Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up
at Herndon High School

Reviewed on December 5, 2014

Gavin Moore
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

In many adults, there is an everlasting yearning for the innocence of childhood, an endearing fondness for the naiveté and simplicity of youth. No story captures this sentiment more beautifully than the tale of Peter Pan, and in a heartwarming production of Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up, the talented cast and crew of Herndon High School succeeded in bringing the classic adventure magically to the stage.

Based on J. M. Barrie's beloved story and adapted by Royal Shakespeare Company directing duo John Caird and Trevor Nunn, Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up follows the timeless tale of the boy who refused to do just that. The iconic story has enjoyed many adaptations, including a Broadway musical, a Disney film and a recent, live televised production on NBC. The familiar journey follows the mischievous title character as he convinces Wendy Darling and her brothers John and Michael to embark on an adventure with him to Neverland, a faraway island where the children stay perpetually young. As the Darlings are swept away to a world of imagination and fantasy, they begin to realize the cost of never growing up, and must find a way to return home.

Bringing the whimsical atmosphere of Neverland to life, the show featured a spectacular array of brilliant technical aspects. A fully-functioning fly system allowed characters to soar above the stage, to the amazement of the audience. Sets were impressive, exquisitely designed, and effectively implemented in a variety of scenes. Neverland and Captain Hook's ship were particularly intricate and allowed actors to utilize a variety of levels while moving about the stage. The child's fantasy aesthetic was further enhanced by dazzling lighting effects, which worked cohesively with sound effects to keep the audience members immersed in the setting. Admirable costuming distinguished ensembles from each other, with torn and ragged garb in earthy hues separating the Lost Boys from the bold dress donned by the pirates. Collaboration between hair and makeup artists allowed for aesthetics specific for each character, including a wide and unique variety of tattoos for the pirate ensemble.

As the title role of Peter Pan, Nathan Burns' enthusiastic portrayal fully embodied the quintessential boyishness and zealous nature of the character through consistent energy and playfulness. Sarah Overton exuded warmth and sensibility in the role of Wendy, the eldest of the Darling children, perfectly conveying the character's dilemma of maturing into adulthood while holding onto the innocence of youth. Moritz Barth played both Mr. Darling and infamous pirate Captain Hook. Rather than taking the well-trod path of portraying a nefarious Hook, Barth's unique portrayal gave off a more goofy and exaggerated aura, a refreshing take on the notorious character.

In addition to strong leading actors, the production was further energized by number of supporting characters. Annie Taylor portrayed the show's Storyteller, a mysterious narrator who guided the audience through the show. Taylor's ability to smoothly blend into the background after setting the scene allowed for her narration to be constructive without breaking the flow of the show. Tinkerbell was played by Melanie Simpson, whose sassy portrayal made her both humorous and captivating. The ensemble of Lost Boys was energetic and playful, and the fervor of the Lost Boys was matched by the ensemble of Captain Hook's pirates who displayed incredible dedication to their roles as brutish thugs.

Heralded by delightful characterizations, fabulous flying stunts and magnificent technical elements, Herndon High School triumphantly delivered an entertaining production, charming audience members of all ages in a classic tale of imagination, whimsy and the beauty of childhood.

Elizabeth Kirkhorn
James Madison High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Just about everyone knows the fabled story of Neverland, a place where mermaids sparkle in tropical seas, pirate ships loom on the horizon, and children need only sprinkle pixie dust to fly. Since its conception in J.M. Barrie's stage play "Peter Pan, or the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up," audiences everywhere have been enchanted with Neverland, more specifically, its chief resident: a whimsical, charming boy named Peter Pan, who wishes only to be a child forever. For a boy who is destined to always be small, it seems ironic that the Peter Pan character has become larger than life. He has appeared in film, books, and plays alike, and so accurately bringing his legendary story to the stage seems an ambitious task for a high school. However, Herndon did J.M. Barrie justice as they put on a magical rendition of Peter Pan's adventures, in an adaptation by John Caird and Trevor Nunn.

Nathan Burns led the show with a captivating performance of Peter, bringing the boundless energy and enthusiasm of a child to the stage. He was well complimented by Sarah Overton as Wendy Darling, the young girl whom Peter discovers in London and whisks away to Neverland to be his mother. Overton's stage presence was tangible; endearing and effervescent, she commanded attention each time she graced the stage. The chemistry between Burns and Overton was the glue that held the show together.

The supporting actors had much impact, consistently staying true to character and acting as childlike as their roles demanded. Notable examples of this include Raleigh Hampson and Mhairi Cameron as Wendy's younger brothers, John and Michael Darling; both exhibited superb comedic timing and characterization. Additionally, Moritz Barth shined in the both the roles of the villain, Captain Hook, and the Darling's father, Mr. Darling. The two parts are traditionally played by the same actor, and Barth admirably pulled off the daunting task of portraying two different men. The show also featured a Storyteller, who delivered expository monologues throughout the show. Annie Taylor was delightful in this role, engaging the audience while not upstaging the scenes.

The technical aspects of Herndon's "Peter Pan" were particularly impressive, especially their use of a fly system. Even though the students themselves were manually operating the flying apparatus, the onstage flight looked professionally done. Jordan Adams and Faiyaz Hashemi, heads of sound and lights respectively, were successful in creating an atmosphere of whimsy through well-designed lighting and carefully timed sound effects. Nicki Wilson and the costume team did a spectacular job, specifically in the costumes of lead actors; each character was clothed to look as though they leapt from one's imagination onto the stage.

The set was another notable element which brought this show to its full potential. Jack Kelly as Master Carpenter guided the construction of a beautifully versatile set, apt for the show's many scene changes.

Overall, Herndon High School's production of "Peter Pan, or the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up" was irresistible. Characterized by charismatic actors and strong technical features, it is no wonder why this gem was received with thunderous applause.

Alexa Tucker
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - FX/HE

"Second star to the right, and straight on till morning!" Peter cried, and with that, he, Wendy, John, and Michael launched themselves into the starry night sky and began their epic adventure in Herndon High School's production of "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up," a new adaptation by John Caird and Trevor Nunn.

This fantastical story, complete with mischievous children, bloodthirsty pirates, and a ticking crocodile, first captured the imaginations of the public when the play "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up," written by J.M. Barrie, premiered in London in 1904. The play went on to a long run on Broadway soon after, and Barrie followed up with a novel version in 1911. Possibly the most-well known version of the story, the Disney animated adaptation hit movie theaters in 1953; a well-loved musical adaptation premiered on Broadway the following year, which has been broadcast on TV multiple times.

From the moment Peter and the children landed in Neverland, they were swept up into endless adventures – but only after they had their tea, of course. From building Wendy a house to rescuing Tiger Lily to fighting off pirates, the excitement never ceased. At several points, the audience played a part in the story. When Tinkerbell swallowed poison in order to save Peter's life, Peter pleaded for the audience to clap if they believed in fairies. The thunderous response saved Tinkerbell's life, and the audience rejoiced as the revived fairy flitted to and fro above the stage once more.

As the title character, Nathan Burns embodied Peter Pan's adventurous spirit and childish immaturity. From his very first moment on the stage, soaring through the Darling's bedroom window amid gasps of surprise and awe from the audience, he endeared himself to the audience with his youthful naiveté. Especially sweet were his interactions with Sarah Overton as the motherly Wendy, such as when Wendy offered to give Peter a kiss. To Wendy's surprise, Peter held out his hand. When Wendy asked if he knew what a kiss was, he cheerfully responded, "No, but I will know when you give it to me!"

Annie Taylor brought finesse and vivacity to her role as the Storyteller. Taking on the responsibility of transitioning the show from scene to scene, Taylor masterfully commanded the stage when necessary before seamlessly blending in to the background of each scene when she was no longer needed. The rambunctious Lost Boys ensemble elicited laughs from the audience with their rowdy antics. Although some ad-libbed lines detracted from the action, their strong group dynamic added energy to the show. Playing both Mr. Darling and Captain Hook, Moritz Barth brought enthusiasm to his roles with his varied facial expressions and empathetic gestures.

Peter Pan is a show with difficult technical aspects, but Herndon High School skillfully took on the challenge. Most impressive was the fly system, which, along with a bit of pixie dust, allowed Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and the children to actually lift off the ground and soar effortlessly across the stage. The massive sets, including the nursery, the Lost Boys' hideout, and the pirate ship, were thoughtfully put together to allow for easier transitions, and included imaginative features such as a slide in the hideout.

Members of the audience might not be able to stop themselves from aging, but Herndon High School's successful production of Peter Pan certainly reminded them of the wonders of childhood and believing in magic.

Amanda Hampton
Tuscarora High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

What do fairy dust, a vengeful pirate, and a flying boy have in common? The answer would be Herndon High School's production of Peter Pan, or the Boy Who Would Not Grow Up. The show, debuting in London in 1904, was J.M Barrie's most famous work, along with his 1911 novel version of the same story. The play ran on Broadway in 1905, and has had several revivals since, along with many film adaptations. The well-known story tells of an impish little boy named Peter Pan, who refuses to grow up. He decides that he and his band of Lost Boys need a mother, so he takes Wendy Darling and her two brothers, Michael and John, on a magical flight to his home, the magical Neverland. There, they have many adventures with characters such as the fairy Tinker Bell, the pirate Captain Hook, and other family favorites.

Several actors were especially successful in bringing the famous characters to life on the stage. Sarah Overton, as Wendy Darling, gave a believable performance of a young girl attempting to be a mother, portraying the sweet, excitable character quite well. Moritz Barth was effective as the cartoonish villain Captain Hook, earning many laughs from the audience. Also, Annie Taylor, as the Storyteller, was enjoyable to watch and interacted well with the other characters on the stage.

Melanie Simpson was another bright spot as Tinker Bell; she brought a unique sassy side to the fairy and had good chemistry with Peter Pan and Wendy. Raleigh Hampson, who played John, showed the juxtaposition of the obnoxious, but endearing, brother well. The pirate ensemble also had much enthusiasm for their roles and brought energy to the stage in all of their scenes.

The technical aspects of the show were very well done for the most part. The lighting was visually appealing, especially the twinkling starlight during the children's flight to Neverland and the soft blues during the lagoon scenes. The set added to the magical atmosphere with the sharp contrast between the dignified London nursery and the Lost Boys' earthy hideout and whimsical oceans of Neverland. Lastly, the element of flight was an essential but impressive addition to the show. The characters' flying scenes were skillfully done with few mistakes. The tech crew did a wonderful job creating the show's magic from backstage.

The student co-directors Madison Hummel and Bonnie Sasseen did a commendable job with the show. Their blocking choices were believable overall, and their many hours of hard work on the show were evident. They, along with the rest of Herndon High School's talented cast and crew, brought the magic of Peter Pan to life for children and adults alike.

Katherine McCool
South Lakes High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

A little faith, trust, and pixie dust were all it took to transport an audience into the magical world of Neverland, where swashbuckling pirates and elegant mermaids make a child's dream come true. Herndon High School's production of "Peter Pan or The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up" effectively demonstrated the transition from childhood to maturity with creativity and joy.

J.M. Barrie wrote the play of the same name in 1904, and an expanded version in novel form in 1911. Since then, there have been numerous adaptations, including books, movies, and the current version which Herndon staged by John Caird & Trevor Nunn of England's Royal Shakespeare Company. The story of Peter Pan is a familiar story to many, largely due to the Disney movie produced in 1953. The plot centers on the lively Peter Pan, a flying boy who takes the Darling children on an adventure to Neverland. While in Neverland, Wendy Darling designates herself the mother and caretaker of the Neverland children, the Lost Boys, but the group encounters trouble when the notorious Captain Hook and his pirate cronies try to capture Peter Pan.

Nathan Burns exhibited credible naiveté in his portrayal of Peter Pan. Burns laughed, played, and danced energetically around the stage, impeccably capturing the sprightly spirit of Peter Pan. Burns was as comfortable in the air as on the ground and executed his flying moves with ecstatic fervor. Wendy Darling, played by Sarah Overton, portrayed the character with maternal love balanced by wide-eyed inexperience in a world where magic rules. Overton demonstrated a variety of credible emotions and her character changed to express the maturity Wendy gained after her return from Neverland.

The storyteller, played by Annie Taylor, graced the stage with her whimsical yet informative narration. Taylor was able to both fill the set with her presence and to quietly observe the scenes onstage. The other two Darling children provided a humorous liveliness to the play. Raleigh Hampson portrayed the character of John with snarky remarks and a fascination with pirates that made him a realistic and refined young boy. Balancing John's sophistication was unruly Michael, played by Mhairi Cameron. Cameron contributed childish opinions and adopted an amusing stubbornness that epitomized a young boy's demeanor.

The swarthy pirates and rambunctious Lost Boys portrayed distinct individual characters that were able to meld into an ensemble when necessary. Especially impressive on the pirate side were Moritz Barth and Allie Kassraie, who played Captain Hook and Smee, respectively. Barth strode across the stage with an assertive air and exaggerated expressions that illustrated the twisted wickedness of Captain Hook. Kassraie entered the stage with a goofy grin that remained for the rest of the night, rendering her the perfect pirate henchman. Melanie Simpson as Tinkerbell glittered across the stage on sparkling wings, adopting the character of the bold yet caring fairy with grace.

Unique sets and lighting created a complete atmosphere for each scene. The Lost Boy's home was welcoming with earthy tones and bright lights, while Hook's ship was menacing behind a scrim under dark blue lights. The flying was executed flawlessly and the combination of the other elements made the suspended actors fit completely into the show. The actors were able to complete their parts without interruption or distraction from the technical aspects.

The cast and crew of Peter Pan effectively demonstrated the values of childhood and friendship with magical performances from all.