Published: June 25, 2009 03:16 pm      

The magic of ‘Peter Pan’ is a must-see at Circa ‘21

I couldn’t wait to see “Peter Pan” on TV when I was a kid. I was fascinated by both the story and my first exposure to live theater…even though it was on television, in black and white, and barely audible.

It didn’t matter.

So for me to tell you my hopes were high for this opening night would be a serious understatement. I have been looking forward to this since the moment I heard it was in the works.

Therefore, I am extremely pleased to report this production of “Peter Pan” at Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse Theatre in The District of Rock Island exceeded all of my unrealistic expectations.

This show brings to life the visual fantasy my young eyes imagined they saw when I watched those grainy gray images back in the 1960s.

The sets — especially the children’s nursery — are exceptionally delightful. The flying apparatus and staging are being handled by ZFX, Inc.-a world-class provider of flying effects with over a dozen Broadway credits.

From the surprising moment Peter flies into the room (impressively done!), childhood dreams unfold before your eyes.

“The main ideas of this story are games and magic,” according to Jim Hesselman, Circa '21 veteran and director/choreographer of “Peter Pan.” “From the onset, the children are engaged in game-playing with their parents, their dog — and it just continues from there.”

Jim deserves applause every five minutes for his work on this production.

The huge cast of 23 is supported by many times that number to ensure the magic happens for all of us. And it turns out they are also having a great time!

The casting in this play is impeccable. The character of Peter Pan is literally channeled by Brittany Church — a charismatic actress. Brittany boasts sweet, pure vocals fortified with the power needed to fill the large theater. She brings Peter Pan to life in every way and makes him so believable.

In addition, I’ve met Tom Walljasper several times and I never realized he was actually Captain Hook…until now! The day I can even begin to describe how hilarious, how perfectly dastardly, how “Johnny Depp-ly” Walljasper plays the evil Hook — that will be the day I can call myself a writer…not today.

Lauren Van Speybroeck plays Wendy just as sweetly as she should. She and Zach Finn (John) are both veterans on the Circa '21 stage — playing Beth and Tommy Bailey in “A Wonderful Life” last Christmas.

Tanner Konrardy plays Michael and this is his debut performance at Circa. The three of them are charmingly perfect in their roles and so gifted they make it look easy.

In addition, we have a hometown boy also appearing on this stage for the second time. Isaac Jankowski is 17 years old and a senior at Prince of Peace Academy in Clinton. He has been studying dancing at Sheryl’s Dance Academy for 10 years and performed with CAST for four years.

Isaac is very talented and I predict his younger brother Jacob — a budding magician with absolutely no inferiority complex issues — will be close on Isaac’s skillful heels. Their parents are Tom (Teacher/Drama Director at Prince of Peace) and SueAnn (Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Washington/Lyons schools) Jankowski.

Isaac plays an Indian and his favorite number is “Ugh-a-Wug.” Mine too! The entire cast is onstage drumming out a beat that brought the house down.

Although I have a somewhat deserved reputation for liking almost every production I see…I could never gush enough how much I loved this show! It was like watching a colorful, crazy and hilarious live cartoon.

So I cannot wait to go back with my grandkids, but this show is a must-see for the entire family. Sure, the kids will love it but adults will enjoy the flashback to their own childhood and its promise of unending summer fun and games.

I honestly don’t know when you’d ever see a better version of “Peter Pan.” I have never witnessed audience applause like that after only seeing Act I.

Don’t miss it…no matter how old you are! Here’s what you need to know: “Peter Pan” runs through Aug. 29. Special discounted tickets are available through July 5. Performances are on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. To contact the ticket office, call (309) 786-7733, ext. 2, or online at www.circa21.com.

Jami Smith is our local theater reviewer and a sales representative at the Clinton Herald. She can be contacted at jamirsmith@clintonherald.com.