Entertainment

Puppets take Neverland

We’re so used to sunny versions of “Peter Pan” that the darkness of “Peter and Wendy” comes as a shock. Based on J.M. Barrie’s 1911 novelization of his play, this is a richer, deeper telling of the classic tale about the little boy who refuses to grow up.

It’s no wonder that the New Victory Theater has brought back this acclaimed 1996 Mabou Mines production for an unprecedented third engagement.

In this version, Peter is played not by the usual perky middle-aged actress, but rather by a puppet — as are nearly all of the characters, including Captain Hook, the Lost Boys and Nana the dog.

Visually, the effect is that of an antique pop-up book. Sheets and blankets are transformed into Captain Hook’s ship, while the playfulness of the puppets proves beguiling. Who can resist a crocodile who throws himself full-force into a tango?

Credit for this goes to Julie Archer’s inventive scenic and puppetry designs, director Lee Breuer’s gorgeous staging and a talented crew of puppeteers who move about the stage like ghosts, their faces covered by white veils. The miniature Peter puppet is brought to life by the famous Basil Twist, who designed the puppets for Broadway’s “The Addams Family.”

Karen Kandel, who won an Obie Award for her tour de force performance, is the transfixing narrator who gives voices to all the characters. As Tinker Bell, she portrays the pixie sprite’s playfulness with only body language and the ringing of tiny bells.

It’s all accompanied by a lovely Celtic score performed by singer Siobhan Miller and musicians perched above the stage who also provide evocative sound effects.

At 2½ hours, “Peter and Wendy” may be too long and slowly paced for younger children. But its enchantments remain undiminished, and the poignant final scene heartbreakingly conveys the loss of innocence that inevitably accompanies growing up.