Peter Pan | Essays and Criticism

  • The Depiction of Women and Men in Peter Pan

    In this essay, Petrusso discusses the idealized depiction of women—and the unfavorable depiction of adult men—in Barrie’s play.

  • The Peter Pan Principle

    In this review of a 1987 revival production of Peter Pan, Bemrose examines the prevailing fascination with Barrie’s character and his exploits. The critic terms the playwright’s tale as timeless and, of this production, states ‘‘this Peter Pan generates magic’’ and ‘‘compels belief.’’

  • Review of Peter Pan

    Phelan reviews a 1950 revival of Barrie’s play, finding that the work holds the same appeal for him as an adult as it did when he first viewed it as a youngster. He offers a positive review of this production, praising the principle actors for their skill.

  • Barrie Wins Through

    Hatch reviews a 1950 revival production of Peter Pan for which new songs were composed by Leonard Bernstein. While finding the actors to be skillful, the production design imaginative, and Barrie’s text to be as appealing as ever, the critic was less than pleased with the new musical numbers, finding their presence superfluous to the enjoyment of the tale.