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Mary Martin returns in timely PETER PAN reissue (with the or

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 06/07/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mary Martin first flew onto the Broadway stage as "Peter Pan" in 1954. While the show itself only played for four months (152 performances), producers wisely inked a deal for a special live TV telecast on "Producers' Showcase" to take place shortly after the closing night, ensuring that the musical wouldn't simply vanish into the void. PETER PAN opened on Broadway, just in time for the holiday season, in October of 1954; which also placed it in stiff competition from other great musicals in the 1954-55 Broadway season, including "Damn Yankees", "Fanny" and "Silk Stockings".



Peter Pan (Mary Martin) soars into the Darling nursery window in search of his shadow, later whisking Wendy, Michael and John away with him to his enchanting home of Neverland. There, the children become caught up in the colourful world of Princess Tiger Lily (Sondra Lee) and her band of indian braves; and the nefarious schemes of Captain Hook's pirate gang...



Directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, with music by Mark "Moose" Charlap and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh; the show had first endured a particularly stormy West Coast tryout, with the songwriting team Betty Comden and Adolph Green (as well as composer Jule Styne) called in by producers to provide additional material. They added some of the musical's most fondly-remembered numbers, including "Neverland", and "I've Gotta Crow".



Mary Martin's perfomance as Peter is never to be equalled; Cyril Ritchard is the fruity Captain Hook. Kathy Nolan co-stars as Wendy; with the Darlings' housemaid Liza (who later joins the group in Neverland) played by Mary Martin's young daughter Heller Halliday. Talented actress Margalo Gilmore is Mrs Darling; petite blonde character dancer Sondra Lee is a delightful Tiger Lily. Zestily scored by Jule Styne, the original 1954 Broadway cast album of PETER PAN has always been one of the best.



This eco-pack reissue is most notable for returning to the original album cover artwork (which was sadly phased out during the last CD pressing). Apart from that it's the exact same mastering and content as the earlier release."