I had the pleasure of attending opening night of PETER PAN Tuesday night at the Pantages Theatre here in Los Angeles starring Cathy Rigby. I saw PETER PAN with Cathy Rigby over 10 years ago with my grandfather in the Bay Area. I have to say I was really excited to attend. If you have been reading MizHollywood.com you know that I love a good musical. Shows like this make me feel like a kid again.
Entering the show I saw so many people waiting outside and all the banners up for the show. I saw so many kids probably there for their first time to see a Broadway show. It was so exciting for me to see. As I walked in, I thought of going to see Peter Pan with my grandpa and how he is no longer here. Those memories are what I hold on to.
Cathy Rigby made her professional debut as ‘Dorothy’ in The Wizard of Oz twenty-nine years ago. Since that debut, she has starred in the national tour of Annie Get Your Gun, Meet Me in St. Louis, Paint Your Wagon, They’re Playing Our Song and as the ‘Cat in the Hat” in Seussical both on Broadway and on tour. However, PETER PAN remains Cathy’s favorite. “One of the greatest gifts of my theatrical career has been the opportunity to play ‘Peter Pan’. The thrill of seeing the faces of children as I fly over their heads sprinkling fairy dust and having the chance (eight times a week) to relive the adventure of a perfect “make believe” childhood.”
Her greatest joy is the reaction, letters and emails that she receives from countless children and adults alike.
The show is a bit different than I had remembered but it’s based on several chapters that appeared in James M. Barrie’s 1902 novel,“The Little White Bird.” It’s a great show for the whole family to see especially to get kids initiated to the theatre.
The show begins with the kids in their bedroom but the real show begins with Cathy Rigby “Peter Pan” flies into the room. When she flew in the audience went crazy. I have to say I got chills. I was sitting next to this gentleman and every time she flew around the room he just couldn’t believe it. It really is an amazing sight to see. When Peter Pan takes the Darling kids to Neverland they all go flying through the sky I felt like a kid wide eyed and mouth open. Cathy was flying all over the place it was crazy. Seriously, I can’t explain it you have to see it in person.
At intermission I was reading about Cathy Rigby and I looked her up online the woman is 60 years old. WHAT? How? She is amazing. This lady flips, rolls, flies, does everything 8 shows a week. I can barely get to the gym or get out of bed some days. She is unbelievable. I have an all new respect for her.
Also, at intermission I saw Glee’s Alex Newell, Once Upon a Time’s Raphael Sbarge, Actor Tim Bagley (seen in in Knocked Up, This is 40 and more) and Peyton List from Disney’s Jessie. My eyes were searching a million miles a minute.
Peter Pan was amazing. Just to see Peter Pan (Cathy) fly, jump and flip was a treat. Captain Hook was geniusly played by Brent Barrett. He had quick timing was very funny and played with audience. They seemed to have added new scenes. It was just a great show and a fun one for the whole family especially for the younger ones.
One of the funniest parts was when Captain Hook came out the kids around me started booing right away and Captain Hook looked out into the audience with this long pause and told them to be quiet. The kids started laughing so hard. It was just fun to see.
After the show I got to meet Cathy Rigby. I told her how I saw the show with my grandpa and how it was such a great memory for me.
If you’re in the LA area go now to see this delightful show. You won’t regret it.
The performance schedule for Cathy Rigby is PETER PAN is Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, and Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm. JANUARY 15 – 27, 2013
PETER PAN has a running time of 2 hours and 15 Minutes including intermission and is recommended for All Ages. (Please note that in consideration of audiences, no one under 3 will be admitted to the theatre.)
Orchestra level tickets for Cathy Rigby is PETER PAN start at just $25. Prices are subject to change without notice.
For tickets or more information about Cathy Rigby is PETER PAN’s Los Angeles engagement, please visit the Pantages Theatre’s official website, www.BroadwayLA.org.
Leave Us Your Comments.