Peter Pan

Listening to the original story that has inspired so many storybooks and cartoons is a delightful treat. And this performance by Samuel West is superb. From the opening passages West's charismatic voice draws listeners to immediate attention. He delivers deliciously imaginative character voices--Wendy, Hook, Smee, Peter and each of the boys and pirates. West's brilliant storytelling brings out the more subtle side of Barrie's enduring classic, not just the characters, but also the strong sense of fair play and personal virtue. The usual superb selections of music and a smooth abridgment make this family listening not to be missed. R.F.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Elementary-aged children will enjoy spending an afternoon in Never Neverland with Peter Pan and Tinkerbell, the magic fairy, and their enemy, Captain Hook. They'll learn how to fly along with Wendy, John and Michael, as long as they believe. The St. Charles Players have done another exemplary job with this performance. Most of the dozen or so parts are well cast, the only notable exception being Peter Pan himself. A young girl reads this part, and it's barely distinguishable from Wendy's. We all need this delightful reminder to never grow up and keep believing! A.G.H. (c) AudioFile, Portland, Maine

October 1, 2003
A number of classic children's books return in milestone and reissued editions for a new generation. J.M. Barrie's enchanting Peter Pan: 100th Anniversary Edition features a large trim for reading aloud and rich, detailed illustrations by Michael Hague (which he originally published in 1987). Peter Pan's flyaway red hair and tattered garment of "skeleton leaves and the juices that ooze out of trees" capture the free spirit of the boy who refused to grow up.