After 25 years, Executive Producer Ross Petty has brought his final production to Toronto’s Elgin Theatre, Peter’s Final Flight, and the twist on the Peter Pan classic brought laughter and an infectious sense of joy to the audience on the opening night: December 8, 2022. Torontonicity was invited to review this family friendly Christmas event and brought along three guests ranging in age from 5 to 84!
In Peter’s Final Flight, all is well in Neverland since Peter Pan defeated Captain Hook and fairy Plumbum’s magic cloaking spell has kept the island hidden from villains. When Plumbum accidentally shuts down the cloaking spell while trying to log into Netflix, she reveals their location. As a result, Hook’s wife Helga, and her sidekick Smee, return to conquer Neverland!
If you are wondering like I did whether this is a show to be enjoyed only by children, you will be pleasantly surprised. Although the tale of Peter Pan and company sparks the imagination of children, magnificent musical numbers featuring energizing choreography provide the appeal for adults. Some of those songs arranged by Musical Director Bob Foster (also Music Director for Come From Away in Canada) include popular Miley Cyrus song, “The Climb” and Stevie Nicks’s “White Wing Dove”. Eddie Glen as Smee showcases phenomenal pipes in his perfect rendition of Steve Perry’s “Oh Sherrie”. Stephanie Sy as Wendy and the obsessive Instagram poster Erika, reveals a voice with a beautiful tone and incredible ease in the upper octaves.
Co-choreographers Tracey Flye and Jennifer Mote create some TikTok-worthy dance moves for the Britney Spears’s hit, “Toxic”, which also features Petty (Captain Hook) delivering some strong vocals.
Writer Matt Murray gives Plumbum (Dan Chameroy) some of the most outrageous lines, many of them bordering on the bawdy, which delighted the adults in the audience while flying over the heads of children. It is obvious that the talented Chameroy – an unabashed scene pirate – has so much fun playing Plumbum! There are also many relevant jokes on topics such as the former U.S. president, and Rogers communications and Elon Musk. As I said, this holiday musical is geared for both adults and children.
Tracey Flye’s sharp direction ensures that this musical does not suffer from any slow periods. Proving this point, my five-year-old niece was engaged for the whole show!
Michael Gianfrancesco’s stunning set – which includes oversized plants, and duvet-covered beds – and Lighting Designer Jareth Li’s vivid bursts of cascading colour contribute to the dreamlike quality of the story.
Ming Wong’s dazzling costumes are particularly outstanding on celebrity mermaids The Karsplashians, Captain Hook and Plumbum. My niece yelled to Plumbum: “I love your dress!”
Congratulations to Ross Petty Productions on their final production! Peter’s Final Flight goes out with a bang!
Peter’s Final Flight at the Elgin Theatre is being performed from December 2, 2022 to January 7, 2023. Tickets are Adults $78.75, $89.75 and $100.25; Children $73.75 and $78.75. Purchase tickets for Peter’s Final Flight online or at the Box Office. The Elgin Theatre is located at 189 Yonge Street (just north of Queen Street). Run time is approximately 2 1/4 hours including one 20 minute intermission.
You might be interested in reading, “Uncle Vanya at Crow’s Theatre: Chekhov’s Family Drama Delights REVIEW“.
This definitely sounds like a play I would want to see! I’m a huge Walt Disney fan and Peter Pan has been a beloved classic of mine since I was very young. Thanks for telling us about this!
Hi Whitney, I absolutely loved Peter’s Final Flight. Although it is based on Peter Pan, this musical appeals to children and adults! I hope you get a chance to see it. Cheers, Lori
This sounds like a wonderful show to see. I wonder if it will come somewhere near me soon.
Hi Renee, I hope it does because the show was so much fun! Cheers, Lori
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