I did not know where I was, walking up Walker Street on my way to the Walkerspace to see an independent theater production of Peter~Wendy.  Fortunately, that bright light in front of the building helped a lot.  As I walked in, the area seemed small and I did not understand what the post-its on the wall were for.  My mind was racing with questions and came blank with no answers.

I didn’t know what to expect in an ‘Open Seating’ theater.  The stage was pretty empty with few props and no scenery.  A man was set up in the front selling wine for five dollars.  If you were sitting on the front bench you could get refills (free) during the show.  As I turned to see behind me, all I could see were people. People sitting on seats, on benches—on the floor!  That was a sure sign it must be a good show.  As I listened closer, the music grew louder and my little sister got a little scared by its eerie tune.

The music faded and the cast emerges onto the stage — multiple people speaking at once.  There’s Mr. and Mrs. Darling, talking about their dear daughter, Wendy.  They tuck her in and say goodnight.  As they leave the room, Peter Pan emerges through the window to find his shadow lying on the floor.  He tries to attach it to himself again and again to no avail.  He begins to wail and wakens Wendy.  She becomes a friend to him and he convinces her to come with him to Neverland to tell stories to the Lost Boys.  As she flies out the window, Mr. and Mrs. Darling run up to the Nursery to see only two figures soaring in the sky.

Back in Neverland, Captain Hook speaks the obvious in monotone. He had captured the Lilies and Tiger Lily.  After Peter saves her, Wendy tries to mother all of the Lost Boys and Peter who will not comply.

After plenty of laughs from Tinkerbell and an especially sarcastic Lost Boy, Captain Hook captures Wendy.  Peter Pan hears of this from Tinkerbell (who occasionally translates the Fairy Language into English).  Peter comes to save her, kills Hook and saves the day.  Once evening comes, Peter forgets everything, as though he has been reborn with a new memory.  Wendy begs to leave and Peter lets her go.

The ending is not necessarily happy because Peter and Tinkerbell close the window to her Nursery, thus, Wendy cannot come back home.  What happens after this?  We do not know but understand a lot more now.  As you walk out, the cast leaves too, still in costume!  They are friendly and kind and as you walk by the Walls of Post-Its (they are happy thoughts!).   I felt the urge to write my happy thought as I left.

Overall, it was a wonderful play for people of all ages that opened your eyes to the wonderful imaginary world we all dreamed of.  Peter~Wendy is a must-see that is 20% comedy, 20% romance and 100% AMAZING!

Here’s the trailer for the show, to give you a glimpse of what it was like: