The Peter Pan 360 experience in San Francisco is easily one of the most entertaining shows I have attended. What is uniquely different about this Peter Pan theatre show than the hundred others that have preceded it? The first thing is that it takes you along for the ride while Wendy, John, and Michael follows Peter Pan and Tink into Neverland. The audience is treated to a special experience as the 360-degree projection screen works to make you feel like you’re flying. As the trio of children leave behind their house in London, you are immediately overcome with a feeling of lightness that actually creates the feeling as if you are moving. The entire cast is attached to the wirework system in the tent, and does a superb job of making you feel as if you are following them on an adventure. The acting and character portrayals of the classical children’s story was very refreshing. The director, J.M. Barrie, incorporated novel humor that I had never heard of before in the Peter Pan tales.

As soon as you land in Neverland you are introduced to Tiger Lily, and Captain Hook. Tiger Lily does a dance that is very entertaining and technically on point. The entire time Tiger Lily was dancing she had my undivided attention when she jumped off of the stage and began to dance in the rows, interacting with the audience. This is when it first became clear that this was no ordinary Peter Pan show. And many times after Tiger Lily’s dance, cast members walked into the audience, giving you a feeling of involvement. The stunts performed by the characters where both exciting and a never-before-seen depiction.

In addition to the people playing their human characters, there were also two gentlemen who played animals dressed in black and caring various mechanical representations of specific animals. These actors added a dimension to the show that could not be ignored and additionally was visually interesting. One of my favorite animal mechanisms was the crocodile. His growl bellowed throughout the theatre and shook your very soul with its deep, bass-filled growl. It took two men to run the beast of a crocodile, but it was amazing to see them mimic the movements of the big marine animal as they brought it to life.

In my opinion, this live theatre show is one of the best to have ever migrated to San Francisco. It takes you on an inimitable ride that I bet you have never seen been before—yet one that will allow you to revisit the familiar territory of your childhood. Peter Pan 360 will continue to redefine the story that you know and love. So, do yourself a favor and watch it before it leaves San Francisco. This will make for a great outing, and I promise that you will leave the theatre satisfied and raving about your experience.