Peter Pan (Bedlam)

Atrocious is not usually a word associated with J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan.  In the hands of the off-Broadway troupe Bedlam however, atrocious is just one descriptor to sum up this incomprehensible, indulgent, occasionally lewd, often idiotic reimagining.  In this version, the company has developed a dual storyline.  One is a loose connection to Peter, Wendy and the lost boys of the original tale.  The other is Wendy having settled down years later, married with kids.  Six actors play all of these roles.  Confusion trumps clarity.  Boredom ensues.

Of course Wendy is mad that Peter never grew up and she settled for a bitter suburban lifestyle.  The premise is not necessarily a bad idea.  Packaged as a first draft inane college project does this exercise no favors.  Bedlam has had success in recent years reinterpreting classics such as Sense & Sensibility and Twelfth Night.  This Peter Pan, however, is leaden, amazingly dull and one off my least favorite theatrical experiences in a long, long time.  Perhaps if Captain Hook had the last laugh, I might have at least chuckled once.

www.bedlam.org

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