'Peter Pan' sizzles, soars

PETER PAN, Capitol Theatre, through Sunday (355-2787 or www.arttix.org). Running time: two hours, 15 minutes (two intermissions).

Remember the old 55 mph speed limit? Well, Olympic gymnast-turned-thespian Cathy Rigby is 55 now, and slowing down is not part of her current repertoire.

At least not in her farewell tour in the title role of "Peter Pan." It appears Rigby has taken to heart Peter Pan's credo of never growing up.

Her athletic, gymnastic moves are still evident, except now they're airborne — soaring, spinning, somersaulting and nose-diving high above the stage, and even out over the audience.

With "Peter Pan" as a star vehicle, you might think the rest of the show is just window dressing. Wrong! Rigby and her co-producer husband have a rock-solid cast and a Broadway-caliber production that sizzles with energy.

Joining the cast for this new leg of the tour is Michael G. Hawkins, who is terrific in the dual roles of staid Mr. Darling and, best of all, the sneering Captain Hook.

Other talented standouts are Lauren Masiello as Tiger Lily, Patrick Richwood as Mr. Smee, and Elisa Sagardia, Gavin Leatherwood and Abigail Taylor (on some nights) as the three Darling siblings — Wendy, John and Michael. The three youngsters gleefully soar with Peter Pan off to new adventures in Neverland in a trail of sparkling fairy dust.

Left behind is the Darling family's supersize canine nanny, Nana, wonderfully played by Jonathan Warren.

Another major element in this high-energy show is Craig Barna, who not only conducts the pit orchestra, but has also written some great new music for the show-stopping dance sequences, especially the vibrantly percussive "Ugg-a-Wugg" segment. There are also sprightly tarantellas, tangos and waltzes for Captain Hook and his motley, musical crew of bumbling pirates.

Augmenting the four touring musicians are a dozen local players, including recruiter Joe Muscolino.

Patti Colombo's bright choreography, John Iacovelli's spectacular scenery, Shigeru Yaji's splendid costuming and Glenn Casale's deft direction are also big pluses.

One thing an audience full of children won't stand for is a production that just lollygags along. And this "Peter Pan" is virtually fidget-proof. What they did stand for Tuesday night was the rousing ovation at the end.

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E-mail: ivan@desnews.com