Search - Various Artists :: The Musical Adventures Of Peter Pan (1996 Studio Compilation)

Something to Crow About!

Cathlyn Thomas | Salisbury, NC United States | 04/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was so pleased to find this compilation of Peter Pan songs. Not only do they include the songs from the classic 1954 Mary Martin Broadway/TV versions, but also the cut Broadway versions by Leonard Bernstein and little known gems from the 1976 TV version and the film "Hook." It's very clear that producer Bruce Kimmel researched all versions of Peter Pan, in order to bring the best of author James M. Barrie's vision of Peter Pan.The performances are splendid, particularly John Freeman as Captain Hook. When Mr. Freeman annouces that he "is the best villian of all time" in a wonderfully oily voice, he makes the listener (almost) forget Cyril Richard's classic performance as Captian Hook. (A nice added touch is the pirates' gruff asides and their offkey band.) Likewise, Alet Oury's "I Gotta Crow," Susan Egan"s "You can Fly/I'm Flying," and Lindsay Ridgeway's "I Won't Grow Up" capture Peter Pan's enthusiam and pride. The wistfulness of the story is poignantly portrayed in Michelle Nicastro's "Never Never Land," Kristine Fraelich's "Tender Shephard/Once Upon a Bedtime," and Liz Larson's "It's What You Believe In."This collection also brings out the darker side of the Peter Pan myth. During the 1970's, the Peter Pan Syndrome was born: Peter Pan was representative of all immature men who refused to grow up, and Wendy was the enabler who took over Peter Pan's responsibility as head of the household of the Lost Boys. When Tammy Minoff expresses Wendy's obsessive devotion in "Peter, Peter", the listener realizes that Peter Pan icon was based on a fully developed character with good and bad sides. One minor complaint: I was disappointed the song "Oh My Mysterious Lady" that Mary Martin and Cyril Richard did so charmingly was not included. One would love to hear what John Freeman as Captain Hook would have done with THAT song! But why quibble? From the beginning of the exciting overture, this CD captures the splendor and glory of Peter Pan.Please, Mr. Kimmel, let's have more Broadway compilations. How about West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie or Guys and Dolls next?"

Good for Grandkids

B. F. Fox | Princeton, NJ | 04/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well put together, this album has three selections from the score for the Peter Pan ballet. Since that score is largely forgettable, it's a good one to buy as an add-along for taking grandkids to see it. That way they get to hear the more well-known songs, like "I've Gotta Crow" and they get to hear Mary Martin"