NETworks Presentations has announced the complete cast for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, Peter Pan.
The new production will premiere at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, MN this December as part of the Ordway’s Broadway @ the Ordway series. The national tour will then launch in February 2024 at the Hippodrome in Baltimore, MD, and soar to theaters across the country including Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Durham, Tampa and many more in the first year. Additional tour cities will be announced soon; for more information, please visit peterpanontour.com.
As originally announced, sixteen-year-old Nolan Almeida will play the iconic role of ‘Peter Pan’. An Orange County, California native, Nolan was most recently seen as ‘Crutchie’ in Newsies at 5-Star Theatricals and was featured in “Christmas on Repeat” on Hulu. Joining him will be Cody Garcia as ‘Captain Hook’ who most recently starred as ‘Willy Wonka’ in the national tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and as ‘Buddy’ in Elf; Emerson College graduate Hawa Kamara as ‘Wendy’ and acclaimed recording artist Raye Zaragoza as ‘Tiger Lily’.
The full cast is completed by Shefali Deshpande as ‘Mrs. Darling,’ Kurt Perry as ‘Smee,’ William Foon and Micah Turner Lee alternate as ‘John,’ Reed Epley and Jayden Guarneri alternate as ‘Michael.’ The ensemble includes Charles Antenen, Jonah Barricklo, Eric Allen Boyd, Christina Hélène Braa, Brandon Gille, Ryan Perry Marks, Michael Marrero, Kenny Ramos, Hannah Schmidt, Kiara Williams. The swings are Tony Collins, Bailey Frankenberg, Leo Gallegos and Cheyenne Omani.
Director Lonny Price is thrilled to introduce Nolan Almeida as the high-flying Peter Pan. “Nolan embodies all the beautiful contradictions of Peter. He’s an extraordinarily gifted young actor, a wonderful singer and nothing short of magical. Cody Garcia as Captain Hook is utterly modern, surprising and one of the most engaging actors I’ve ever worked with.”
“I also want to celebrate Hawa Kamara, making her professional debut as Wendy! A wildly charismatic young actress, who’s as talented as she is beautiful. And rounding out this sensational group is Raye Zaragoza as Tiger Lily – brilliant multi-faceted recording artist and actress. This company is simply going to blow people away and I cannot wait for audiences across the country to fall in love with each of them.”
This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a newly-imagined production directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill) with additional book by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse (
Biographies
Photos: Jeremy Daniel
SHEFALI DESHPANDE (Mrs. Darling) is thrilled to be touring with this beautiful new production of Peter Pan. Shefali, a graduate of USC, is a musical theatre performer, actress, and pop/R&B singer-songwriter. She played Chalali on Minx (HBO Max), wrote/sang on the soundtrack for Double Cross (ALLBLK), and played Kamala Harris in the nationally-touring political parody musical, Capitol Comedy. Shefali is proud of her Bay Area and Indian roots, and is ever-grateful to her family, friends, and educators for their unconditional belief in her.
KURT PERRY (Mr. Smee) is ecstatic to join the company of Peter Pan. NYC: Noblesse Oblige (Ma-Yi Theatre Company), Quilt: A Musical Celebration (MJP Theatricals). Tours: A Christmas Carol (Christmas Present). Regional: The Addams Family (Fester, Beef and Boards), The Music Man (Jacey Squires, Fireside Dinner Theatre), South Pacific (Stewpot, Plaza Theatricals), HAIR (Margret Mead, Maine State Music Theater). TV: “Bull” (CBS). Thank you to Penny Luedtke, Jordan Fischer and my friends and family for their unconditional support. @KurtPerry41.
MICAH TURNER LEE (John) grew up in Covina CA. He is trained in Contemporary and modern dance and studied at the Debbie Allen dance Academy. Micah receives voice training at the ‘Ivory Performing Art Program’ where he has learned all musical styles including Musical Theater, Pop & R&B. Micah coaches at Zak Barnett Studio. Micah’s Credits include: Baby Coalhouse in Ragtime. Micah can be seen featured in multiple commercials this year such as Target, Takis, Disney plus and LG. He can be heard on multiple Voice over projects like ‘Super Wings’. Peter Pan is Micah’s first National tour so he’s very excited to be a part of this cast. Micah gives thanks for the support to his mom Jasmine & family.
WILLIAM FOON (John) loves the stage and has performed since age six. He’s based in the SF/Bay Area and has worked in LA/NY. He recently appeared in NY City Center Encores, Oliver! (dir. Lear DeBessonet). Regional credits: The Secret Garden (CTGLA, dir. Warren Carlyle), A Christmas Carol (Center REP) and the Broadway Dreams NYC Showcase. Awards: American Protégé 2021 Music Talent & 2022 Vocal International Competitions. William loves Pokémon, Squishmallows and rollercoasters. He is thrilled to be flying to Neverland! Many thanks to ARC, DDO, and all my teachers, family & friends. @william.foon
REED EPLEY (Michael) is excited to make his national tour debut as Michael Darling in Peter Pan. Born and raised in Marietta, GA, Reed has been performing on stage since the age of four. Reed would like to thank all his friends and family for their support, Lolek’s Storytellers, his acting and vocal coaches Brianna Ferris, Jeremy Morse, Jessie Brownie, especially Marsha Newton and the rest of the British Academy of Performing Arts team and the students & faculty of the BAPA family. A special thank you to the cast, crew, and creative team of Peter Pan.
JAYDEN GUARNERI (Michael). Meet Jayden Guarneri, a remarkable 9-year-old with a passion for the arts and a thirst for knowledge. Embarking on his acting journey at the tender age of 5, Jayden swiftly established himself as a budding talent among student actors. Not only is he a dedicated performer, but he also excels in his studies as an honor student, demonstrating his commitment to both his education and his craft. Fascinated by the wonders of science and math, Jayden devotes himself to the world of learning, always seeking new opportunities to expand his horizons. Beyond the classroom, he finds joy in singing, crafting captivating video content, and exploring the world through family travels. It was during his appearance as Young Simba in a local production of The Lion King that Jayden discovered his profound love for theater. This experience ignited a passion that has only grown stronger since. When not gracing the stage, he cherishes moments spent with his loved ones, recognizing the importance of family bonds. With dreams as grand as his talent, Jayden aspires to one day produce his own theatrical masterpiece. Keep an eye on this young star, as his journey in both the arts and academia promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.”
CHARLES ANTENEN (Ensemble)
CHRSTINA HÉLÈNE BRAA (Jane) is an LA-based artist. She grew up studying classical ballet. She earned her BA in Acting at USC. She has garnered several film credits including Miss Brown (Tribeca 2023) as the title character. Playing as Ensemble and u/s Wendy in Peter Pan marks her professional musical theater debut.
KENNY RAMOS (Acoma) is from the Barona Band of Mission Indians/Kumeyaay Nation and he grew up on the Barona Indian Reservation. He is an ensemble member at Cornerstone Theatre Company in Los Angeles, and Artist-in-Residence at La Jolla Playhouse. Kenny has credits with Cornerstone Theater Company, The Rose/Omaha Theater Company, Native Voices at the Autry, Perseverance Theatre, Krannert Center/Illinois Theatre, Passage Theatre Company, Woolly Mammoth, South Dakota Shakespeare Festival, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Denver Center, Seattle Rep, Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum, and The Kennedy Center. TV: “Spirit Rangers” (Netflix). Awards: 2019 Theatre Communications Group (TCG) Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellow; 2019 First Peoples Fund Cultural Capital Fellow; Yale Center for the Study of Race, Indigeneity, and Transnational Migration 2021 Mellon Artist Fellow; Center for Cultural Innovation 2022 CALI Catalyst Grantee. Education: BA in American Indian Studies, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). @krayramos
JONAH BARRICKLO (Ensemble) a New York native now living in Boston, and recent graduate of Emerson College (BFA, Musical Theatre). He is thrilled to be a part of this magical production! Favorite credits include: Xanadu (Sonny Malone, The Prizery), online concert premiere of Sticks and Stones, and Cabaret (Herr Schultz, Emerson College). He owes everything to his friends, family, and loving girlfriend for their continuous support! jonahbarricklo.com @_jonahbear
ERIC ALLEN BOYD (Ensemble) is a Miami native and is excited to be joining the national tour of Peter Pan! Previous works include Chess (The Muny), Hairspray (Royal Caribbean Productions), Grease (Royal Caribbean Productions) and most recently seen in Mu’allaqat: an Extension of Glories an inaugural musical In Saudi Arabia. Eric is grateful for the support from his fiancé, family and friends and would like to thank Mikey, the creative team and casting for their support.
TONY COLLINS (Swing) is thrilled to be joining the National tour of Peter Pan! Off Broadway: The Goodbye Girl. Regional: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The Full Monty, Kinky Boots, Newsies, and Ragtime! TV/Film: NBC’s “Rockin NYE” 2021/22 as a dancer and J. Lo’s Halftime Netflix Premier Viewing as a dancer! Thank you to the best of friends and loved ones. Huge thank you to Duncan and Patrick at ARC! Social Media: @tonyycollinss
BAILEY FRANKENBERG (Swing). Choctaw/ Cherokee Nation Citizen! Training: CAP21 Conservatory, NYC. Regional: 9 to 5 (Doralee), Unto These Hills (Wilani), The Lost Colony (Eleanor Dare). Tours/International: Tokyo Disney (Singer), Alvin and the Chipmunks Live! Tour. Instagram @baileyfrankenberg
LEO GALLEGOS (Swing)
BRANDON GILLE (Ensemble) is absolutely thankful and thrilled to be performing in national tour in Peter Pan! Brandon attended Pepperdine University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre. Notable credits include him starring as Josh in the North American Tour of Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues (Round Room Live), understudying Claude in Hair (El Portal Theater), starring as Quasimodo in Disney’s West Coast premiere of the Hunchback of Notre Dame in 2017 (Disney Theatricals), and featured as various live roles at the Foundation of New American Musicals in Los Angeles, CA. “I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to ARC Casting, my agent, and my family!” Check him out on his website, http://www.brandongille.com, or follow his new Instagram account, @bdgille.
RYAN PERRY MARKS (Ensemble). Regional: Mary Poppins (Bert), Newsies (Race, Dance Captain), Saturday Night Fever (Double J), Gypsy (Tulsa). National Tour: Rudolph… (Charlie). Thank you to ARC, Natalie at LA Talent, and my incredibly supportive family and friends! @ryanperrymarks
MICHAEL MARRERO (Ensemble). Credits: The Donna Summer Musical (Swing), In The Heights (Ensemble), Evita (Ensemble), 42nd Street (Ensemble). B.F.A. Ithaca College. Pantera/Murphy the Agency! To my family and friends — Mmmwah! For Nick Pratico. michaelmarrero.me
CHEYENNE OMANI (Swing). National Tour: Annie (Dance Captain/Swing). Regional: Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Charlaine), On Your Feet! (Robin), A Chorus Line (Maggie), Mamma Mia! (Ali), Singin’ in the Rain (Mary Margaret), and Ragtime (Evelyn Nesbit). Special thanks to Tiera Ashley at Firestarter Entertainment. @cheyenneomani
HANNAH SCHMIDT (Ensemble). National tour debut! Northeast Ohio native from Bainbridge Township. BFA in musical theatre from Otterbein University. Endless gratitude to the Peter Pan team, Hudson Artists Agency, and Casting by Arc. Love to everyone who keeps me dancing—Mom, Dad, Allie, Joe, Dean, and my amazing friends! @hannahdschmidt
KIARA WILLIAMS (Ensemble) is so excited to make her national tour debut in Peter Pan! Kiara is a dance artist born and raised in New Jersey and currently based in Brooklyn, NY. She received her BFA in dance from the University of Michigan and was most recently seen in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (NCL). Kiara would like to thank her friends and family for all of their love and support! IG: @kiarawilliams
“Peter Pan is one of the great treasures of the American Musical Theatre,” said Lonny Price. “The show nurtures and inspires the imagination of its audience and reminds us to keep alive the child within us all.”
“I am thrilled to be part of bringing Peter Pan to life for a new generation,” said Larissa FastHorse. “If you loved this musical before, you will still see the show that enchanted you, while discovering a PETER PAN that everyone can enjoy, without harm, for many years to come.”
The adventure begins when Peter Pan and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying”, “I Gotta Crow”, “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland”. Peter Pan embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will be Hooked!
Based on Sir James M. Barrie’s classic tale and originally directed, choreographed and adapted by Broadway legend Jerome Robbins, Peter Pan features an iconic and unforgettable score by Morris (Moose) Charlap; lyrics by Carolyn Leigh; additional lyrics by Betty Comden, Adolph Green and Amanda Green; additional music by Jule Styne.
Peter Pan is directed by Lonny Price, with additional book by Larissa FastHorse, choreography by Lorin Latarro and aerial choreography by Paul Rubin, with music supervision and additional arrangements by Andy Einhorn and dance arrangements by David Dabbon. The national tour has scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Sarafina Bush, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, sound design by Kai Harada, projections by David Bengali, hair & make-up design by J. Jared Janas, fight direction by Rick Sordelet & Christian Kelly-Sordelet and “Tinker Bell” design by Paul Kieve. The Associate Director is Matt Cowart and the Associate Choreographer is Travis Waldschmidt, with casting by ARC/Duncan Stewart, CSA and additional casting by Michael Donovan Casting. The production is licensed by Music Theatre International.
The Peter Pan tour is conducted by Jonathan Marro. The stage management team is led by Ashlynn Abbott with Kendall Stevens. The company management team is led by Luke Meyer with Kyle Hess.
Thanks for stopping by! If you enjoy this content, and want to help support the site, visit my Buy Me A Coffee page here.