There’s something magical about the spark of wonder in a child’s eyes when creativity takes flight. I saw that spark ignite in children of all ages, both in the audience and on stage, during the Learning Theater’s production of Peter Pan and Wendy, playing now through November 23 on the Creative Cauldron stage.
The Learning Theater provides a platform for children to feed their imaginations, grow their creativity, and hone their performance skills. This production includes 35 elementary- and middle-school children, the youngest being 8 years old. The children perform in interchanging roles depending on the night. The show is an inclusive program that allows any child interested in performing to join the fun and shine in their own special way.
Directed by Laura Connors Hull and Ariel Friendly, with original music and choreography by Matt Conner, and a libretto and lyrics by Stephen Gregory Smith, this production will spark warm, youthful memories in adults and fuel the childlike wonder in us all. If your kids love the magic of theater and make-believe, or if you’re simply an adult who never wants to grow up, then don’t miss out on Peter Pan and Wendy.
Hull adapted this production from the 1904 play Peter Pan; or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, by J.M. Barrie, and his follow-up novel in 1911, Peter Pan and Wendy. The classic story centers on a young boy, Peter Pan (who, in keeping with the casting style of early productions, was played by a young female, Sophia “Whit” Jenkins, at the performance I attended).
Leaping, hopping, and skipping across the stage with movements similar to the 1953 Disney animated version of Peter Pan, Jenkins performed the role of Pan with impressive confidence and charisma, not to mention immense stage presence for someone her age. She definitely has a future in entertainment if she so chooses.
The story begins in London, England, within the home of the Darling family — Mr. Darling (Alan Guitierrez, who also performs the role of Captain Hook), Mrs. Darling (played by co-director Ariel Friendly), and their three children: Wendy (Emma Lynch, whose rendition of “Pretty House” was quite technically proficient for someone so young), John (Jonah Denis), and Michael (Aaryah Sidhara).
One evening, upon hearing the bedtime stories Mrs. Darling recounts to her children, Peter decides a mother is what’s missing from his home in Neverland, where he is the leader of the unruly band of “lost boys.” He decides Wendy shall be their mother and returns the following night to take her home with him. She agrees, but only if her two brothers can come along. With a little help from Tinkerbell’s magic fairy dust paired with beautiful and happy thoughts, the four children fly through the starry night sky all the way to the magical world of Neverland, where they encounter ruthless pirates, brave warriors, and musical mermaids.
The starry night sky was brought to beautiful life by Projection Designer/Stage Manager Nicholas J. Goodman. Blue and white lights adorned the walls, enveloping us in the vast, clear blanket of a twinkling night sky. Misty blue galaxies were projected on the various screens, centering us in an ethereal, celestial realm. These lighting and visual elements were accompanied by young puppeteers weaving across the stage, allowing the Peter, Wendy, John, and Michael puppets to soar through the sky.
Goodman’s lighting and visual effects also opened the show, immediately creating a sense of wonder for the entire audience. The blue and white stars lit up the space as the five members of the Star Chorus entered the stage from every direction, waving more blue and white lights. The Star Chorus delightfully led the narration of the beloved, larger-than-life story through the original song “Neverland” — a melodic tune, almost lullaby-like in nature, that mirrored the soft lighting perfectly.
Another fun musical moment was the jazzy, upbeat song “Clock in the Croc,” performed by Guitierrez as Captain Hook and accompanied by his fellow pirates, as well as the mischievous crocodile played by Ely Tarrant, who will be performing the role of Wendy next week. The buoyant choreography paired with the jaunty music had the audience happily bopping along.
Moreover, Connor’s music and choreography reached a new level of fun during the song “Keep the Beat,” in which Jenkins as Pan encouraged the audience to clap along to revive the dying Tinkerbell. Everyone knows the best way to revive a fairy is to show her you believe! The sweet, inclusive moment had everyone smiling as we rhythmically clapped our hands and stomped our feet to the beat.
Since its original inception, the fabled story of the boy who refused to grow up has been told time and again through varying lenses and interpretations. Although based on the original narrative, the Learning Theater’s version incorporates its own fun twists, including its decision to perform the show as an English/Spanish hybrid.
The dual-language elements were presented in a way that felt indicative of children’s educational television programs. Actors would recite a line in Spanish and then again in English, or vice versa. Or an actor would say a line in Spanish, and another actor would respond by mirroring the words in English in the form of a question or statement. So, not only will your kids enjoy the magical storytelling of the evening, but they just may learn a thing or two, as well.
In addition to playing the roles of Mr. Darling and Captain Hook, Guitierrez served as Spanish coach. Guitierrez’s incredible work with the children, both as language tutor and scene partner, truly elevated the production. His boisterous and impressive vocal projection, along with his animated movements, consistently hyped the audience as well as the kids on stage with him.
The Learning Theater’s programs proudly support, mentor, and educate children in their acting and theater pursuits. The majority of children in the show are veterans of the Learning Theater’s summer camp program and/or have participated in other shows at Creative Cauldron. During a very sweet Q&A directly following the show, we got to hear from the children and the adults who made this show possible. It was clear how far these children have grown, both in skill and passion for the craft. If your child is interested in joining a theater program, attending this show would be a great way to see what they’re all about!
Running Time: One hour and 30 minutes, with no intermission.
Peter Pan and Wendy plays through November 23, 2025, presented by Creative Cauldron Stage’s Learning Theater, at Creative Cauldron, 127 E Broad St., Falls Church, VA, within the Broad and Washington Building. Tickets are available at $20 for adults and $18 for students and can be purchased online. Tickets for the livestreamed show on November 22 and 23 at 2 p.m. at $15 are also available online.
