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Content Analysis

PLAY SYNOPSIS

Disaster has never been so entertaining. When an overly earnest amateur troupe sets out to stage *Peter and Wendy* by J. M. Barrie, their grand Edwardian adventure quickly unravels into gloriously uncontained chaos. What begins with high hopes and heartfelt ambition soon spirals as lines are forgotten, cues are missed, and the set itself seems to rebel against the production. Props malfunction at the worst possible moments, scenery refuses to cooperate, and backstage tensions boil over into full view of the audience. At the center of it all is a determined director, unwavering in the belief that dignity can somehow survive the mounting catastrophe. Meanwhile, the cast presses on with increasing desperation, their commitment only heightening the hilarity as every attempt to recover makes things spectacularly worse. Neverland becomes less a magical escape and more a battleground of clashing egos, physical mishaps, and perfectly timed calamities. Blending razor-sharp physical comedy with pitch-perfect timing, this farce revels in everything that can go wrong in live theatre—and then gleefully raises the stakes. By the final curtain, you may find yourself wondering whether the real magic lies not in getting it right, but in watching it fall apart so brilliantly.

CHARACTERS

CHRIS is the president of the drama society and plays Mr Darling  and Captain Hook. 

ROBERT plays Nana the Dog, Peter’s Shadow and Starkey. FRANCIS plays the Narrator and Cecco. 

SANDRA plays Wendy Darling. 

DENNIS plays John Darling, Mermaid and Mr Smee. ANNIE plays Mrs Darling, Lisa, Curly and Tinker Bell. MAX plays Michael Darling, Mermaid and the Crocodile. TREVOR is the company’s stage manager. 

JONATHAN plays Peter Pan. 

LUCY plays Tootles. 

GILL is a Cornley stagehand and later split tracks as a paramedic. 

THEMES

The Chaos of Live Theater

The play humorously explores everything that can go wrong during a stage production, including collapsing sets, failed effects, forgotten lines, technical malfunctions, and actor mishaps. The comedy comes from the cast’s determination to continue the performance no matter how disastrous things become.

Imagination and Adventure

Like the original Peter Pan, the story celebrates childhood imagination, fantasy, flying, fairies, pirates, and the magic of Neverland.

Growing Up

The play references themes from the original Peter Pan about growing up, childhood wonder, and resisting adulthood.

Friendship and Teamwork

Despite constant disasters, the performers continue working together to finish the show, highlighting perseverance, collaboration, and commitment to entertaining the audience.

CONTENT FOR PARENTAL CONSIDERATION

MATURE SUBJECT MATTER

Mild innuendo and suggestive humor

Brief comedic references to kissing and romance

Brief visible underwear during costume malfunctions and physical comedy sequences

One exclamation of “Jesus Christ!” used comedically

VIOLENCE/PHYSICAL COMEDY

Extensive slapstick comedy throughout

Actors fall, collide, trip, get struck by props, and become trapped in scenery

Simulated flying accidents, collapsing set pieces, smoke effects, pyrotechnic flashes, and staged chaos occur frequently

Pirate swordplay and cartoon-style peril

No graphic violence or serious injury depiction

LANGUAGE

Mild adult language and comedic insults

No strong profanity beyond isolated exclamations

SPECIAL EFFECTS/SENSORY ADVISORY

Frequent flashing lights and pyrotechnic effects

Smoke and haze effects used throughout

Loud sound effects, crashes, and sudden technical gags

Audience interaction and unexpected moments may occur

RUNNING TIME

About 2 hours 10 minutes including intermission

SHOW DATES

July 7 - August 8, 2027

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED AGE Peter Pan Goes Wrong?

Appropriate for most audiences, including families with older children. Recommended for audiences comfortable with loud effects, fast-paced slapstick comedy, theatrical chaos, and mild suggestive humor. 

HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS TO Peter Pan Goes Wrong?

Tickets prices vary between $25 and $80 depending on where you sit in the theater.

Executive Artistic Director’s Note

Theatre is an art form that from its inception has had the proven power to move and to stir the human spirit. This can have a wide variety of manifestations. We are often stirred up, and that kind of event can have us needing to talk to someone about it. We recommend that you find a licensed mental healthcare professional to help you work through difficult feelings that may have been stirred up by a play. You should always work with someone that you have a great connection with. If you need help starting that process, we recommend our partners at Ellie Mental Health as a starting place.

You might also be stirred to do something about how a particular play made you feel. Below we have provided a quick link to be able to donate to us here at the A. D. Players at the George Theatre. As a 501(c)3, we rely heavily on donations to continue the work that we do. If, however, you want to do something meaningful about some of the issues addressed by our shows, we are also including links to organizations that do meaningful work in the areas addressed by the content of our show. These are not exhaustive options, but merely starting places to help you on your journey to continue to effect change in your world.