STAGE REVIEWS : ‘PETER PAN’

Considering Cathy Rigby’s experience as a gymnast--she was the first American woman to win a medal in that event in world competition--the irrepressible athleticism she brings to the title role in Regional Repertory Theatre’s “Peter Pan” shouldn’t be surprising. But what may not be expected is how well she fleshes out the part with polished singing and some charming, accomplished acting.

Rigby has played the J.M. Barrie character in revivals in Long Beach and Houston during the past two years, and it’s obvious she is now comfortable in the role. Her ‘Peter’ has childlike nuances--part troublemaker, part homeless waif, and he is a likable creation that youngsters can identify with and adults can find easily interesting.

To be sure, the Regional Repertory Theatre has mounted a giddy, colorful production that, above all, is designed to reel in children. But their parents need not suffer. The ensemble performances--with Rigby at show-stealing center--are often crisp and funny, and director Gary Gordon’s staging is playful without being condescending.

Yes, this is still a fairy-tale full of simple, heartfelt moral lessons (getting stodgy is a crime, good friends are the greatest joy, the depth of our pleasure is only limited by the depth of our imaginations, etc.). They can seem as thickly sweet as a spoonful of sugar (and go down just as hard). But at least the spoonful is offered with a bright, flirtatious style. Gordon does gloss over the musical’s one provocative element--Peter’s and Wendy’s (played with a gentle vulnerability by Jolene Kaye Slipp) attraction for each other (some productions have emphasized their incipient sexuality)--but it is not a troubling decision in this lighthearted context. What really interests Gordon is action and enthusiasm.

And that’s what you get. When Peter takes his first flying leaps, Rigby doesn’t just assume a floating pose as the wires gently pull her about. She sails above the stage, almost careening from wall to wall. It’s infectious, and it shows why the promise of complete freedom in Never-Never Land is so attractive. Exuberance can be found throughout, from Glenn Bradley’s amusing portrayal of Captain Hook as a preening fop to the silly posturings of his crew of inept pirates.

“PETER PAN”

A Regional Repertory Production of the musical adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s play. Lyrics: Carolyn Leigh. Music: Charlap. Directed by Gary Gordon. Produced by Howard T. Mango, Denis Dell Reiss and Bob Auletta. With Cathy Rigby, Jolene Kaye Slipp, Joseph Creagh, Jeffrey Shaw, Daniel Halkyard, Deborah Stevens, Glenn Bradley and Jenny Eaden. Choreography: Susan Cable. Musical direction: Leo Kreter. Sets: Jerry Williams. Lighting: Raun Yankovich. Costumes: The Theatre Company. Plays today at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $17.50, $16.50 and $14.50. Knott’s Berry Farm Good Time Theatre. Information: (714) 921-9575.