At 78: Sasson Gabai returns to an iconic role
One of Israel's greatest cultural icons returns in a new version of the musical "Peter Pan," with Sasson Gabai reprising his role as Captain Hook.
36 years after the musical "Peter Pan" first captured hearts and became a cultural phenomenon, it returns to the stage in a renewed version. A festive pre-premiere show held at the Performing Arts Center in Tel Aviv marked the start of August celebrations, reminding everyone that magic never ages and that the child within us remains.
The new production, based on the original 1988 musical written by Uri Paster and Hanoch Rosen and inspired by James M. Barrie’s book, is directed by Rosen himself. For Rosen, who once famously donned the flying shoes of Peter Pan, this project represents a poignant full-circle moment. Equally significant is the return of the esteemed actor Sasson Gabai, who has stepped back into the boots and hat of Captain Hook — the very same role he played in the original legendary production.
Stepping into the shoes of the boy who refuses to grow up this time is Lee Biran, who leads the production with vibrant energy alongside Meshi Kleinstein as Wendy. The cast is rounded out by Linoy Cohen and Tal Levin (Tiger Lily), Ofir Weil (Smee), and a talented ensemble including Asaf Levi, Gilad Braun, Hanan Shwarzberg, Liam Pinto, Timothy Snikov, Yotam Gabriel, and many others.
The glittering pre-premiere event drew a host of entertainment industry figures, distinguished guests, and supportive family members. Among those in the audience were director Hanoch Rosen and his wife Ruha Shani, creator Uri Paster, and film producers Moshe and Pnina Edri. Warm family support was also present from Lee Biran’s mother, Orly, Sasson Gabai’s wife, Dafna, and the Kleinstein family: Rita, Noam, and Alex Kleinstein.
The red carpet was filled with celebrities and media figures, including Yuval Scharf, Dana Grotsky, Yael Goldman, Eran Zarakhovich, Kevin Rubin, Kim Ben Shimon, Tal Grushka, Lea Schnirer, Avi Dor, Shira Levi, Guy Loel, Liron Zaid, Ido Greenberg, Guy Maroz, Roni Kuban, Yuval Caspin, Elad Zohar, Roi Oz, and Nadav Peled.
This production offers a perfect blend of warm nostalgia and modern staging, direction, and performances tailored for a new generation. The musical will run throughout August at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center, promising to take children — and the children we once were — on a magical journey to Neverland.
