Disclosure: We received free tickets to Peter Pan at the Straz Center in exchange for sharing our experience. All opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something featured in this post - at no extra cost to you.
For our first mother-daughter theater date, my seven-year-old daughter Leilani and I attended opening night of the reimagined Broadway show Peter Pan the Musical at the Straz Center in Tampa, Florida.
A new version of the treasured musical for a new generation, Peter Pan the Musical is capturing hearts and igniting imaginations on its 2024 North American tour.
The new production features gorgeous sets, a diverse cast and a modern, inclusive script. It was updated by playwright Larissa FastHorse, the first Native American playwright to be produced on Broadway.
Family Review of Peter Pan the Musical
Leilani and I were ‘Hooked’ by the whole magical adventure to Neverland and back.
With a sprinkle of fairy dust, happy thoughts and lots of high-flying, swashbuckling fun, Peter Pan the Musical enchants the adventure-seeking child in all of us.
Tinker Bell’s unspoken sass, Peter’s boyish charm, and Captain Hook and his pirate crew’s blundering antics kept us laughing through the whole show.
I loved that Tiger Lily plays a bigger, fiercer role in this new version of Peter Pan. I also appreciated that the new musical better represents Indigenous characters, thanks to FastHorse’s leadership.
In this new version of Peter Pan the Musical, Tiger Lily and her tribe are the last of extinct cultures from around the world. Neverland is a safe place for each of them to keep their culture alive.
What Age is Best For Peter Pan the Musical?
Peter Pan the Musical is recommended for ages 6 and up. To ensure optimum enjoyment for all guests, the Straz Center recommends that children under the age of 5 not attend Broadway shows.
Where to See Peter Pan the Musical in 2024
After its run in Tampa from April 30 – May 5, 2024, Peter Pan flies off to May tour stops in Miami and then Orlando.
After Florida, Peter Pan the Musical heads west on its North American tour stopping in cities including Tempe, AZ and Las Vegas, NV.
In summer 2024, Peter Pan brings the adventure to California with tour stops in San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego and Costa Mesa.
For additional tour dates around the U.S. for fall 2024 through spring 2025, check out the full Peter Pan the Musical tour schedule.
More Family Theatre Productions to See in Tampa in 2024
Tampa families with younger kids will be excited to see the heartwarming Bluey’s Big Play at the Straz Center June 8 – 9, 2024.
Families with teens will enjoy the whodunit comedy CLUE the Musical. It’s inspired by the classic Hasbro board game. CLUE the Musical will be at the Straz Center in Tampa May 28 – June 2, 2024.
Families with older kids may also enjoy the Tony Award®-winning musical Les Misérables. The acclaimed production will be at the Straz Center in Tampa June 11 – 16, 2024.
Tampa families can mark their calendars for the 2024 – 2025 Broadway at the Straz season beginning with holiday sensation Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical Nov. 12 – 17, 2024.
In April 2025, Tampa’s best-loved musical, Disney’s The Lion King, returns to the Straz Center for an 18-day engagement.
Broadway Family Nights at the Straz Center
For select Broadway shows like Peter Pan the Musical, the Straz Center invites families to experience the magic of musical theatre with Broadway Family Night discounts.
With this special family offer, kids 12 and under may be eligible to receive a discounted ticket with purchase of a full priced adult ticket on select Broadway shows in select areas of the theater.
Families can come before the show for family-friendly activities and stay afterward for a talk-back with company members. Broadway Family Night is recommended for ages 6+.
Orlando Family-Friendly Shows
Looking for family-friendly shows in Orlando? Check out Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney. This unique family-friendly show at Disney Springs features a live performance full of amazing acrobats and dancers.
Tips for Taking Kids to the Theater
To help you plan your family musical adventure, here are Adventure-Seeking Mom’s tips for taking kids to the theater:
- Get them to nap before the show so they can stay awake through it.
- Let them dress up (or dress down if they prefer) and make it a special occasion.
- Reserve parking in advance if possible for easier arrival.
- Arrive early and grab a booster seat at the theater entrance before they run out.
- Buy a bottle of water and snack to bring into the show. You know your kid is going to get thirsty or need a snack halfway through Act 1!
More Tips for Planning Cultural Experiences with Kids
For more tips on planning cultural experiences with your kids, check out our cultural adventure guides including 13 Ways to Add Culture to Your Family Summer Vacation.
Interested in circus arts and Florida circus history? Check out our family guide to The Ringling Circus Museum in Sarasota, which recently opened a new family-friendly immersive experience celebrating the era of modern circus.
For more fun things for families to do in Tampa and around Florida, check out our Florida family adventure guides.
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