38 years after playing him: the new heir to Peter Pan
The 2026 version of Peter Pan aroused great curiosity even before it hit the stage, mainly thanks to the return of the original star to the director's chair. What does the final result of this intriguing encounter look like?
The 2026 version of Peter Pan aroused great curiosity even before it hit the stage, mainly thanks to the return of Hanoch Rosen, who played Peter Pan 38 years ago, to the director's chair. Unlike the current trend of forcibly updating classics or adapting them to modern sensitivities, this production chose to act differently. The story remains faithful to its original spirit, and the refreshment comes mainly through the rhythm, the stage, and the visual shell.
Lee Biran, who plays Peter Pan, comes straight from the demanding role in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and brings lightness, energy, playfulness, and excellent physical fitness. He enters the familiar role naturally and gives it his own rhythm. Meshi Kleinstein plays Wendy and brings maximalism, excellent singing, and precise tenderness that does not slide into excessive sweetness, alongside natural and pleasant chemistry with Biran.
Sasson Gabai, who plays Captain Hook, is an icon approaching his eighth decade of life and demonstrates great fitness. Gabai offers a sharp, funny, and liberated Hook, without becoming an exaggerated caricature. Linoy Cohen, who plays Tiger Lily, is actually the surprise of the production. Linoy, who was also cast this year for West Side Story, presents charisma and a strong stage presence that gets the most out of a relatively small role.
The stage is almost always in motion: if it is the scenery, the ensemble, the choreography, and the impressive flight scenes, they provide exactly the spark of magic that children are waiting for. The combination of the direction and choreography of Oz Morag, the musical production of Ben Shofen, and the joint work of the broad cast ensure that this is not a summit meeting of three stars only, but a complete and cohesive production.
Hanoch Rosen's connection to the history of the play does not turn the evening into a nostalgia show only. He uses his deep familiarity with the material to set up a version that works great for the contemporary audience, a colorful, professional, and very enjoyable family musical.
