Learning to Fly

With serious technical hitches during opening weekend two weeks ago, and a sudden question about who had rights to the play, Serendipity Theatre Co.’s new production of “Peter Pan” seemed destined not to fly at all.

The show’s troubles were quickly resolved, however, and the comic musical version of the J.M. Barrie classic, adapted by Carol Weiss, gamely resumed last Saturday, frequently enjoyable but still not ready for prime time.

At that performance, some musical cues were a bit tardy and the various experience levels of the cast were too obvious for smooth sailing. There’s much that’s right with this lighthearted song-and-dance show, though, starting with Weiss’ witty, tuneful songs, mostly delivered with panache by the adult and youth cast.

As Mrs. Darling, AnnaLisa Erickson scores with a caressing lullaby; in her dual role as Captain Hook’s crocodile nemesis, Erickson tops herself in a hilarious ode to the gastronomic delights to be had when the main dish is pirate.

Denys Gawronski, another adult professional, doesn’t sparkle as Mr. Darling, but he’s a comic Captain Hook, admirably complemented by the trio playing his pirate crew: Mark Perkins, Christina Williams and Nic Cowan, an assured youth actor with a talent for comedy.

Despite a few tentative moments, willowy Ashley Hendra is a lovely Wendy, and Keesha Hernandez portrays spunky Tiger Lily with aplomb, but some of the young actors, although they are line-perfect, have a problem with projection and enunciation.

One of the show’s major strengths is its Peter Pan, played by Maura Murphy-Barrosse. This gifted youth actor is a real presence, singing, speaking and moving with just the right mix of swagger and vulnerability.

Katy Realista and tony sanders (who spells his name in lower case) co-directed; Ken Realista did the pleasant choreography. Cowan’s set design and Nathanial Parks’ lighting, including black light, are effective. Denise Anderson’s costumes are serviceable, not inspired.

* “Peter Pan,” Burbank Little Theatre, 1100 W. Clark St., Saturdays, 1 p.m.; Sundays, 1 and 4 p.m. through July 13. $8 for ages 17 and under; $14 for adults. For ages 4 and up. (818) 557-0505. Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.

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A Shy Tiger: Tiger’s Tale: “The Tiger Turned Pink” is a light tale for tots at the Bitter Truth Theatre in North Hollywood. This very low-budget show, written and directed by Angela Wayne Randazzo, has potential not realized by slight production values and remote-sounding taped music.

Nor does it help that the action takes place on what is apparently the drab hotel lobby set of another play, with no effort made to conceal that fact.

The appealing story itself, about a shy tiger whose penchant for turning pink when embarrassed is seen as a money-making opportunity by a pair of hunters, is performed in rhyme by adult actors: Susan Warner as Toby Tiger, Rose Monroe as Zelda Zebra, James Oster as Gerard Giraffe, Larry Swanson as Professor J.G.E. Gorilla and Gary Collier and Larry Roberts as the hunters. Collier and Roberts give the show some needed assurance and comic pep.

A portion of any proceeds are to be donated to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and THAW (Theatre of Hope for Abused Women).

* “The Tiger Turned Pink,” Bitter Truth Theatre, 11050 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., indefinitely. $5. (818) 755-7900. Running time: 35 minutes.

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Festive Fun: A free, activity-packed afternoon awaits children and their families at the third annual “L.A. Kids Read” Summer Reading Club Festival, Saturday at the Los Angeles Central Public Library downtown.

Entertainers include West African dance ensemble Sona Sane, the We Tell Stories theater troupe, Russian musical comedy group Limpopo, Danza Floricanto U.S.A. dance company, storytellers Michael McCarty and Maya, magician Allen Oshiro and Stefan Haves of L.A. Physical Theater.

The event, also featuring storybook characters, crafts and refreshments, kicks off the library’s citywide Reading Club Program.

* “L.A. Kids Read,” Los Angeles Central Public Library, 630 W. 5th St., Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7480.