SF Playhouse’s “Peter Pan Goes Wrong” Full of High-Flying Hijinks!

By Darlene Jurow

San Francisco Playhouse’s production of “Peter Pan Goes Wrong”, currently performing through November 28, 2026, is a rollicking comedy that one could say is definitely not your mother’s version of J.M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan story. Quite the contrary! “Peter Pan Goes Wrong” has a much more zany, lighthearted, sit-back-and-get-ready-to-laugh appeal that definitely tickles the funny bone of those of all ages!

     In one word, this production of Peter Pan is ‘unexpected’! Yes, the dialogue is true to the story, but the witty pranks, fast-paced, clever staging and comic timing take this stage version to all new heights.

     One of the actors wears earphones to have his lines delivered to him because, supposedly, he can’t remember his script. However, the transmission gets crossed and he starts to recite a radio station broadcast.

     Meanwhile, Peter, thought to be in love with Wendy, makes a sexual play for Tinkerbell. While the crocodile goes unloved and the goofy pirates all but steal the show, the second act is pure bedlam.

     “Peter Pan Goes Wrong” offers a most talented cast that brings so many comedic capers to life, including Ezra Reaves (the leading man who stars as Peter Pan), Greg Ayers (Dennis, a terrified actor), Joe Ayers (Max, a sincere yet ungifted actor), Renee Rogoff (Annie, a novice actor), Patrick Russell (Robert, an enthusiastic actor), Jomar Tagatac (Chris, the drama society’s president), Maggie Mason (Sandra), Phaedra Tillery-Boughton (Francis, the play’s narrator), Sophie Schulam (Lucky, who suffers from stage fright), Terrance Austin Smith (Trevor, the stage manager), and Christian McCooey (Gill).

     The scenic design (Cody Tellis Rutledge) and costume design (Kathleen Qiu) really add to the delight of this production. Kudos also go out to Dani O’Dea (fight and stunt director) and Kimberly Mohne Hill (dialect coach).

     You simply have to see “Peter Pan Goes Wrong”, as it will having you laughing uncontrollably. I can only surmise that the cast has as much fun performing as the audience has taking it all in.

     For tickets or more information please visit sfplayhouse.org or call the box office at (415) 677-9596.

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Photo caption: The cast of San Francisco Playhouse’s “Peter Pan Goes Wrong”, currently performing through November 28, 2026. (Photo credit: Jessica Palopoli)