Cody Garcia and Cast Photo by Matthew Murphy at MurphyMade

In this non-Equity tour cast, Jonah Barricklo flies right in as Peter. The performer, with a BFA from Emerson College, previously understudied the role while previously taking other parts in the production. Talented and ready for the limelight, he never dominates even as he shines. He sings on pitch and with dexterity on recognizable tunes like "I've Gotta Crow," "Wendy," and "I Won't Grow Up." He demonstrates wide-ranging emotions and does well as both someone who likes Wendy (Hawa Kamara) but who also can be leader of the Lost Boys while maintaining wariness of Captain Hook (Cody Garcia).

FastHorse stages the show in contemporary London, bringing in reference to video games and headphones. Wendy, older sister to her brothers, is protective but also eyes a career as a doctor. Kamara, like Barricklo, graduated from Emerson with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has a song of her own, "Distant Melody."

Captain Hook (flavored with delicious pizzazz by Cody Garcia) is a bad guy who is also comical. He can strut around doing a tango or be more driven. He dreads the crocodile, makes a big deal of leading his group of pirates, but is not all that menacing. Garcia also manages, at the beginning and end of the presentation, to fill the role of Mr. Darling. Mr. and Mrs. Darling (Shefali Deshpande) are caring parents for their kids.

FastHorse makes a great move to create a Tiger Lily (Bailey Frankenberg) who is indigenous, smart and strong. She is galvanic and gymnastic. She and the entire cast step, swing, and dance lively to choreographer Lorin Latarro's creative movement. Peter, Tiger Lily, and everyone else come together just before intermission on "Friends Forever," an illuminating and hopeful number.

Tinkerbell is aboard and so, at times, is glitter. Kurt Perry plays the supportive, comical character Smee, who is Hook's mate and buddy.

David Bengali's imaginative projections are terrific. For example, it looks as if there really is a pirate ship in the water at a certain point. Costumer Sarafina Bush makes huge contributions with her colorful outfits for so many. Jonathan Marro is music director and conductor for the orchestra. He and the instrumentalists are excellent.

Larissa FastHorse (who made her debut on Broadway in 2023 with The Thanksgiving Play) positively influences Peter Pan while retaining the joy of previous versions. The original running time for the musical, closer to three hours, has been shortened. The overall production is audience/children friendly.

Lonny Price has directed on and off Broadway and he keeps the pace of this Peter Pan in acceleration for the most part. Some disparaging depictions and dialogue has been removed, thanks the FastHorse. One caveat: she eliminated the presence of Nana, the dog. That "character," whether goofy or lovable, must live on! Otherwise, this plays as a large, spunky piece.

Peter Pan runs through February 9, 2025, at The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford CT. For tickets and information, please call 860-987-5900 or visit Bushnell.org. For information on the tour, visit peterpanontour.com.