Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby at the California Musical Theater
A Review by Jennifer Benton
Staff Writer
After 18 years as a sports competitor, winning numerous international medals, a successful entertainment career, including being co-producers with her husband of 30 years of the McCoy Rigby Entertainment Series at La Mirada, California, Cathy Rigby returned to the stage for one last tour of Peter Pan. Cathy, even at 60 years of age, is a phenomenal performer. She was a believable Peter Pan, astonishing audience with flips and splits and somersaults while flying, which seemed a challenging feat at any age, let alone for this grandmother of four. Cathy performed effortlessly and put that sparkle in her audiences’ eye, once again validating the spirit of believing. My family and I saw her as Peter some 14 years ago and she graced the stage with the same passion and energy as she did in 1998. Photo: Cathy Rigby in Peter Pan by Isaac James.
There were some distinct differences and subtle story expansions that I found refreshing and intriguing. For example, instead of Mr. and Mrs. Darling immediately leaving for dinner for the evening, we were given a glimpse into the life of the parents and the choices they make and how ultimately these hard choices, which all parents face and strive to compromise, led to their children being enticed to Neverland where they were endangered by the dreadful Captain Hook. A parent’s nightmare to return home and find their children missing is somehow woven into the wonderful, magical adventure land where children have no rules, no boundaries, and no parents; a land where they never have to grow up. This classic tale of a child's fear of growing up and facing responsibility instead of play will live in many of our hearts forever. The message for me has always been to remember to have fun amidst your responsibilities. Photo: Brent Barrett and the Pirates in Peter Pan by Isaac James.
Additionally, there were extended dance routines beautifully choreographed and executed, including some real silk acrobatics that were a surprise and quite impressive. These new numbers offered a wonderful addition without taking anything away from the classic story we all have come to love. The entire company, quite star studded with recognizable performers, was brilliant! They were funny and engaging, bringing you right into their world of pirates and mermaids with their humor, song, and dance. Captain Hook/Mr. Darling (Brent Barrett) and Smee (James Leo Ryan) were the most recognizable of the stars, in my opinion. These men have long lists of stage, television, and film work, yet performed as well as any performer in a Broadway show. They were absolute stand-outs but never overshadowed any of the other amazing performers. They were a part of the company and this comradery shined through their electric performance which granted them a standing ovation on this opening night at the theater. Photo: Cathy Rigby, Cade Canon Ball, Julia Massey, Krista Buccellato in Peter Pan by Isaac James.
The parts of John and Michael Darling (Lexy Baeza and Julia Massey, respectively) were performed by girls and I didn't even notice. They were extremely convincing with the mannerisms of little boys. My son, Logan Tipton (15), is the one who told me, and he only knew because he saw it in the playbill during intermission. These two female performers lit up the stage with their delightful and powerful voices and fantastical dance routines. I am so looking forward to seeing these girls again and to watch them develop as professional entertainers.
Photo: Cathy Rigby and The Lost Boys in Peter Pan at the Community Center Theater December 26 - 30, 2012. Photo by Isaac James.
This performance of Peter Pan is only running through Sunday, December 30, so make the time to allow yourself the trip to Neverland while supporting the arts in Sacramento. You may not get another chance to see Cathy Rigby in her most beloved role. PETER PAN, starring Cathy Rigby comes to Community Center Theater Dec 26 – 30, 2012. Evening performances of PETER PAN begin at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 26 – 30. Matinee performances begin at 2:00 p.m. on Dec. 27, 29 and 30. Peter Pan at the Community Center Theater December 26 - 30, 2012. Photo by Isaac James.
A perfect holiday experience for the entire family, this magical show is part of the 2012–13 Broadway Sacramento season, presented by California Musical Theatre. The legend you thought you knew is now the adventure you never dreamed possible…! Tickets are on sale now, and are available by calling (916) 557-1999 or at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, Sacramento. Tickets are also available at Community Center Theater Box Office, 13th & L St., Sacramento, (916) 808-5181, or online at http://Tickets.com
Peter Pan at the Community Center Theater December 26 - 30, 2012. Photo by Isaac James.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets visit www.californiamusicaltheatre.com - or call (916) 557-1999, also visit the box office at 1301 L street in downtown Sacramento. Five (5) and 6-Show Season Ticket Packages are on sale. The 2012-13 Broadway Sacramento Season continues with Rock of Ages, January 22 - 27, 2013, a hilarious, feel-good love story told through the hit songs of iconic rockers Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar and others. More at www.calmt.com Peter Pan at the Community Center Theater December 26 - 30, 2012. Photo by Isaac James.
Established in 1989 by the non-profit California Musical Theatre, who also produce Music Circus and The Cosmopolitan Cabaret, Broadway Sacramento is the region’s largest live performing arts event with over 200,000 tickets sold annually. Presenting national Broadway tours at the Sacramento Community Center Theater, Broadway Sacramento draws theatre-lovers from as far as the Oregon border to western Nevada and the Central Valley. For more information, go to http://BroadwaySacramento.com
Photo: the Sacramento Community Center Theater
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