This summer, Broadway San Diego is proud to present the beloved musical, Peter Pan at the San Diego Civic Theatre! Co-directed by Brian Rickel and Madeline Sayet, the classic fairy tale of a boy who never grows up is brought to life for children who love adventure and for adults who are nostalgic for the escapades from their youth. We are excited to share the timeless J. M. Barrie story to an all-new generation of theatre goers. Alongside our codirectors, the excellent creatives behind this production include costume designers Ian Booth and Asa Benally, set designers Alex Calle and Cassandra del Nero, and musical directors Patrick Marion and Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate.
When asked why there’s two creatives in each department, Rickel replied, “It was important for us to have two people in these departments because while Peter Pan does have important lessons about not being afraid of growing up but also not forgetting to enjoy living in the present, it has a harmful history with how the original story depicts Indigenous people. There has been some progress in recent years. For example, Jerod [Impichchaachaaha’ Tate] did an excellent job rewriting lyrics for ‘True Blood Brothers’ [originally titled ‘Ugg-a-Wugg’] for NBC’s Peter Pan Live! by not only taking out the racist, stereotypical language in the original lyrics from 1953, but also incorporating Wyandot language so the lyrics had authenticity and meaning. However, we know there is more that can be done. We are excited that we are collaborating with the Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples for this production, and we are overjoyed to have such talented people like Jerod and Madeline bringing this show to life and putting their own perspective of Peter, Wendy, and all these well-known characters to life on stage.”
The Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples is a nonprofit that, according to their mission statement, “focuses on cultural revitalization, leadership development, tribal sovereignty, and culturally appropriate economic development.” 30% of all ticket sales will go directly to the organization, and it will help keep the knowledge and wisdom of these cultures for many generations to come. Visit https://7genfund.org/ for more information about their resources and affiliates.
Alongside the creatives, there is our spectacular cast including, but not limited to, Mika Fogacci making her hometown debut as Peter Pan, Bridgette Betanzos as Wendy Darling, Alanna Saunders reprising her role as Tiger Lily, Sebastian Escalante as Mr. Smee, and Paul Schoeffler reprising his role as Captain Hook and Mr. Darling. Saunders first performed as the young, Indigionous warrior for NBC’s broadcast of Peter Pan Live! in 2014, and Shoeffler played the cunning, one-handed pirate alongside Cathy Rigby during the 1998 Broadway production. Fogacci stated, “It’s exciting that we have veteran actors who are not just familiar with Peter Pan, but also have in-depth connections with their characters. Having them alongside a new generation of amazing actors is special because we get to experience this amazing adventure together. Our bond is built through imagination and love for having adventures in unknown territories, and we’re always making new discoveries with each other and within ourselves. Peter may not want to grow up, but we have certainly grown through the process. It’s quite magical.”
Our production will have performances from August 10th through October 9th, 2022 on a Wednesday through Sunday schedule. Each day will have a matinee at 1:00 pm and an evening performance at 7:00 pm. Tickets for adults 18 years or older range between $20.00 and $120.00 depending on the seating section. For children 11-17 years old, tickets are between $7.00 and $90.00, and children 6-10 years old are free. As a reminder, 30% of all ticket sales go directly to the Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples. There will also be a gift shop with souvenirs for everyone of all ages, and an information booth with members of the Seventh Generation Fund to answer any questions for those who want to learn more. All children (except one) grow up, so don’t miss out on bringing your loved ones to the magical adventure that is Peter Pan at the San Diego Civic Theatre!