Steadstyle Chicago
	March 2010 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff and Daniel De La Cruz
	Peter Pan Emerald City Theatre, a company dedicated to inspiring early learners through live theater is presenting a new adaptation of "Peter Pan" by Alyn Cardarelli and Steve Goers.  This is an enchanting 60 minute musical that is designed to bring families together as they watch the famous characters first written about by James Matthew Barrie as "Peter Pan, The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up".  Many versions have been done with and without music, but none has been done to truly bring this story down to the level of understanding as this one.  For the record, with my busy schedule, I myself was unable to attend, but in my place sent a young family, one who truly enjoys theater and here are the remarks of Daniel De La Cruz.  I have transcribed them, but these are what his family felt and in their opinion this is a show to see with your kids! "Tick Tock-Tick Tock," revel the kids at the latest incarnation of "Peter Pan", Emerald City's latest now playing at The Apollo Theatre located at 2450 N. Lincoln Avenue.  Director Matthew Gunnels' take on "Pan" is slightly different that those previously unleashed as he brings the children in the audience into the world of Wendy and Peter Pan.  Wendy (Allison Lind) is the eldest of the Darling children and it is time for her to leave the nursery behind.  Wendy's parents (Mother played warmly by Jamila Turner and Father played by Michael Kingston) tell her that it is time to grow up.  Soon Tinker Bell makes her grand entrance in the form of a ball of light, followed by Peter himself (Ryotaro Shiegata).  Once Tinker and Peter arrive on stage the transformation becomes complete and the audience, a mix of children and adults are drawn in to view Peter Pan's world where we meet the lost boys (Michael Rieman and Caleb Probst). What would Peter Pan be without his arch enemy, Captain Hook, played by Michael Kinston who tends to steal the show with his zany antics.  Smee (Zev Steinberg is dead on in his portrayal of this comical character) follows behind him like a little puppy as he does the dirty work for his boss.  He puts out a poisoned cake, has a bout with Tiger Lily (also played by Jamila Turner) and plays the audience, asking them for help in recalling just what Hook has asked him to do.  This is a playful version of the story with scenes like the comical mermaids and some improv where the actors take their cues from the audience itself, which means that the show will be a little different every performance.  And of course, don't forget the ticking crocodile Emerald City proves once again that they can take a classic and make it fresh and new, a fun experience that allows us to stay young and cultivate our "inner Pirate".  This production will continue through July 22, 2010 with performances Thursdays (April 8 and 22 at 10:15 a.m., June 24 at 11 a.m., July 15 and 22 at 11 a.m.), Fridays (April 16 and 30 at 10:15 a.m., May 7 at 10:15 a.m.), Saturdays (March 27, April 10 and 24 and May 8 and 29 at 10:30 a.m., April 3 and 17, May 1 and 15 at 1 p.m.), Sundays March 21 and 28 at 1 p.m., April 11, 18 and 25 at 1 p.m., May 2, 9, 16 and 30 at 1 p.m., June 6 at 1 p.m.  Tickets start at $15 for adults and $12 for kids and can be purchased at the box office, by phone at 773-935-6100 or online at www.emeraldcitytheatre.com.   Running time is 60 minutes and the kids get to meet and greet with the cast after the performance.    About Alan Bresloff Alan Bresloff, once an actor himself, has been covering the Chicago Theater Scene since 1993, first as the Theater and Arts critic for LaRaza newspaper, then with Salsachicago.com and then onto Extra Newspaper and The Epoch Times.  He also writes for ElImparcial and TeleGuia.  His reviews can also be seen on www.theatreinchicago.com.  Alan does not call himself a "critic" but a "reviewer" as he tries to educate the reader about theater itself, what is a good value, what to look for in a play or musical and more.  "Exposure to theater is a very important part of a young person's life" he says. "Learning about the arts and culture is in fact learning about life" and he tries to explain more in his reviews than just if it is good or bad.  Even some of the poor productions have some value, he often says and he would love your feedback on shows that you have seen.  You can write him here or at albresloff@sbcglobal.net.