[Musical Review] Peter Pan, The Never Ending Story
It's been a while since I last catch a musical, so I gladly accepted Samuel's invitation to catch "Peter Pan, The Never Ending Story" at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).
The musical is about the fairy tale character, Peter Pan - a mischievous boy who can fly and refuses to grow up, who visits Wendy, John, and Michael Darling in their London nursery one night, and takes them on a magical flight to Neverland where the Lost Boys, Indians, mermaids and pirates await them in adventures beyond their wildest imaginations. And the villainous Captain Hook hatches an evil scheme that crescendos to a dramatic sword fight with Peter.
Review:
My initial thought is that, since the musical is based on a fairy tale, so it is likely to appeal more to the kids than adults. Indeed, the settings and props are very colourful and surely appeals to the kids, but so am I, being attracted. The "blocks of books" that amazingly transform into different props backdrop with the multi-media projections, are simply awesome, with the musical carried out in a narrative manner, you felt as if someone reading the fairy tale of Peter Pan to you,
I thought that most songs will likely to be children songs, but to my surprise, pop songs like - Robbie Williams' "Angels", Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" and Duran Duran's "Wild Boys", are given a makeover by the musical director Matt Dunkley (the name behind the soundtracks of Moulin Rouge, Pirates of the Caribbean and Inception). Nope, I did not check out for trailers nor review prior hand so this is actually a pleasant surprise to me.
I learnt that this Peter Pan musical is usually performed in outdoor arena, so performing indoor at the Resorts World Theatre could be challenging with the space constraints. Nonetheless, it does not make the play less interesting. In fact, having the spectacular high flying action, e.g. swordplay and acrobatic stunts above the audience seats, and having the casts walking past the audience, up to the stage, makes it more thrilling and interesting, as though we are part of the play, going through the adventure together at the Neverland.
While you may think that the play is purely entertainment for the kids, I thought it is educational too as it touches topic on siblings love, friendship, jealously, self sacrificing and growing up. At the same time, it revive the inner kid in oneself. It is definitely a musical meant for both kids and adults.
The musical is about the fairy tale character, Peter Pan - a mischievous boy who can fly and refuses to grow up, who visits Wendy, John, and Michael Darling in their London nursery one night, and takes them on a magical flight to Neverland where the Lost Boys, Indians, mermaids and pirates await them in adventures beyond their wildest imaginations. And the villainous Captain Hook hatches an evil scheme that crescendos to a dramatic sword fight with Peter.
Review:
My initial thought is that, since the musical is based on a fairy tale, so it is likely to appeal more to the kids than adults. Indeed, the settings and props are very colourful and surely appeals to the kids, but so am I, being attracted. The "blocks of books" that amazingly transform into different props backdrop with the multi-media projections, are simply awesome, with the musical carried out in a narrative manner, you felt as if someone reading the fairy tale of Peter Pan to you,
I thought that most songs will likely to be children songs, but to my surprise, pop songs like - Robbie Williams' "Angels", Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" and Duran Duran's "Wild Boys", are given a makeover by the musical director Matt Dunkley (the name behind the soundtracks of Moulin Rouge, Pirates of the Caribbean and Inception). Nope, I did not check out for trailers nor review prior hand so this is actually a pleasant surprise to me.
I learnt that this Peter Pan musical is usually performed in outdoor arena, so performing indoor at the Resorts World Theatre could be challenging with the space constraints. Nonetheless, it does not make the play less interesting. In fact, having the spectacular high flying action, e.g. swordplay and acrobatic stunts above the audience seats, and having the casts walking past the audience, up to the stage, makes it more thrilling and interesting, as though we are part of the play, going through the adventure together at the Neverland.
There is a fabulous chemistry between Sandor Sturbl (Peter Pan) and Lily-Jane Young (Wendy), probably due to they are a couple in real life. I was much attracted to the beautiful vocal of Lily-Jane Young (Wendy) and Saartje Van Houttee (Mrs. Darling/Mermaid). Do share with me, whose voice do you love most!
While you may think that the play is purely entertainment for the kids, I thought it is educational too as it touches topic on siblings love, friendship, jealously, self sacrificing and growing up. At the same time, it revive the inner kid in oneself. It is definitely a musical meant for both kids and adults.
PETER PAN, THE NEVER ENDING STORY
Resorts World Theatre, Resorts World Sentosa
Thu, 27 Nov 2014 - Tue, 20 Jan 2015
Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri: 8pm
Sat & Sun: 3pm & 8pm
Image Credit: Leslie Artamonow and Luk Montsaert
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