These Are a Few of My Favorite Things #1

Last night, I shared one of my very favorite musicals with my middle child--Into the Woods. I've done the show several times, and I have many reasons it's a favorite, but I'm going to save that for another day. It did inspire me to begin a series of blogs on some of my favorite movies, books, musicals, etc. And so thus begins the series with...

Peter Pan.

I've been familiar with the Peter Pan story from early on. Of course, I saw the Disney version as a kid. I had the book that I often read along with its corresponding record (yes, RECORD) that played on my tan Fisher-Price player. Oh, how I loved that device! But I loved imagining soaring over the rooftops of London and through the stars with Peter, Wendy, Michael, and John even more.

Somewhere along the line, Cathy Rigby revived the musical role made famous by Mary Martin. They showed it on network television, and I was transfixed. People....flying onstage! What kind of magic was this?!

And then, when I was in middle school, Hook came out. Hands down, one of my favorite movies of all time. I saw it in the theater a countless number of times. I love the colors, the costumes, the storyline. And Toodles yearning for his lost marbles stole my heart. I think Dustin Hoffman played a phenomenal and somewhat loveable Hook...

...compared to Jason Isaacs, of course, who made Hook super mean! That's what he's good at, though, and admit it---we all love him for it. I stumbled upon Peter Pan with Jeremy Sumpter quite by accident. Never saw it on the big screen...regretfully. I like this version as well.

And of course, there's Finding Neverland, which brings out quite a bit of emotion. But definitely worth seeing.

When I worked at Disneyland, I was fortunate enough to assist with the Fantasmic! production. In the middle, the Columbia sails the river, laden with pirates. Peter Pan and Hook duke it out among the rigging. I got to ride the Columbia a time or two during the performances. What a trip! "Oh, Mr. Crocodile...do you like codfish?"

Sad to say, I've never really read the book! I've started it several times, but became distracted. It's waiting for me on my Kindle, and I'll get around to it someday. But J.M. Barrie, thank you for the amazing, iconic characters you created. And some of the most memorable lines.

_"Dark and sinister man, have at thee!"
"To die will be an awfully big adventure."
"All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.”
“Oh, the cleverness of me!”

_He gave us Neverland and taught us to believe in fairies. What a brilliant legacy.