A Two-Actor Extravaganza

Peter Pan – Mercury Theatre

 

It sometimes seems that there are as many versions of this beloved story, about the boy who never grew up, as there are stars in the sky. Prop Thtr, for one, is currently performing their own unique, reimagined interpretation of the popular fairy tale. At Mercury Theater, when the company’s mega popular remount of “Avenue Q” isn’t being performed on Saturday and Sunday mornings, this new production is in residence at the busy Southport Theater. This recently formed theatrical company, founded by director Christian Libonati, is called Bros do Prose. Created in 2017, the mission of this new venture is to develop timely, impactful and endlessly creative theater through their two-actor adaptations of epic literature. They are devoted to making each production intelligent, faithful to the original sources, action-packed and fun.

The company’s first production was a two-person production of “Robin Hood.” Their latest venture, based upon James M. Barrie’s children’s classic novel, Peter and Wendy, is filled with just as much imagination, whimsy, broad comedy, choreographed combat, fanciful, creative props and powerful performances by its two actors. The talented performers play every single role in this production. They’re company members Ella Raymont and Breon Arzell. Ella plays Wendy, the Lost Boys, Tinkerbell and the crocodile with spunk and spirit; Breon is dashing and dynamic as Peter Pan, Captain Hook and several other characters. With all the precision, agility and endless stamina possible, these two terrific actors bring to their enthusiasm to the stage, which spills out over the footlights and encourages audience involvement.   

The story, for anyone unfamiliar with Barrie’s immortal fairytale, is about a young boy named Peter Pan, who lived in a make-believe world called Neverland. Long ago he decided that he never wanted to grow up; so he created a band of orphaned Lost Boys to befriend, assist and defend him in his quest. Pan also made friends with the mermaids and the local Indian tribe of Neverland, while also becoming the sworn enemy of a jealous pirate named Captain Hook. 

Once, in a sword fight, Peter cut off Hook’s hand and fed it to the crocodile. The beast so loved the flavor that he’s been lurking around ever since, waiting for another helping. Peter enjoyed his secret, nightly visits outside the Darling nursery window, where he listened to the bedtime stories told by Mrs. Darling. One night he accidentally met Wendy Darling, taught her how to fly with him and invited her to come to Neverland, where she’d pretend to be a mother to the Lost Boys. 

J.M.Barrie’s tale energetically unfolds in this speeded-up, theatrical version of the beloved story. The production’s filled with humor, adventure and just a touch of melancholy, all of which is succinctly captured in this delicious, 90-minute one-act. For audiences, age 6 to 60, this exciting production, is a terrific, two-actor extravaganza. It boasts infectious rap music and a sound design (by Michael Huey and Ella Raymont) and flashy fight choreography (by Dan Renkin) that reminds audiences of a Q Brothers version of “Peter and Wendy.” This fanciful family affair makes a great alternative to Chicago’s typical holiday fare and may even inspire younger theatergoers to seek out and read the original novel. What a wonderful holiday gift! 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

 

Presented November 3-December 23 in a limited engagement by Bros do Prose at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available by calling 773-325-1700 or by going to www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.