Thursday, 25 June 2015

Southwark Star




Tonight is closing night for Peter Pan. I’ve enjoyed being a small part of this play, though I haven’t actually seen any of it. When I’m in the orchestra pit I can usually catch a glimpse of whatever is happening on the stage “apron.” But for this play the orchestra is onstage, literally behind the scenery. The unusual position has solved some acoustic issues, but it makes following visual cues (this musical is full of them) a real challenge. Peter Pan has some wonderful tunes. My two favorites are a sweet little sentimental waltz that Mrs. Darling dances with her children in the nursery as the play opens, and a lullaby that Peter dimly recalls near the end of act two: “My child, my very own, don't be afraid, you're not alone. Sleep until the dawn for all is well.” Somehow I didn’t realize until yesterday that they’re actually the same melody; a musical variation on not seeing the forest for the trees.

No comments:

Post a Comment