Peter Pan Like You've Never Seen Before

My wife, 5-year old daughter, and I finally made it downtown San Francisco to the Peter Pan show/play/spectacle that's been in town for the last couple of months. I had seen the previews and was intrigued, but my expectations were not all that high.

However. However. However. Wow. After walking out of the show yesterday, I, and my family were dumbfounded by what we had just seen. It was one of those experiences that you know will stay with you - and your child - for a very long time. It was touching, engaging, funny, poignant, and sweet - all rolled into two hours (plus a 20-minute intermission) of suspended belief.

Suspended being the right word as for most of the show you were treated to the actors - Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy, and her brothers Jon and Michael - suspended by wires as they flew through the skies or swam underwater.

The "tent" within which the show takes place presents an in-the-round viewing experience, and with most rows of chairs only going 12 or so rows back, there are no bad seats in the house. The stage is in the middle, and actors make full use of its area, giving members from all around the house a good view of the action.

Sparse scenery on stage gives the audience enough of a clue of where they are, and the actors room to appear and disappear from view. There's also a 360-degree "screen" about 10 feet tall that circumvents the top, providing a video backdrop for what is going on center stage. So when the actors fly from their homes to Neverland, guests are treated to four actors on wires "flying" in and around buildings, through clouds, and underwater.

The way some of the characters - most notably the Crocodile - are shown gives full whimsy to the imagination.

With tickets starting at only $35, this is a must-see event for you and your family. The show is going to be gone soon, so go now. I guarantee you will be enthralled, and your children will be amazed (and thankful). Children under five are not recommended.

Go to www.peterpantheshow.com for more information.

Honestly, this is one of the best stage shows I have yet seen. You owe it to your child - and the child in you - to go see this show.