Peter Pan Sets Its Sights on Boston with a Fresh and Inclusive Twist

Boston is about to welcome the magic of Neverland as a bold new production of  Peter Pan prepares to land in the city at the Citizens Opera House. This reimagined rendition promises to delight audiences, blending nostalgia with modern sensibilities to create a dynamic theater experience that balances tradition with inclusivity. Scheduled as part of the national tour, Boston will serve as one of the key stops for this updated version of the beloved tale about the boy who refuses to grow up.

The classic 1954 musical, initially brought to life by Broadway icon Mary Martin, now undergoes a transformative revival aimed at making it both accessible and relevant for contemporary audiences. The production, led by director Lonny Price and playwright Larissa FastHorse, breathes new life into the timeless story with a multicultural cast, vibrant updates to the storyline, and a reimagining of old themes to resonate with today's world.

One of the most exciting changes in this Peter Pan is its shift away from the colonial tropes of Victorian England to a modern-day America. The fantasy of Neverland has been lovingly updated to reflect the diversity of today's culture. Gone are the antiquated and offensive portrayals of Indigenous peoples, replaced with a more thoughtful interpretation of global Indigenous cultures. This version portrays Tiger Lily and others in Neverland as a group of displaced cultures from around the world that have retreated to the magical land to preserve their traditions.

This revival doesn't stop at just modernizing the setting or plot-it also empowers its characters in meaningful ways. The dynamic between Peter, Wendy, and Tiger Lily has been transformed, ensuring Wendy and Tiger Lily take on more active roles. Both characters sing, dance, and fight-standing as much more than bystanders to Peter's adventures. Wendy and Tiger Lily now share the stage in pivotal scenes that don't revolve solely around Peter, allowing them to grow as individuals within the narrative.

In addition to these powerful changes, audiences can expect a completely new take on some of the musical's most memorable elements. The updated production restores songs that were omitted or altered from the original show and introduces a new balance of humor, poignancy, and magic. A poignant new addition includes the rediscovery of a haunting ballad, "I Went Home," written for the 1954 production but previously cut. Director Lonny Price describes the inclusion of this piece as a way to deepen Peter's character, exploring his vulnerability and adding emotional complexity.

To see a list of all Broadway Shows in Boston, visit our Broadway Shows In Boston page.