Peter Pan

Mary Martin and Jean Arthur, close friends, discussed between them selves their individual interest in performing the role of Peter Pan in James M. Barrie's play "Peter Pan." Jean Arthur beat Mary Martin in performing the role. The Shubert Organization, Producers Peter Lawreunce and R. L. Stevens produced the James M. Barrie play revival with music and lyrics by Leonard Bernstein, at the Imperial Theatre (4/24/1950-9/30/1950), St. James Theatre (10/02/1950-1/27/1951) with total performances of 321. The music arranged by Trude Rittman; Music orchestrated by Hershy Kay. The production was staged by John Burrell; Associate Director by Wendy Toye; Scenic Design and lighting design by Ralph Alswang; Costume design by Motley. Flying supervisor Peter Foy. Hollywood's Universal Studios feature film horror picture movie star, also a stage actor, Boris Karloff starred as Mr. Darling and Captain James Hook. After the success of Jean Arthur's appearance in the play revival with music, Mary Martin asked close friend and impresario of the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera Association, Edwin Lester, to develop and produce a musical of the "Peter Pan" property. Edwin Lester assembled a creative team in 1953 to develop the musical for the Broadway stage with Mary Martin featured as Peter Pan.

Referenced in Love Thy Neighbour in Australia: Howzat!! (1979)