The summer break is coming to an end, and as kids across Israel are prepping to go back to school, there is still one activity that they can do before the academic year starts.
Peter Pan is now being performed at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center throughout the rest of the month. I watched the production’s early afternoon show with two friends last Sunday; it featured impressive sets and costumes, and a cast of actors who dazzled on stage with their physicality and choreography.
The audience was mostly parents and children, who responded enthusiastically to the performances and the immersion into Neverland.
This particular adaptation of J. M. Barrie’s classic story initially premiered in 1988, with the titular character having been played by Hanoch Rosen, who now takes the director’s chair in this year’s production.
He co-wrote the show with Uri Paster, who initially directed the 1988 production and also wrote the lyrics, while Ilan Gilboa composed the music, resulting in all original songs being in Hebrew.
Who’s who in Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center’s Peter Pan?
Lee Biran plays the Peter Pan of 2026, while Sasson Gabbay plays Captain Hook, reprising his role from the 1980s production. Other actors include Meshi Kleinstein as Wendy, Linoy Cohen as Tiger Lily, and Ofir Weil as Smee.
Biran is charismatic as the lead, bringing the energy throughout the show. Kleinstein will be remembered most for her angelic voice, most notably in the first song performed in the show, “He Must Come.” Weil’s character, Smee, shines as Hook’s right-hand man, as his mannerisms drew much laughter from the crowd. Cohen, as Tiger Lily, shines in her dancing and stage physicality. Gabbay has amazing stage presence as the musical’s villain, stealing every scene he’s in.
And, of course, this production only further proves the iconic phrase: “There are no small parts, there are only small actors,” as the entire ensemble is given much to do throughout, playing multiple characters, performing numerous choreographed dances, and portraying evil pirates in Hook’s crew or one of the tribespeople under Tiger Lily.
What also caught my eye were the costumes and sets, as well as how the production managed to pull off the crocodile that torments Hook.
This production also uses unique flight technology brought from abroad to Israel, taking Biran’s and Kleinstein’s performances to new heights.
Even if you don’t speak Hebrew, your familiarity with the story, the songs, and the actors’ performances is enough to keep you entertained throughout its runtime. You can buy tickets until August 28 here.
The writer is a studio producer for The Jerusalem Post.
