Gregory (map)
thru March 30 | tickets: FREE | more info
Check for half-price tickets
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Fun (and free) musical fantasy for kids of all ages
Quest Theatre Ensemble presents
The People’s Return of Neverland
Review by Lauren Whalen
The story of Peter Pan has become less a work of literature, and more of mythology. Theatrical adaptations abound, from the traditional musical made famous by Mary Martin in the title role, to the more daring feats (The House Theatre’s magically intelligent The Terrible Tragedy of Peter Pan and Lookingglass Theatre’s aggressively athletic retelling). Quest Theatre Ensemble incorporates song and dance into The People’s Return of Neverland, a fun and family-friendly romp that explores what happens after Wendy grows up, and the effect Peter Pan’s epic Neverland battle has on both Wendy’s rebellious daughter, and the sore loser, Captain Hook.
Written and directed by Quest’s artistic director Andrew Park, and scored by acclaimed composer Scott Lamps, The People’s Return of Neverland mostly stays lighthearted, making Captain Hook (wasn’t he eaten by the crocodile, by the way?) and Smee comic villains with bumbling physicality and Snidely Whiplash-like glee. Apart from a couple of darker moments, there’s nothing overtly scary in this Neverland. The musical focuses mainly on Hook, with Peter Pan a crucial supporting character. Lamps’ music (with lyrics by Park, executed by a lovely live ensemble conducted by Tobi Mattingly) isn’t particularly memorable, but it’s pleasant enough, and the story has a 1980’s children’s movie vibe reminiscent of Return to Oz. At two hours (including intermission), it’s a little long for young audiences. Certain songs and scenes certainly could be cut, but at the same time it’s nothing the children in the opening day audience couldn’t handle.
Buck Blue’s set design maximizes the Blue Theater space (in the basement of St. Gregory the Great Church), conveying an attic bedroom, a dining room, and the various parts of Neverland with a simple, economic accuracy. Ashley Ann Woods’ costume design is aesthetically pleasing, incorporating bright patterns and colors in a Disney movie-like fashion. Park and Mattingly aptly guide their actor-singers, who possess gorgeous voices and a playful nature befitting the whimsical production. Though at times his ad-libbing is excessive, Quest ensemble member and co-founder Bowen is an excellent Hook, just malevolent enough without being sadistic, strutting through the theater with a contagious sense of fun. He plays well with Bullington, whose Smee is delightfully comic with just a touch of outright evil. Gillespie is a beautifully protective and thoughtful Wendy, and vamps it up as a manipulative mermaid. David Hathway (who made a memorable ringmaster in Quest’s 2012 Barnum) lends his soaring vocals in a sweet guitar and vocal solo, and as part of a pleasing Greek chorus of pirates (Nate Buursma, Becca Hess, Nathaniel Niemi and Kristi Sczczpanek).
As a company Quest prides itself on “theater for the people”, relying solely on grants and donations so as not to charge their audiences for tickets. Free theater is always a mission I can get behind, and Quest’s productions are talent-packed and executed with tremendous heart. The People’s Return of Neverland is no exception. It’s free entertainment that children and parents alike can enjoy – you can’t ask for better than that.
Rating: ★★★
The People’s Return of Neverland continues through March 30th at The Blue Theater, 1609 W. Gregory (on the campus of St. Gregory the Great Church – map), with performances Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays 2pm and 8pm, Sundays pm. Tickets are free (donations welcome!), though reservations are encouraged online through their website (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at QuestEnsemble.org. (Running time: 2 hours, includes an intermission)
Photos by Braxton Black
artists
cast
Molly LeCaptain (Jane), Jason Bowen (Hook, Father), Tommy Bullington (Smee), Ryan Gaffney (Peter Pan), Jamy Gillespie (Mother, Madam Mermaid), John Ruhaak (Mr. Leatherbee), David Hathway (Prince, Pirate), Nate Buursma (Pirate), Nathaniel Niemi (Pirate), Becca Hess (Pirate, Mermaid Sister, Maid), Kristi Szczepanek (Pirate, Mermaid Sister, Maid)
pirate band
Tobi Mattingly (conductor), Aimee Bass (percussion), Danielle Davis (percussion), David Hathway (accordion, guitar), Josh Mattingly (woodwinds, guitar), John Steman Jr. (clarinet), Thomas A. Walker (keyboard, trombone)
behind the scenes
Andrew Park (director), Tobi Mattingly (musical director), Dennis J. Murphy (choreography), H. Russ Brown (fight direction), Buck Blue (set and property design, scenic art), Ashley Ann Woods (costume design), Eric Vigo (lighting design), Sam Silva (sound design), Emma Hendren (stage manager), Jason Bowen (production manager), Emily Kefferstan (assistant production manager, scenic art), KC Matthews (technical director, asst. stage manager), Justin Burns (asst. stage manager), Justin Williams (sound operation), Christa Rolf (publicity management), Julie Taylor (spotlight operation), Justin Lance (sound management), Braxton Black (photos), Buck Blue, Jason Bowen, Jomar Ferreras, Emily Kefferstan, KC Matthews (set construction), Mark Abrahamson, Laura Bychowski, Pearl Edison, Brian Foster, Noah Greenia, Lisa Griebel, KC Matthews, Ellen Ranney, John Steman Jr. (changeover crew), Braxton Black (photos)
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