"Peter Pan Goes Wrong," show #950

It takes a stalwart troupe to make a show--that's meant to go so wrong--go so right. Such is the case with Sierra Repertory Theatre’s production of Peter Pan Goes Wrong, the mainstream follow-up title to Mischief Theatre’s award-winning The Play that Goes Wrong. Taking the nostalgia of Barrie’s beloved boy who never grows up and throwing him and characters into a blender of bits and mishaps, Peter Pan Goes Wrong has the vim and verve to provide a swift experience of enjoying the story we all know among mayhem we can’t help but heartily laugh at. 

(Company of Peter Pan Goes Wrong; Photo credit: Bill Herbert)

Jerry Lee’s direction alongside Dane Oliver’s stunt choreography makes for a visually gymnastic production among set pieces breaking, falling, and miscues being executed with precise timing and for lengths that never linger beyond the many laughs this show receives. Being a true ensemble piece, a weak link must not exist in this chain of storytellers, and I’m happy to report there is, indeed, only strong comedians in this company. Daniel Harray and Paul Henry start the piece off as Director and Co/Assistant Director, Chris and Robert, respectively. Taking on the iconic roles of Mr. Darling/Hook (Harray) and with Henry’s turns as Peter’s Shadow, Nana, and Starkey, these two dynamite actors give physical and farcical performances that are true to the essence of comedy. 

(Nick Ferrucci (as John), Diona Elise Burnett (as Wendy), and Zaq Wentworth (as Michael); Photo credit: Bill Herbert)

Lee Strawn is a splendid Francis, serving as the genial Narrator and animated Cecco. Diona Elise Burnett is fantastic as Sandra, portraying the youthful motherly figure, Wendy. Her comedic chops play well opposite Zaq Wentworth’s Max, especially when Max is forced to take over the role of Peter, from being brother Michael, and gets to drip the awkward attraction cringy-ness Max has for Sandra, but is, in fact, not requited.  Nick Ferrucci is a standout as Dennis, especially in his turn as brother John. Not just a strong actor with a knack for timing and physical prowess, but just a reaction and facial expression by Ferrucci are enough to garner the actor an abundance of guffaws he so deservedly earns. Kelly Brenya is terrific as the multi-role track her Annie plays, with highlights as Mrs. Darling, Liza, and Tinker Bell. The quick changes and dialect shifts are in capable hands and voice with Brenya, with no shortage of bit-heavy scene work executed flawlessly. Alex Ketcham is an impeccable Peter Pan, whose nimbleness and boyish earnestness plays well off Burnett’s Wendy, and the two make for a stellar pairing. 

(Kelly Brenya (as Tinkerbell) and Alex Ketcham (as Peter Pan); Photo credit: Bill Herbert)

Josh Christensen's scenic design nails the integrity of a high-caliber set that also allows for the low-budget “theatre troupe” seem reasonable. Camryn Elias, as assistant director and choreographer, finds moments for movement that enhances the personalities of all roles involved, adding flare and fun to the already lighting quick comedy. Justin Kelley-Cahill’s lighting design matches mood with aplomb, adding heightened humor to truly laugh-out-loud moments, and an intimate palette in the seldom, affecting moments where this show’s heart beats.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong soars in this production, showing that Sierra Repertory Theatre knows how to handle mayhem at the highest, most comedic, and wildly entertaining fashion. Go see this show!