Date: Fri 25-Sep-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

Peter-Wendy-Yale-Rep-April

Full Text:

(rev "Peter and Wendy" @Yale Rep)

THEATRE REVIEW--

New Beginning At Yale Rep Is Worth The Time & Money

(with cut)

By June April

NEW HAVEN -- Broadway's top-selling The Lion King and Yale Repertory's opening

production, Peter and Wendy , share a wonderful common bond: Both theatrical

experiences combine puppetry elements from various cultures with actors and

imaginative sets. The resulting visual adventure is wonderful!

Based on the timeless story of the eternal youth Peter Pan, the Mabou Mine

Company is providing a lyrical version of the classic story Peter Pan , with

overtones of the Celtic heritage of the author James M. Barrie, in New Haven

until October 3.

In Peter and Wendy , five of the six actors are dressed in white costumes,

reminiscent of the Edwardian era. Their heads are hidden by hats with nets

that cover their faces, looking a little like bee-keepers. In the Japanese

tradition of "Bunraku" they "invisibly" move the puppet characters on stage.

The audience soon sees them as an integral part of the puppet's actions.

The shadow puppetry of Indonesia known as "wayang kulit" is also employed in

this production, along with hand-shadow figures. There is also the traditional

string puppet, the "Never Bird" which gracefully moves through the production,

and in a different twist, saves Peter Pan.

Narrator Karen Kandel won an Obie Award for her performance in Peter and

Wendy. She gracefully moves through this production, playing or singing a

variety of roles. Hers is the only human whose face is visible.

The sets, designed by Julie Archer, are wonderfully creative. They are often

like pop-up books. Books of all sizes litter the stage, in fact. They are

stacked to make Wendy's house, and also used as steps. A trunk is filled with

surprises. The whole atmosphere is like a magical attic of discoveries.

The puppets are delightfully unique. "Nana" looks rather like a chocolate

Labrador retriever. At times she doubles as the infamous hook-loving

crocodile.

Mabou Mine is a collaborative theatre company which was founded in 1970 and is

based in New York City. It has produced a number of original works as well as

entertaining adaptations of classic pieces, earning over 50 awards and

citations for excellence along the way, including Obie Awards for general

excellence and sustained achievement.

In boxes on either side of the theatre just beyond the stage sit the

musicians. On one side sits Jay Peck in charge of a variety of percussion

instruments. Across the way sits Alan Kelly playing the accordion, Jay Ansill

strumming the Celtic harp or a guitar, Johnny Cunningham fiddling, and Susan

Craig Winsberg on the various whistles or the flute. The melifluous voice of

Kathleen Keane adds to the story unfolding on the stage.

Yale's new season promises a rich opportunity for audiences of all ages to

enjoy. It is a clarion call for those who have been disenchanted with past

seasons' productions to return. Continuing for one more week, Peter and Wendy

is well worth the time and money.

(Yale Rep is at 222 York Street in New Haven. Call 432-1234 for curtain times,

ticket prices and reservations.)