Yanela Pinera as Wendy; Photo David Kelly
The magic of J.M Barrie’s Peter Pan is powerfully realised by the Queensland Ballet. Trey McIntyre’s creative choreography excels in this adventurous tale with quirky, sensitive and enigmatic diversity. This stunning production is full of fun, delighting the audience with enticing visual textures, from the evocative set design to innovative, ostentatious costumes and wigs.
It’s refreshing to see such a vibrant production of ballet with theatrical gestures that update this most beloved children’s tale for the contemporary audience. Cleverly supported by puppetry and crafty lighting design, the work exudes the epitome of collaborative entertainment.
The alluring, energetic performances draws you into the fantasy world of Wendy and her two brothers in Neverland. But not before the early landscape of staunch nannies initiating the story of the infant Peter being swept away with the refuse after falling out of his pram, separating him from the others. Where did he go? Was he a sibling of Wendy and her brothers?
Camilo Ramos (Peter Pan) and Yanela Pinera (Wendy) are delightful as they command the stage with an exceptional charm. The aerial sequence when Peter teaches Wendy how to fly is a beautiful breathtaking moment of silence that inspires and quickens the soul. Kudos to the technical team for this exciting display.
The beauty of the Fairies dance with a spritely and powerful Tinkerbell (Laura Hidalgo) is exhilarating. Wendy’s dreamscape reels you into the fabulous imagery of the quick changing sets where menacing Shadows dance as silhouettes flickering in and out of sight. The larger than life Captain James Hook and his swashbuckling pirates were another highlight offering brilliantly choreographed revelry along with incredible costumes and wigs that incited laughter and amusement from the audience. The theatrical elements of the work augment this already stirring story. Not to forget the elegant mermaids who are in danger of being captured by Hook. The underwater scene accompanied by the mermaids’ lithe and sophisticated movements were memorable also.
The music for Peter Pan was arranged by Neil DuPonte from the orchestral works of Edward Elgar. Queensland Symphony Orchestra led by Andrew Mogrelia complimented this outstanding production with finesse.
The Playhouse QPAC is a reasonably intimate venue compared some larger locations which allows a closer encounter with such an endearing production along with state of the art facilities. We are fortunate to have Li Cunxin (Queensland’s Australian of the Year 2014) as Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet.
I highly recommended Peter Pan for all the family as a fun and exciting experience.
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Peter Pan
Choreographer Trey McIntyre
Composer Sir Edward Elgar, arranged by Niel DePonte
With Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Andrew Mogrelia
Stagers Dawn Scannell and James Payne
Set Designer Thomas Boyd
Costume Designer Jeanne Button
QPAC Playhouse
26 June – 11 July
