Peter Pan (2000)
The stage musical Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby has toured the world to great acclaim. An adaptation of the famous 1954 musical directed by Jerome Robbins and starring Mary Martin, this new version is lasting proof that J.M. Barrie's tale of the boy who would never grow up is one of the kingpins of family entertainment. All the elements are in good form for this video production shot at the Mirada Theater in 2000 for the A&E Network. Some new songs have been added to the fabulous Moose Charlap-Carolyn Leigh score (which includes "Tender Shepherd," "I Gotta Crow," "I'm Flying," and "I Won't Grow Up"). But the biggest asset to this production are the spectacular flying sequences: Peter even soars over the audience at times. Martin was a stronger actress in a close-up, but Rigby is magical with her athleticism and spark, most notably in a percussion-filled song and dance number "Ugh-a-Wug.".
Watch Trailer
Cast
Similar titles
Reviews
ridiculous rating
Pretty Good
Fresh and Exciting
It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.
"Peter Pan", an A&E Network presentation, on DVD, of the JM Barrie stage musical. I remember Cathy Rigby, the gymnast, from the early 1970s. I had heard over the years that she was pretty good as peter Pan. In fact, she and the musical are coming to my city in just a couple of weeks. But I was not prepared for how good Rigby is, and how funny and good this stage production is.I found this DVD at my local public library and, having just seen "Finding Neverland", which tells the story of how Barrie got his inspiration, I just had to see "Peter Pan." I actually saw another version also, the recent theatrical film with Ludivine Sagnier as Tinker Bell, and the Rigby stage version is superior in every way. I highly recommend it, to kids and adults alike.
Personally I can't stand Peter Pan.However, my 5 year old daughter found this at the library and asked to borrow it, and I have to admit that it is a wonderful and funny performance. The songs are great (much to my annoyance I have even been discovered humming them to myself). Cathy Rigby is extremely well suited to the role of Peter Pan, and I loved Paul Schoeffler as Captain Hook/Mr Darling.So even though I don't like Peter Pan I gave it 7/10 and am able to sit through certain bits as my daughter watches it over and over again (unfortunately I was persuaded to buy the video for her).
There is a considerable difference between this production,which has been aired on A&E this year,and the televised performances of the Mary Martin musical stage play that many of us remember from our (misspent)youths.I was originally quite puzzled by this version,as they borrowed a number of the songs from the older show.Consequently,I was startled,and,initially,disappointed,when I saw this production.(During the 1960s and early70s,a large children's theater in University Heights,Ohio,always did "Peter Pan"at Xmas.saw I had some degree of familiarity with that show.Then,in Feb.1985,while living in Marion,Ohio,I did the role of Mr.Smee in a local production.So I DO know the show.)It appears that whoever did the script did a rather free adaptation of the MM version,and borrowed some of the musical numbers.Anybody who insists on the older vehicle has only themselves to hold responsible.This is a dark story,with emphases placed upon destruction,evil,some sexual tensions,and a sensual eroticism that was lacking in the other.These are legitimate aspects to explore.Rigby's portrayal of the title character,with cockney accent,is seen as a very much lost waif,which was minimized in the Martin version.Schoeffler's verile and sexually powerful Hook,sadistic and cruel,is much more sinister than was Ritchard's.In my opinion,there can be no objection to interpretations of this sort.I had some questions as to having Smee coming across as a 15-year-old juvenile delinquent-why?And the mature female,womanly Tiger Lily,again,why?The sets,costumes,props are all first-rate.The choreography is quite impressive,but some of the elaborately done numbers don't fit into the narrative pattern of the story.Case in point;Hook's Tango,while superbly done,stuck out like a sore thumb.The pirates sing and dance,but are not listening to a plot to kill the Lost Boys.It was just a production number-and the way Hook and Smee tango together,I thought I was in a gay bar.Much the same about the "Pow-Wow Polka"-the number done in the Underground Home.It was a splendid song and dance routine,but did nothing to advance the plot-which was to celebrate the alliance between the Boys and the Indians.Take this version on its own merits-wonderfully sung,acted,and produced.
The revival of the Broadway hit, with former gymnast, Cathy Rigby, making the role her own. This show has it all, great musical numbers, enchanting characters, and of course, flying. Rigby and company never let up the energy level, and the entire stage production is first rate. The wonderful number "I'm Flying", has got to be the greatest showstopper in Broadway history, and it never has been performed with as much gusto, as Rigby pulls out all her gymnastic stops. Many will remember the Mary Martin version, that was beloved for many years. At last, there is a production of higher video and sound quality, and performances that are the original's equal, to enjoy over and over again. The entire family will love this show. It's a great production.