This holiday season, San Francisco was treated to a spectacular reimagining of a beloved classic with Peter Pan at the Presidio Theatre. This wasn’t just another rendition of the timeless tale; it was a vibrant, uniquely San Franciscan twist on the British pantomime tradition, affectionately known as “Panto.” Audiences were whisked away from the familiar city streets to the enchanting world of Neverland, meeting iconic characters like Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, and the mischievous Lost Boys, all brought to life by a phenomenal cast. Fans of past “Panto in the Presidio” productions were thrilled to see returning favorites, including the hilarious Pecker the singing rooster and the outrageously funny Dame, who expertly guided the narrative.
Now in its remarkable fourth year, “Panto in the Presidio” has firmly established itself as a cherished San Francisco holiday tradition. This annual theatrical event offers a delightful and contemporary take on holiday pantomimes, a form of entertainment deeply rooted in British culture. Pantos are known for their exuberant musical numbers, comedic parodies of well-known children’s stories, and active audience participation. Attendees enthusiastically embraced these Panto traditions, wholeheartedly booing the villains, cheering for the heroes, and enthusiastically singing along to popular songs performed by a live band. And, adding to the festive atmosphere, there was even the delightful surprise of flying candy!
The Peter Pan Panto Cast: A Blend of Talent
The success of “Panto in the Presidio: Peter Pan” was undoubtedly bolstered by its incredibly talented cast. The production assembled a diverse and skilled group of performers, each contributing their unique energy to the show. The Peter Pan Movie Cast, or rather, the stage play cast, featured a mix of seasoned actors and fresh faces, all dedicated to delivering a memorable performance.
Here is the impressive ensemble that brought the magic of Neverland to the Presidio Theatre stage:
- Rotimi Agbabiaka*
- Sleiman Alahmadieh
- Andre Amarotico*
- Curt Branom
- Corey Bryant*
- Abigail Campbell*
- Johan Casal
- Andy Collins
- Maggie Connard
- Seth Hanson
- Kareem Jenkins
- Renée Lubin
- Dian Meechai
- Kaylee Miltersen
- Joel Ochoa
- Zach Padlo*
- Rebecca Pingree
- Scott Reardon*
- River Bermudez Sanders
- William Schmidt
- Nic Sommerfeld
- Adria Swan
- Chanel Tilghman*
- J.A. Valentine
- Mercury Van Sciver
- Ann Warque
This list showcases the breadth of talent involved, from experienced Actors’ Equity Association members (indicated by *) to other accomplished performers, all coming together to create a vibrant theatrical experience. While not a Peter Pan movie cast, this stage cast delivered performances that were equally captivating and magical in their own right.
The Creative Team Behind the Magic
Bringing “Panto in the Presidio: Peter Pan” to life required a dedicated and imaginative creative team. Executive Producer Peggy Haas, a key figure behind previous successful pantomimes like Magic Lamp and Sleeping Beauty, reunited many talented individuals for this production.
Liam Vincent took the directorial helm, guiding the cast and shaping the overall vision of the show. Sean Riley, serving as Associate Producer and Production Designer, crafted the visual world of Neverland, ensuring a captivating stage setting. Musical Director Bill Keck filled the production with lively and memorable tunes, while Choreographer Stacey Printz brought dynamic movement and dance to the stage. The witty and engaging script was the work of Co-Playwrights Richard Ciccarone and Stephanie Brown, and the visually stunning costumes were designed by Alina Bokovikova.
For those interested in delving deeper into the creative minds behind “Panto in the Presidio: Peter Pan,” more information on the cast and creative team can be found at the CAST & CREATIVE TEAM BIOS link.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panto
For those new to the world of Panto, here are answers to some frequently asked questions that help understand and appreciate this unique theatrical form:
What exactly is a Panto?
Panto, short for pantomime, is a specific style of musical comedy theater, particularly popular in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries. It’s a festive and often over-the-top theatrical genre, especially beloved during the holiday season. To learn more about its origins and characteristics, the Presidio Theatre offers a helpful Panto for Beginner’s guide.
Is Panto suitable for children?
Absolutely! Panto is designed as family entertainment. Its humor, music, and engaging storytelling make it enjoyable for audience members of all ages.
How long is the Peter Pan Panto show?
The “Peter Pan” Panto ran for approximately 120 minutes, which included a 20-minute intermission, providing a comfortable viewing experience for families.
When did the theater doors open?
For each performance, the lobby opened an hour before the scheduled show time, and the auditorium itself opened 30 minutes prior to curtain up, allowing ample time for patrons to settle in and enjoy the pre-show atmosphere.
Were refreshments available at the Presidio Theatre?
Yes, indeed. The Presidio Theatre offered a range of concessions, including snacks, soft drinks, beer, and wine, available both before the show began and during the intermission.
Where is the Presidio Theatre located?
The Presidio Theatre is situated within the Presidio of San Francisco, at 99 Moraga Avenue. It’s important to note that this is not the movie theater located on Chestnut Street.
A History of Panto in the Presidio
“Panto in the Presidio” has rapidly become a holiday highlight in San Francisco. It began in 2021 with The Magic Lamp, followed by Sleeping Beauty in both 2022 and 2023. These past productions have been known for their all-star casts and surprise appearances by notable figures like Ali Wong, Peaches Christ, and even Lou Seal, the beloved mascot of the SF Giants.
Past press features highlight the positive reception of “Panto in the Presidio”:
- Bay City News (11/21/23): Praised Rotimi Agbabiaka’s performance in Sleeping Beauty.
- San Francisco Chronicle (12/7/22): Discussed the theater’s efforts to adapt British pantomime for American audiences.
- SF Examiner (11/29/22): Recommended Panto as a new annual holiday tradition.
- Bay Area Reporter (11/22/22): Enthusiastically reviewed Sleeping Beauty.
Conclusion
Although all shows for “Panto in the Presidio: Peter Pan” are currently sold out, the buzz and excitement surrounding this production highlight its success and the growing popularity of pantomime in San Francisco. The talented Peter Pan movie cast – or rather, the stage cast – and creative team delivered a memorable holiday experience for families and theatergoers alike. Keep an eye on the Presidio Theatre’s website for future productions and the continuation of this delightful San Francisco holiday tradition. Perhaps next year will bring another enchanting Panto to the stage!
