‘Peter Pan’ Flies Into Diablo Light Opera

Two special early-bird matinees are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursdays on September 20 and 27.
Appearing as Peter Pan is Brandy Collazo, who starred in the title role of DLOC’s “ Thoroughly Modern Millie” last year. In “Peter Pan,” she not only sings some of the memorable songs in the show, such as “I Won’t Grow Up,” ”I Gotta Crow,”and “Neverland, “ but also flies. Special rigging equipment will enable her to soar above the stage. Four other characters also will fly to Neverland.

“This is a show, a classic, with appeal for the whole family,” says director Daren A. C. Carollo, “With that in mind, we’re unveiling some of the most lavish and spectacular sets, costumes and surprises ever seen in a production at the Lesher Center.”

Adds Carollo: “The richly decorated and fantastical world of pirate ships and magical forests touched with the memories of youth are designed by Kent Homchick, who grew up in Walnut Creek. From flying over the sleepy, fog laden roofs of London to the gilt gold inlay of Captain Hook’s Jolly Rodger, he has created a delightful montage depicting every child’s journey through the world of make believe.”

Tom Reardon, whose daytime job is a judge in Alameda, will play Captain Hook, a role that earned Cyril Ritchard a Tony Award after the show opened on Broadway in 1954. Mary Martin also received a Tony for her portrayal of the title role. Both stars later performed a TV version of the show.

Rena Wilson, who starred as Marian the librarian in DLOC’s production of “The Music Man” last spring, will appear as Wendy.

Joining the performers in featured roles is a cast of 29 and a 16-piece orchestra directed by Cheryl Yee Glass, with vocal direction by Chad Runyon. Carol Edlinger is the costumer.

Choreography is by Lawrence Pech, who was the founding artistic director of Diablo Ballet. His next assignment is choreography for five productions by the San Francisco Opera next season.

Ellen Smith, a longtime member of DLOC’s artistic staff, is the show’s producer. Her previous producer assignments with the company include “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “West Side Story.”

“Peter Pan” is based on J.M. Barrie's tale about a boy who doesn’t want to grow up and spends his life in Neverland battling the pirates and Indians. Music is by Mark Charlap and Julie Styne, with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden and Adolph Green.

The original musical was developed in San Francisco as part of the Civic Light Opera Company series before it premiered on Broadway. The New York Times characterized it as a “theatrical fairytale.”

Since its opening on Broadway in 1954, only one male actor (Jack Noseworthy) played the title role. Like Martin and a series of successors who include Sandy Duncan and Cathy Rigby, the role is usually played by a woman. -- www.dloc.org