Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure
at NSU University School

Reviewed on November 9, 2019

Cristian Velasquez
Cypress Bay High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

The responsibilities of an adult are, at times, burdensome and taxing. The temptation of never growing up and being cared for by your mother seems alluring. These themes of growing up and responsibility are addressed beautifully in NSU University School's whimsical production of "Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure."

With music by George Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe, "Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure" opened in Copenhagen in 1996. Based on J. M. Barrie's play "Peter Pan," the musical illustrates the importance of motherhood and family as Wendy takes on the task of caring for the Lost Boys. Meanwhile, Peter continues to satisfy his constant craving for adventure, as he ignores the adversities of leaving your childhood behind him and growing up.

In his portrayal of the fervent Peter Pan, Evan Eiglarsh remarkably embodies the youthful spirit and infectious energy of his character. Eiglarsh's impeccable comedic timing made his overall performance all the more compelling. Charmed by Peter's charismatic disposition, Nicolette Nunziato must also be commended for her exceptional performance as the motherly Wendy Darling. Nunziato's crisp vocals shone through wonderfully in her stunning rendition of "Just Beyond the Stars (Reprise)." Her characterization choices and consistency in her accent further immersed the audience into the world of Peter Pan.

Portraying the infamous Captain Hook, Anthony Langone's impressive vocal range, demonstrated in his musical numbers, contributed considerably to his dynamic temperament. Langone flawlessly executed Hook's physicality and intonation, vividly bringing his character to life. Gabriel Feldenkrais, portraying Smee, brought an infectious comedic aspect to the production in contrast to Langone's generally serious disposition. Feldenkrais delivered a humorous interpretation of the character through his over the top gestures and comical dancing. The chemistry between the two rapscallions was especially prevalent in the song "A Pirate With a Conscience."

An outstanding ensemble amidst the production was the Lost Boys of Neverland. Their primitive physicality complemented their boisterous natures, especially in their song "The Lost Boys Gang," which the female ensemble must be commended for, as they sang it in the male key. A particularly notable performance was that of Alina Macaulay, the Storyteller, who commanded the stage with her excellent stage presence and clear delivery of her lines. Although energy was lacking at times, the chemistry between the ensemble members boosted it anew.

Along with the performance aspects, the technical aspects of the performance worked together remarkably as well. The costume and makeup designers must be accredited for their research on Native American culture, as their interpretation of the costumes and makeup for the Braves modernized the stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans in earlier productions of this show. The crew and stage management must also be recognized for their fluid scenic transitions and accuracy on the numerous lighting and sound cues in the production, despite minor sound discrepancies.

NSU University School's production of "Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure" discusses the difficulty of letting go of your childhood and taking on the responsibilities of an adult through two hours of sheer entertainment and a journey "Just Beyond the Stars."

Lauren Ferrer
Calvary Christian Academy
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

"Take the second star to the right and straight on 'til morning!" With magical fairies, menacing pirates, and daunting adventure NSU University School's production of Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure told the timeless tale of the boy who never grew up.

Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure is based on J.M. Barrie's play "Peter Pan." With a book by Willis Hall, music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the musical first opened as a New Years Eve concert in Copenhagen in 1996. It then played during the Christmas season of 2002-2003 where it received negative reviews. Stiles and Drewe then revised the show, which then played in the Christmas season of 2007 where it received positive reviews. The musical follows the story of the Darling children, whisked away by Peter Pan, who then takes them to Neverland, a magical island full of pirates, mermaids, fairies, and most importantly… adventure!

Evan Eiglarsh executed the role of Peter Pan wonderfully, highlighting the characters immature persona with his strong vocals and physicality. Eaiglarsh's witty mannerisms contrasted the sophisticated character of Wendy Darling, played by Nicolette Nunziato. Nunziato's consistent British accent and clean vocal execution made for an exquisite performance. Moreover, she achieved a balance in the youthfulness as well as the poised motherly figure Wendy is well known for.

Another stand out actor was Anthony Langone portraying Captain Hook. With a wide acting range and outstanding vocals, Langone commanded the stage. Working alongside Hook was his faithful accomplice, Smee, played by Gabriel Feldenkrais. Feldenkrais fueled the show with comic relief. His impeccable comedic timing and energetic mannerisms made for an incredible performance. Although some ensemble members lacked energy, the Lost Boys filled the theatre with boyish charm. Their clean, energy filled dances worked well alongside the childish Peter Pan.

Technically, the show ran beautifully. With smooth scene transitions and timely cues, the stage management team and stage crew is to be commended. The special effects team, Bailey Busher and Jennifer Holtz, completed the difficult task of putting actors in flight with ease. Using ensemble members during transitions in and out of flight showed that the performers as well as backstage crew knew how to use the difficult flight system. Having multiple characters in flight at the same time added to the difficulty of the process. Although some of the old age wrinkles were washed out by lights, the make-up crew did a great job distinguishing the different character groupings.

With starry nights and endless flights NSU University School's production of Peter Pan; A Musical Adventure took its audience off to Neverland to experience a heartwarming adventure of fun, fear, and friendship!

Ashley Valent
Cypress Bay High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Tick, tock goes the clock. Never stopping for anyone or anything, the progression of time is inevitable. The clock will continue to tick, the world will continue to turn, and with this, we will continue to grow. Epitomizing this idea, University School's production of "Peter Pan" showed that while inevitable, a youthful presence lives within everyone, no matter the age.

Originally based on J.M. Barrie's play of the same name, this adaptation of "Peter Pan" first premiered in 1996 in Copenhagen with music by Stiles and Drewe. Similar to their other works such as "Honk" and the 2006 Broadway revival of "Mary Poppins," the show evokes a playful nature through its score and use of magic throughout its entirety.

Portraying "the boy who never grows up," Evan Eiglarsh aptly embodied the childlike persona of Peter Pan and showcased his versatility with precise comedic timing and moments of heartfelt sentiment. His character remained chiefly consistent even while soaring above the stage. Complementing his performance was that of Nicolette Nunziato as Wendy Darling. The two exhibited tremendous chemistry throughout the entirety of the show: never losing sight of their characters' contrasting philosophies, but instead, learning through their differences.

The standout performances of the night were that of the dynamic duo of Captain Hook and Smee played by Anthony Langone and Gabriel Feldenkrais, respectively. Together, the pair displayed immense energy and commitment to their mischievous characters and juxtaposed one another nicely.

Bringing the storyline to life, each ensemble group demonstrated great diversity. While there were occurrences of dialect inconsistencies, the company remained engaged and invested in telling the story. Among those were the company of the Lost Boys, who portrayed the innocence necessary to aid in their likability.

Creating the magical spectacle, the technical aspect of the production did not disappoint. The choreography by Bailey Busher brought movement to the show that was effective and complementary rather than distracting. Worth commending was the stage management team led by Liberty Lapayowker, Jennifer Holz, and Erin Miller. With several cues, including those involving a flight system, the crew was successful in making the show cohesive.

As we grow and mature, we eventually lose sight of the simple joys that encapsulated our young lives. NSU University School's breathtaking production of "Peter Pan" re-illuminated this youthful presence in all those watching and showed that you can stay young forever, as long as you just believe.

Rylee Berger
Cooper City High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Close your eyes - close them tight - and imagine. Imagine a world full of fairies, of sirens, of pirates and captains. Of the spunky young girl and the lost little boys as they set off in adventurous fashion. Find yourself at NSU University School's production of "Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure," a noteworthy and original production filled with high-flying performances.

Based on J.M. Barrie's beloved tale, the show opened in Copenhagen in 1996. It was later broadcast by the BBC and earned poor reviews until its well-received 2007 revision. Written by Willis Hall with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the musical follows the title character (Evan Eiglarsh) and Wendy (Nicolette Nunziato) as they navigate their new friendship, Neverland, and the adventure of growing up.

As Peter, Eiglarsh embodied the iconic character with grace, showing vocal and emotional range. Eiglarsh had stellar comedic timing, bringing mischievous youthfulness to the boy who wouldn't grow up. He had a commanding stage presence and clear commitment to his character which was showcased in numbers like "Never Land" and "The Cleverness of Me." His spectacular chemistry with Wendy and the Lost Boys added a layer of believability to his already stellar performance. Nunziato's Wendy was played with an unmatched conviction. Her outstanding vocals and clear understanding of her character shone, making for a remarkable performance. Both Eiglarsh and Nunziato were required to perform while being flown, a commendable feat accomplished with ease.

Dynamic duo Captain Hook (Anthony Langone) and Smee (Gabriel Feldenkrais) did not disappoint, adding hilarity and support to the production. Langone's impressive vocal range was showcased in the song "When I Kill Peter Pan," and his charisma was apparent throughout his portrayal of the pirate. Feldenkrais quickly established his relationship to Hook, creating a character with unparalleled energy and precision. His dance skills stood out in "A Pirate with a Conscience;" his commitment to his character was evident. Additionally, Peter Koltis' portrayal of Gentleman Starkey deserves note for its focus and believability.

As a whole, the cast did an outstanding job in creating the whimsical, storytelling tone that is so necessary for such a production. The ensembles were distinct in their movements and motivations, providing entertaining and easily distinguished performances. This was aided by choreographer Bailey Busher's use of movement motifs for each character group. Despite vocals that were occasionally inconsistent, the ensemble was focused and engaged, helping to create the magical world of Neverland.

Further contributing to this were efforts from the technical teams. Though all of the design elements were well-thought-out, the props team deserves specific praise for their attention to detail and innovation. The stage management team ran cues flawlessly and the seemingly effortless transitions added to the quality of the show.

NSU University School brings new life to a classic story in their not-to-be-missed rendition of "Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure," a production filled with extraordinary performances and original designs that is sure to remind you that life really is "One Big Adventure."

Dylan Jost
North Broward Preparatory School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

"Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning," off to Neverland! Filled with swampy lagoons, underground hideouts, and towering pirate ships, NSU University School's production of "Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure" brought to life a land of mirth and fantasy.

With a captivating book by Willis Hall and dazzling music and lyrics by Geroge Stiles and Anthony Drewe, "Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure" opened in Copenhagen in 1996. Based on J.M. Barrie's classic play, the musical chronicles the story of the mischievous Peter Pan and sweet Wendy Darling, recruited by the former to nurture a gaggle of kooky Lost Boys. On their journey through magical Neverland, the heroes must work together to navigate the dangers presented by the malicious Captain Hook and his crew and, ultimately, address the omnipresent part of childhood —growing up.

In the titular role, Evan Eiglarsh delivered a solid performance as the spirited Peter Pan. Encapsulating the naivety of his character, Eiglarsh's voice was laced with youthful innocence as he spoke with clarity. His stage presence was graced with boundless energy epitomizing Peter's state of eternal childhood. Nicolette Nunziato was wholly convincing in her portrayal of the kind and gentle Wendy Darling. She provided a calming presence, all the while maintaining an air of authority over her charges. Nunziato's vocals were also commendable, particularly in "One Big Adventure."

A performance that must be mentioned is that of Anthony Langone as Captain Hook. Langone seamlessly alternated between brutal buccaneer and whimpering coward, with mannerisms that were appropriately exaggerated and highly entertaining. Langone's vibrato and timbre were engaging and memorable, particularly in "A Pirate with a Conscience." Alongside Langone was Gabriel Feldenkrais as Smee, Hook's sentimental and often mistreated first mate. Feldenkrais mastered the use of physical comedy through his hilarious portrayal of the bumbling Smee, while also managing to exhibit his sensational dancing skills.

The musical also found strength in its ensembles. The Lost Boys offered consistent comedic relief with their uncivilized remarks and absolute devotion to Peter and Wendy. Their enemies, the Pirates, created a thick atmosphere of unsavory brutality and evil through their use of chants and accents.

Technically the show was masterfully executed. The marketing and publicity were accomplished exquisitely, with very creative posters and promotional campaigns being utilized. The show was excellently choreographed by Bailey Busher, who remarkably conceived sixteen original dances and taught this complex choreography to other students. One of the most noteworthy technical accomplishments was the frequent use of flying in the show. The special effects team aided in the installation of all of the flying equipment and the tech crew seamlessly attached (and unattached) the actors to the system multiple times throughout the show. The hair and makeup were also well done, especially in the case of Wendy's wig, which flawlessly remained sturdy throughout the show.

NSU University School encapsulated the fleeting innocence and utter beauty of childhood in their superbly executed production of "Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure."The cast delivered an enchanting, enamoring performance that served as a reminder that while the years may go by, sometimes stories, and one little boy, will never grow old.

Michael Carrillos
Western high school
Submitted for publication to American Heritage

Soar away on the magical, high-flying journey that is NSU University School's production of Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure. This production of the timeless piece did not fail to captivate its audience with an enchanting set with truly commemorative performances.

Based on the play "Peter and Wendy: The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up" written by J.M Barrie, the collaboration of George Stiles, Willis Hall, and Anthony Drewe gave birth to a musical that will resonate with its audience in years still to come. Proceeding with its debut in Copenhagen 1996, the first broadcast occurred in the New Year's Eve Concert 2001. After numerous productions amid the Christmas seasons, a one-off concert took the stage in London's West End October 25th, 2015. Peter Pan and the Darling Children embark on an adventure towards a vibrant, juvenile liberation. The merciless, yet cowardice Captain Hook and his gang of misfits despise and resist the freedom and dreams the Lost Boys obtain by living wildy.

Across the dangerous sea, an enlightened and youthful Nicolette Nunziato (Wendy) dove into her role with confidence and exceptional facial expressions. While sustaining a manifestation of her blossoming into womanhood, Nunziato contrastingly portrays a lively young girl who yearns to experience an illustrious life. Her chemistry with Evan Eiglarsh (Peter Pan) exploded with tension in "One Big Adventure" creating opposite polarities of a growing, responsible young girl and a child-like, playful young boy. Eiglarsh's comedic timing provided for excellent relief and added to the high-spirited production. His physicality sparked Neverland into fruition. Eiglarsh used a fly-system to his advantage and did not falter in his singing and acting capabilities whilst gliding among the luminous stars and soft clouds.

Despite an inconsistency with accents and struggle for attention, the cast perfected the night with seamless transitions and inspired themes of growing up and childhood all the same. Notable performances by Anthony Langone (Captain Hook) and Gabriel Feldenkrais (Smee) displayed a humorous chemistry and aided in developing the storyline. Their varietal characteristics balanced each other phenomenally. The low-life, scoundrel Pirates realistically depicted the malicious intentions come that with the obedience instilled by their leader still holding on to their own characteristics. They did not just memorize choreography, but brought it to life and lived it on-stage.

Many facets of the technical categories effectively lured and conveyed the concepts of the show. The hair and make-up team executed a numerous amount of styles to express the different characters and their individualism. Working well with the hair and make-up, the same team seamlessly blended the costumes worn by the cast to transport its audience to London then into Neverland. Not having an orchestra pit did not stop this production from having a live orchestra. The level of difficulty sky-rocketed when the Neverland Band transmitted their orchestration wirelessly through speakers to the actors on-stage. The hard work to communicate cues paid off in the end when their show ran smoothly.

Peter and Wendy rediscovered a new home at NSU University School in their top-tier production of Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure. In the attention to detail and outstanding staging, the cast and crew never failed to draw in the audience and deliver a heartwarming tale of perseverance and friendship.