Lonny Price stands as a towering figure in the landscape of Broadway and beyond, his 40-year career marked by consistent success as a director, writer, and actor. While his name isn’t directly linked to Peter Pan, examining his illustrious career provides a fascinating lens through which to consider the art of casting and directing, particularly when applied to a complex and beloved work like Peter Pan. Price’s profound understanding of performance, character, and narrative makes him an exemplary figure to explore the nuances of casting, even in the context of a hypothetical Peter Pan production.
Price’s journey began on the Broadway stage itself, debuting in The Survivor in 1981 before taking on the role of Charley Kringas in Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along later the same year. This early collaboration with Sondheim ignited a creative partnership that would define a significant portion of Price’s directorial career. He went on to direct Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, Company, Passion, and the celebratory “Sondheim: The Birthday Concert,” earning Emmy Awards for Sweeney Todd, Passion, and “Sondheim: The Birthday Concert.” These productions showcase Price’s ability to handle complex musical narratives and extract powerful performances from his cast, qualities crucial for any director considering the casting demands of a show like Peter Pan, which blends fantasy, music, and strong character portrayals.
His Broadway directing credits are extensive and diverse, ranging from Gabriel Byrne’s introspective Walking With Ghosts to the revival of Sunset Boulevard starring Glenn Close, and the emotionally charged Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill featuring Audra McDonald. Each of these productions highlights a different facet of Price’s directorial skill. Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, in particular, demonstrates his talent for intimate, character-driven narratives, a skill that would be invaluable in casting and directing the personal journeys within Peter Pan, such as Wendy’s longing for adventure and Peter’s resistance to growing up. His direction of 110 in the Shade and Urban Cowboy further proves his versatility across different musical styles and narratives, showcasing an adaptability that would be beneficial in approaching the varied tones of Peter Pan, from whimsical fantasy to poignant moments of childhood reflection.
Price’s own experience as a performer deeply informs his directing. Having starred in “MASTER HAROLD” … and the boys and co-writing and starring in A Class Act, he understands the actor’s process from the inside out. This actor-centric approach is evident in his direction, known for eliciting nuanced and award-winning performances. When considering cast in Peter Pan, a director with Price’s background would prioritize actors who can embody the emotional truth of their characters, whether it’s the playful energy of Peter, the nurturing warmth of Wendy, or the menacing charm of Captain Hook. His Tony Award nomination for Best Book of a Musical for A Class Act underscores his understanding of storytelling and character development, essential elements when casting roles in a narrative as rich as Peter Pan.
Beyond Broadway, Price has also made significant contributions to opera, directing Audra McDonald in Poulenc’s La Voix humaine and Michael John LaChiusa’s Send at the Houston Grand Opera. This foray into opera further demonstrates his range and ability to work with diverse vocal and dramatic styles, broadening his palette as a director and informing his approach to casting across genres. His film work, including Hal Price: The Director’s Life, The Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened, and the HBO adaptation of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, reveals his skill in translating theatrical sensibilities to the screen, another dimension of his expertise that highlights his comprehensive understanding of performance and storytelling.
While Lonny Price may not be directly associated with Peter Pan, his career embodies the qualities of a director who could masterfully bring the story to life. His deep understanding of musicality, character, and performance, honed through decades of experience across theater, opera, and film, positions him as an ideal figure to consider when envisioning the perfect cast in Peter Pan. His ability to draw out emotional depth, navigate complex narratives, and work collaboratively with actors are all essential attributes for directing a timeless classic like Peter Pan, ensuring that its magic and emotional resonance are powerfully conveyed to a contemporary audience.
