This winter season, Philadelphians and ‘Peter Pan’ fans can find a whimsical re-imagining of the classic story. ‘Peter Panto: A Musical Panto’ will be hitting the stage at People’s Light beginning Nov. 20, and audiences will see characters like Peter, Tink and Captain Hook like never before.
“At People’s Light, we are proud to be at the forefront of creating and staging pantos that capture the imagination of audiences in a way unlike any other theatre company in the region or across the country,” said Zak Berkman, Producing Artistic Director at People’s Light in a statement.
“Our pantos are more than just holiday shows—they are opportunities for families and communities to come together, share laughter and celebrate the magic of live theatre. We are excited to bring ‘Peter Panto’ to life this year with a fresh take that will entertain and delight audiences.”
The show is officially described as a musical, interactive adventure filled with laughs, songs and plenty of audience participation. “It’s a story of friendship, courage and the timeless magic of Neverland.”
The cast is mixed with Broadway and regional actors, featuring Philly-based panto veteran Eli Lynn as Peter, Courter Simmons (‘Jersey Boys’) as Tinkerbell, and Jamison Stern (‘By Jeeves’) as Captain Hook. Other local favorites, including People’s Light company artists Liz Filios, Susan McKey and Mary Elizabeth Scallen, will also bring their talents to ‘Peter Panto.’
“As a story, ‘Peter Pan’ captures the spirit of youthful wonder, imagination, and hope—qualities that are at the very heart of the holiday season. It’s a time when families come together to embrace the magic of possibility, and ‘Peter Panto’ brings that sense of joy and adventure to life on stage,” added director Bill Fennelly in a statement. “The show is the perfect holiday experience, blending humor, heart and a touch of mischief that resonates with audiences of all ages.”
‘Peter Panto’ will run at People’s Light through Jan. 5, 2025. Tickets start at $35 and are available online or by calling the Box Office at 610-644-3500. Note, the theatre also offers a range of ticket discounts, including youth tickets, 50% off Access Nights, 25% off for educators and military, and discounted student and industry tickets. The Access Night performances for ‘Peter Panto: A Musical Panto’ are Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m.
As the release finishes, the organization will also host a Relaxed Performance on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m., where traditional theatre rules are relaxed and additional accessibility accommodations are available. This performance offers Audio Description and American Sign Language Interpretation and encourages a “shush-free” environment where audience members are free to move around or vocalize as needed.
For more information, visit peopleslight.org
