Peter Pan – Theatrical Production at Benedum Center Pittsburgh

Get ready to see the spectacular story of Peter Pan this spring at Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Be sure to catch this tale this spring at Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with this Tuesday 1st April 2025 showing for as little as $441.

Origins

adapted from the play by Sir James M. Barrie, this musical performance has had several adaptations played on Broadway stages and live on national television. Original lyrics and showtunes were produced by Carolyn Leigh and Morris (Moose) Charlap, with additional lyrics by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, and Amanda Green, and more music by Jule Styne. This version of the tale has an additional book by Larissa FastHorse, a Native American playwright who breathed new life into the story.

Productions of the Peter Pan play by Barrie date back to 1904 with the original showing in London, and debuting on Broadway in New York in 1905. Critics felt there weren't enough songs, so in came Comden, Green, and Styne to create new music that would eventually become unforgettable staples in the production. The musical version of the 1911 novel adaptation debuted in 1954 and ran with critcally-acclaimed success until 1955 when it stopped showing to create a production to air on NBC. With 65 million viewers nationwide, the show was a smash hit and aired again in 1956 and 1960. Many rebroadcastings aired over the years, with new productions airing on television in 2000 and 2014.

Play

The Peter Pan story focuses on a boy who never grew up and takes the Darling children to Neverland with his cheeky fairy, Tinker Bell. In this dreamy land, there are the Lost Boys who spend their days causing a ruckus and no-good pirates led by the evil Captain Hook. The Darling children enjoy their time with Peter Pan, but Wendy grows up a little and becomes a mother figure to the motherless children of Neverland. Though the Darling adventurers didn't want to grow up, but do begin missing their mother and feeling homesick, but not after Captain Hook stirs up trouble!

Peter Pan is as relevant today as it was over a century ago when it was first performed in London. Every child loves the carefree days of childhood, but eventually must leave their childhoods behind. For any adults wishing they could be a kid again, this imaginative production of a child-led adventure will give you 2h 30m of childhood again. Don't forget to bring the children along since they will also love this magical story about staying young and saying goodbye to childhood.

Diversity

Inspired by Larissa FastHorse's novel, the classic story is reimagined for the next generation to include a more positive and accurate depiction of Native Americans, who were previously portrayed unfavorably in earlier versions. With updated language and music to portray the people more fairly, everyone from all walks of life can enjoy this play and not feel misrepresented, creating an inclusive and family-friendly tale we can all relate to.