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Overview
Synopsis
Jon Jory’s Peter Pan reimagines the classic fairy tale about the boy who refuses to grow up as a gender-bent theatrical spectacle. The spirit of the story and the beloved characters are very much present: the playful Peter Pan, the imaginative Wendy, the ego-driven Captain Hook, and hapless hanger-on Smee. Jory treats the story as a light-hearted adventure tale, infusing his unique brand of humor into the characters. In fact, at some points the play feels as much like a sitcom as an adventure fantasy. One of the most unique of Jory’s inventions is the inclusion of The Narrator, who enthusiastically attempts to narrate parts of the story for the audience to the disapproval of the other characters.
In Jory’s version, Captain Hook and the pirates are written as female-presenting (although traditional casting is also possible). The play is full-length without an act break, though the playwright offers a suggested intermission point if desired. A condensed one-act version is also available. When it comes to Peter and Wendy flying (after all, what’s an adventure without flying), the play is written to accommodate either traditional flying or pared-down theatrical conceits. With plenty of flexibility in costuming, sets, and casting, this adaptation is a perfect choice for middle or high school theatres as well as theatres for young audiences with any budget.
Show Information
- Book
- Jon Jory
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Peter and Wendy by J.M. Barrie
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 2016
- Genres
- Comedy, Fairy Tale/Fantasy
- Settings
- Fantasy/Imaginary, Spectacle, Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- London and Neverland
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- Stage Partners
- Ideal For
- Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, High School, Middle School, Theatre For Young Audiences (TYA), Includes Adult, Child, Early Teen, Young Adult, Late Teen Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer, Silent |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer, Silent |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer, Silent |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Silent, Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A version of a work modified from another medium or language, making it suitable for a new performance context.
The repetition of initial consonant sounds, used in poetic dialogue for emphasis, rhythm, and stylistic effect.
A female ballet dancer whose discipline and artistry are central to many theatrical performances and dance-based works.
A classical dance form used in theatre for expressive movement, storytelling, and interdisciplinary performance.
A performance technique where an actor speaks directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall for dramatic or comedic effect.
A genre of story involving magical and fantastical elements, sometimes adapted for theatrical performance.
The imaginary wall separating the audience from the actors onstage, often 'broken' for direct address. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
An antagonist or force of retribution often featured in tragedies to fulfill poetic justice or downfall.
Oversimplified character types used in theatre to critique or reinforce societal assumptions and cultural bias.
A character in comedy who contrasts with an eccentric partner, enhancing humor through understatement and seriousness.
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Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright