Your Guide to Ballet West's "Peter Pan"
What Makes This Production Special
Trey McIntyre's Peter Pan isn’t your typical adaptation of the beloved tale. This ballet follows J.M. Barrie's original story, exploring deeper emotional themes, but keeps the magic and wonder audiences love. Set to Sir Edward Elgar's sweeping orchestral score and featuring spectacular aerial choreography, this production truly offers a unique theatrical experience.
What to Watch For
Breathtaking Flying Sequences
The aerial choreography is the star of this show. Peter, Wendy, John, and Michael take flight throughout the production, which requires a full week dedicated to flying rehearsals. You’ll see them soar (which includes choreography in the air!) through the Darling nursery and across Neverland with athleticism that you’ve never seen yet in Ballet West’s ballet productions.
Immersed in Magic
From the moment the curtain rises, you'll be immersed in a world of theatrical magic:
- Costumes: Broadway designer Jeanne Button's punk-fashion inspired costumes bring an unexpected flair to Neverland
- Lighting: Christina Giannelli's ethereal lighting design helps create the magic, cleverly hiding flying wires and adding shimmer to every scene
Key Moments
- Dancing Shadows: You’ll see this in Wendy's dream sequence
- Tinkerbell: Watch her enchanting movements throughout
- The Mermaids at the mysterious lagoon, where Captain Hook and his pirate crew attempt to capture the most beautiful one
- Swashbuckling Sword Fights between Peter Pan and Captain Hook's pirate crew in an epic battle
- Captain Hook's Surprising Backstory: Watch for the theatrical ruse where Hook shows Wendy a "film" of his childhood—it's actually a play featuring his own son, James, standing in for young Hook
- James Hook's journey: The Captain's son plays a pivotal role, luring Peter into a potentially terrible fate while grappling with his own conflicted feelings
- The emotional journey as Wendy reflects on home and family, ultimately leading the Lost Boys to realize they miss their homeland too
What to Expect
Performance Details:
- Running time: Just over 2 hours with one intermission
- Live music performed by the Ballet West Orchestra
- Eight performances from February 13-22 at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre
Is This Right for My Family? This production is perfect for audiences of all ages, from 5 to 105. While it explores some of the darker elements from Barrie's original story (this isn't the Disney version!), it remains a magical, family-friendly adventure. The combination of spectacular flying, beautiful dancing, live orchestral music, and captivating storytelling creates an experience that will enchant children while engaging adults.
First Time at the Ballet? Welcome! Ballet is a beautiful art form that tells stories through movement and music. No special attire is required. Just wear what makes you comfortable. Arrive early to find your seats and enjoy the ambiance of the beautiful, 100-year old Capitol Theatre. During the performance, photography and recording are not permitted, allowing everyone to stay immersed in the magic unfolding on stage.
The Story in Brief
The adventure begins when Peter Pan bursts into the Darling children's nursery, bringing the tiny fairy Tinkerbell with him. Together, they whisk Wendy, John, and Michael away to Neverland, where they join the Lost Boys in raucous celebrations and daring adventures. They'll battle Captain Hook and his pirate crew, encounter enchanting mermaids, and discover what it truly means to grow up (or not to).
This timeless tale of imagination, childhood, and the bittersweet journey toward growing up comes to life through the universal language of dance, reminding us all to believe in magic, adventure, and the power of never growing up.
Ready to fly to Neverland? Tickets start at just $29!