Getting to know Peter Pan
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Just about everyone has become acquainted with the boy who never grows up, whether through J.M. Barrie's original story, the Disney cartoon variation or the grown-up version with Robin Williams. We've also seen the real story behind Barrie's life in the movie "Finding Neverland," with Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet.
And depending on how long ago you grew up, musical stars Mary Martin, Sandy Duncan or Cathy Rigby might have played a part in your childhood.
Here's a brief history of Peter Pan in the public eye:
Premiere: Scottish playwright and author J.M. Barrie's play about the boy who would not grow up debuts in London in 1904. The first name of Peter Pan was inspired by Peter Llewellyn Davies, one of the several Davies brothers whom Barrie knew. A definitive print version did not appear until 1911, with the book "Peter and Wendy," which included an epilogue in which Peter visits a grown-up Wendy (as in "Hook").
Animation: Walt Disney puts his stamp on the story with an animated film in 1953, and Tinkerbell goes on to become the magical symbol of Disney's "Wonderful World of Color" TV shows.
Broadway: The musical "Peter Pan," music by Mark Charlap and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh and starring Mary Martin as Peter and Cyril Ritchard as Captain Hook, debuts on Broadway in the Winter Garden Theatre. It runs from Oct. 20, 1954, to Feb. 26, 1955, and launches countless revivals and tours.
Television: In 1960, the musical also launches a black-and-white version of the Broadway show, adapted by Jerome Robbins and starring Martin and Ritchard. Clapping for Tinkerbell's life becomes an annual rite of passage.
Revivals: There have been many Broadway revivals and tours, beginning in 1979, when Sandy Duncan played the title role. Gymnast Cathy Rigby returned to the role several times, from 1990-99.
Films: Among the most recent were the acclaimed "Finding Neverland" (2004), with Depp, left, starring in a Barrie biopic; director P.J. Hogan's "Peter Pan" (2003), with Jeremy Sumpter as an age-appropriate Peter; and Steven Spielberg's "Hook" (1991), with Robin Williams as an adult Peter and Dustin Hoffman as the captain.
Disney's animated Peter Pan
"Finding Neverland" (2004), with Johnny Depp
First Published February 11, 2007 12:00 am
