if you’re having trouble thinking lovely thoughts these days — circa 21 may be able to help you out.  Peter Pan isn’t only full of them, but the fun you’ll have will push any unlovely thoughts right out of your head.

We know the story.  Wendy catches Peter Pan looking for his lost shadow in the nursery.  She sews it on for him, after which he teacher her and her brothers, Michael and John, to fly.  They’re soon off to Never Neverland — where they battle indians and pirates.In all honesty, I’ve not had so much fun at Circa since I started reviewing local theater.   The story may be inspired by a children’s story, but that doesn’t mean the musical is only for children.  On the contrary, I couldn’t help but feel like a child at heart as I joined the Darling children’s adventure.  At no moment did I stop and think I was watching a musical meant for children.  I didn’t have a moment to stop and even think it, I was enjoying the production so much!

And then there’s the flying.  I have to admit, I expected it to be kind of annoying.  Whoop dee doo, they’re flying.  It was anything but.  The moment Peter flies through the window, my excitement flew, too.  The flying actually heightens the fun of the performance.  And, it may just be my penchant, but I watched closely for any mishaps, like tangled wires or actors banging into the set, which I also would’ve found really fun.  That anticipation helped increase the fun level, although there were no mishaps.I tend to be tougher on Circa, since the Dinner Playhouse is the predominant professional theater in town.  Productions should be at a higher level than all community theater in the area.  That’s not always the case (perhaps because some local community theater productions rise about community theater, themselves.).  But, Circa 21’s Peter Pan truly is an evening of pure joy, one that I cannot reccommend enough.

Peter Pan runs through August 29th at Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island.  You’ll find ticket information at Circa21.com.