Well, my boys and I had a blast and there was definitely plenty of opportunity to witness flying. And then for me, I had the not-fully-expected, yet not surprising result of getting nostalgic.

After a BART adventure, we walked just a couple blocks to Ferry Park for the play. (There are also parking garages in close proximity for those who drive.) As we entered the tent, my youngest was already thrilled because our pathway was lit by little aqua lights. All of the seats in the theater are proximal to the stage. Although we were in the second to the last row, we were still very close to the action.

The stage is in the middle of the tent, and then the seats are positioned in a circle around. But that isn't the only way this performance is threesixty°: above the seats, the ceiling tilts in as it reaches the top of the tent, in a circle, naturally. This ceiling is a screen used throughout the show. According to the souvenir program, Peter Pan is the world's first fully 360 degree projected movie for live theater. During some scenes, the projection is static; but during others, amazing movement transports the audience into the action, whether it is flying above London, watching mermaids underwater, hanging out in the Lost Boys' lair, or fighting Captain Hook on his pirate ship. Some seemingly static scenes have little pieces of movement in them, such as the pirate ship with its slowly waving flags, the sea with a bird flying by, or the window opening and closing at the Darlings' home.

Of course, Peter Pan is also a flying show, so the center portion of the tent (called "the Cupola") is used to raise and lower the various wires used for the characters' flying adventures. The support poles for this apparatus are outside the tent so as not to impede the audience's view.

The costumes and set of the production are unique in that they are meant to look pieced-together. For example, a "boat" is made out of a free-standing bathtub, and the famous crocodile is concocted of clothespins, hangers, and green cloth. Two men inside propel it around the stage. Likewise, the dog Nana and other animals are controlled expertly by visible puppeteers. The show is supposed to feel almost haphazard, but of course the way this is accomplished is quite sophisticated.

In other words, this isn't Disney. This isn't about "realism" where everything appears seamless and you cannot see the wires (though in essence, this stage version of the show is more "real" to the actual story) nor does it involve perfectly coiffed fairies. No, Tinkerbell here is more grunge than glam. My Tink-loving son loved this version of Tinkerbell just as much as her other incarnation. Whew!

Of course the acting itself is seamless. The cast did a fabulous job of bringing the story to life with their energy, bodies, and voices. I caught quite a few lines and concepts in there that I wouldn't have at a young age, and of course that just jump-started my own longing to never grow up with the sharp realization that I already have. Drat.

But I suppose if I still believe in fairies, (I do! I do!) I might just allow myself a few more trips back to Neverland just to visit when I'm a little sick of being responsible.

threesixty° Peter Pan is definitely worth the trip. Since there are some loud noises and the cast members use the aisles as part of the performance, it is best to keep kids around five and under at home while the older folks enjoy the experience.

There is wine for the legal folks and foam swords or other memorabilia for the younger ones. The food is provided by Bon Appétit Management Company, a sustainable, socially-responsible food company. During intermission, Splig was lucky to snag one of the last bags of Zuckerman's Farm gourmet kettlecorn. Yum! I loved that refreshments were available right in the tent. We didn't need to venture outside or stand in a line. (Although, the outside area with the dining area and souvenir shop is really nice!) It was easy to get the kettlecorn, a water, and an ice-cream bar. They also had lemonade and other snacks.

Another aspect of the show to note: the toilets are "portable" but they are fancy. In fact, they are nicer than most in-ground public restrooms.

All in all, this was a great experience. You can get tickets for threesixty° Peter Pan and learn more about the production through their website.

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Disclaimer: threesixty° / Peter Pan PR provided my family with four tickets to see the show. They also allowed us VIP access to the cast members and some yummy refreshments after the show. They provided these perks for me in anticipation that I would publicize the event to my readers, which I am doing now! I will not receive any sort of commission should y'all purchase tickets to this amazing show.