STAGE REVIEWS : ‘PETER PAN’

“Peter Pan” at Fullerton College flies in on a gust of niggling problems that undercuts the magic in the timeless story about the boy who refuses to grow up. As always, it is pure magic when Peter, Wendy and the boys fly through the air, but there are glitches in this Never-Never Land, most notably the annoying distortions from the cast’s body mikes.

Director Gary Krinke has staged a very big, very busy version of the musical adaptation of Sir James M. Barrie’s play, and that poses additional problems. The subtleties of the story--and occasionally even the narrative line--get lost in the shuffle of traffic on stage as Krinke’s large cast scurries across the nursery, up and down forested ramps, around the pirate ship and through the audience. Children will respond to the constant action, bright colors, enchanting sets and broad performances, but the delicate interplay between characters more often than not is simply overwhelmed.

As a result, the darker sides of Never-Never Land--the price of staying young forever, the emptiness of a home without parental love--go largely unexplored. Sandie Estrada makes an effervescent Peter, flying through the skies with exuberant abandon and brandishing a sword with easy confidence, delivering a performance that parallels Krinke’s big, bold approach to the show. (Bernie Mendoza alternates with Estrada in the role.) Steve Magliocco invests Captain Hook with a gleeful villainy, but, unfortunately, his heavy makeup allows him only one expression, and Hook deserves more. Much of the warmth is provided by Adrienne Hatcher as Mrs. Darling, who supplies a maternal concern tempered by British reserve.

The children in the cast--24, not counting Wendy (Tracy Halbmaier), John (Robby Hull) and Michael (Adam Byrne)--are endearing. But the numbers add up. There are 27 pirates (their ranks padded here with a host of bawdy pub wenches) and 12 Indians, all of which generates a lot of activity at the expense of the narrative, which is further victimized by the snap, crackle, pop of the body mikes.

Mitch Simmons’ scenic designs--a dreamy backdrop of London, a mysterious forest and a colorful pirate ship--are eye-popping. Mela Hoyt-Heydon’s costumes are equally captivating, especially the comical crocodile’s.

“Peter Pan” will play through Sunday in the Fullerton College Campus Theatre, 321 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton. For information, call (714) 871-8101.