People’s Light’s ‘Peter Panto’ is a holiday balm for all ages

The British holiday tradition of panto has taken root in the Malvern- based People’s Light Theatre, where it’s become a yearly holiday staple. British pantos are performances of familiar fairy tales stories, usually littered with pop songs and audience participation. This year, to celebrate the theatre’s 50th anniversary, they’ve adapted the story of Peter Pan into an original musical that is entertaining, if a touch muddled and confusing to follow.

Peter Panto (book by Jennifer Childs, directed by Bill Fennelly) recounts the traditional tale of the Darling children greeted by a strange boy at the window. In this version, Peter is a neighbor who climbs in and teaches the Darlings and other children the importance of using their imagination. Neverland exists but only in the children’s minds, with Peter coaxing them all to be more impulsive with the recurring question, “What if it was?”. This Peter feels more like a less aggressive Mary Poppins than the embodiment of rambunctious childhood from the original text.

Visually, this show is wonderful. Costumes by Rebecca Kanach are a particular stand out, adding just the right amount of flash and spectacle for the more fantastical characters. The set, by Chris Haig, starts very stark and tonally bland, but is then imbued with vibrant colors and glitter. The transition is delightful to watch, but could have been pushed even further.

The cast does admirable work throughout, but it’s the star-making villain performance of Jamison Stern as Captain Hook that is the highlight of this production. It is a perfect balance of camp, intimidation, and reverence. From his “too early” entrance to the last comedic bit, it is a near pitch perfect comedic panto. Also great are Courter Simmons (whose drag alter ego is Cacophony Daniels) and Connor McAndrews as Tinkerbell and Smee respectively. Their “star-crossed lovers” B-plot adds a sweet, heartwarming layer to the show.

While this show is highly entertaining, there are a few issues that stand in the way of it being truly spectacular. The original music by Alex Becthel is often pleasant, but ultimately doesn’t leave too grand an impact, save for the meta-humor song in the second act about covering up a scene change, that is absolutely hysterical. Another issue is a general sense of aimlessness throughout the plot. The reframing of the story is creative, but lacks intense sense of dramatic tension. It also gets difficult to differentiate between what is real and what is fantastical.

But that aside, Peter Panto espouses some rather important concepts to think about during the holiday season. One is the important message for kids to be and accept themselves. The idea of how you can become the type of person you want to be is beautifully executed through the final sequence of the show, as we watch Wendy grow up.

“A group of friends can be a family,” Peter and Wendy sing towards the end of the show. It’s in these moments that we see the importance of theatre geared towards all ages, and hope that the young kids seeing this show (and the adults around) take these messages to heart. Peter Panto may not soar to the highest heights, but its heart and message are a delightful holiday balm.

(Community/Arts) A fantastical tale presented in the style of a beloved British theater tradition. With messages fit for audiences of al ages. Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.

⌚️ Through Jan. 5 at People’s Light Theatre 📍39 Conestoga Road, Malvern 🌐 peopleslight.org

Theater reviews are produced independently by The Inquirer without editorial input by their sponsor, Visit Philadelphia.