March 17-23, 2005

artpicks

The Girl Who Could Fly

by David Anthony Fox

theater

Critics and millions of children have believed in fairies since James Barrie's Peter Pan took to the stage 100 years ago. More than fairies, we've believed in the magical power of a diva actress to embody the raffish, permanently preadolescent boy. Turn-of-the-century theatergoers flocked to see the great Maude Adams in the role.

But for the postwar generation, there was no Peter Pan like Mary Martin, who entranced America in a new musical version with a score by Mark Charlap and Carolyn Leigh (and additional songs by Jule Styne, Betty Comden and Adolph Green).

The musical Peter Pan planed away some of Barrie's dark edges, and Martin, whose cockeyed optimism melted hearts, was perfect as the new Peter. Whether crowing, pining away for Neverland, or (of course) flying, Martin was the boy incarnate. A filmed performance captured her in 1960: Though she was, astonishingly, in her late 40s, Martin remained supreme.

Who, critics wondered, could ever challenge her hegemony?

How about a famous Olympic gymnast? Hmmm. Cathy Rigby was certainly adorable when she won her silver medal in 1970. But singing, dancing, acting?

Rigby proved herself more than up to the task and full of zesty individual charm. OK, the voice wasn't quite in Mary Martin's class (whose is?), but when it comes to flying, for Rigby the sky's the limit.

She's been doing it for 15 years now, and Rigby's current Peter Pan tour is billed as (gulp) her farewell. I guess actors grow up, even if Peter doesn't.

Peter Pan, March 22-27, $35-$90, Broadway at the Academy, Academy of Music, Broad and Locust sts., 215-893-1999.