The busiest weekend of the year in Mill Valley is almost upon us.

With the four-day Kiddo Carnival and Community Celebration, the massive Pancake Breakfast, Memorial Day Parade (preceded by the Lytton Square Memorial Ceremony) and the Mill Valley Historical Society’s Walk Into History walks, downtown Mill Valley, Miller Avenue and the Community Center get the bulk of the excitement. 

But on Sunday, May 24 – and on success Sundays through June 21 – one of the most unique theaters in the Bay Area becomes a hive of activity as the Mountain Play opens its 102nd season with a production of Peter Pan, the first Mountain Play take on the classic J.M. Barrie work since 1986. 

“Watch Peter, John, Michael & Wendy soar on Mount Tam,” Mountain Play organizers say of the show. “Watch natives encounter pirates. See the lost boys & Tinker Bell. Watch out for the crocodile out to get Capt. Hook!”

Directed by Marin native Michael Schwartz, Peter Pan features Melissa WolfKlain as the main character and Jeff Wiesen as Captain Hook (click here for the rest of the cast). But as you’d expect at the outdoor Sidney B. Cushing Memorial Theatre, which seats 4,000 people atop in rows made of massive serpentine stones, the experience goes well beyond the performance.

Families with kids should get there early and head to Playland for the Fratello Marionettes show at 11:30am and 1:00pm, along with face painting and snacks. Pre-show entertainment during the run includes: Marin Summer Theater, Lollipop Guild aka SF Gay Men’s Choir, Karmina, Performing Stars of Marin and Til Dawn. Food is on sale from the likes of the Rotary Club of Mill Valley and Fred Martin Events.

The 411: The Mountain Play’s production of Peter Pan opens the Mountain Play’s 102nd season Sunday, May 24, at 2pm. Shows continue every Sunday through June 21 – all performances at 2pm – as well as Saturday, June 13. Go here for a suggested packing list, and go here for more info and tickets.


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