When I was a little girl, I had recurring dreams of flying. I still remember that incredible sensation of flying while holding my magic box. Yes, in my dreams, I had a magic cardboard box which I would hold onto and soar above my home and over the suburban landscape of my childhood. I wish I could still have that dream. I never have dreams like that anymore.
My boys, like most children, dream of flying. They've done their share as Wright Brother wannabes, flapping their arms in descent from the couch. They've worn capes and outstretched their arms. They've leaned belly first over swings, soaring over a sandbox, imagining flight.
When I see that, I smile because that's what you should be doing as a child, dreaming of flight.
I had no idea what to expect when we were invited as part of the From Left to Write Book Club to experience Peter Pan the Show in San Francisco. I loved the story of Peter Pan as a child. I've seen the Disney movie, of course. But the only theatrical interpretation of the story I knew was the one with Sandy Duncan. I love musical theater and any mention of Peter Pan sends the I'm Flying lyrics into my head.
I always thought it was odd that Peter Pan never seems to be played by a young boy. It was always hard for me to get past the lady-as-Peter-Pan thing. In the San Francisco show, it's no different, but it's closer. Peter is played by the likable Nate Fallows, a young actor not too far out of boyhood himself, but still, well well beyond a 10-year-old boy. We'll never likely see an age appropriate boy play the part of Peter Pan because there's just too much liability in all that flying about over the stage.
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