Straight on 'Til Morning by Rachel Diamond

Mary Kenton doesn’t want to grow up. Nevertheless, her fourteenth birthday is upon her and she seems doomed to a life of boredom and discussions of the weather… until she is visited by Peter Pan. In this prequel to the beloved Barrie tale, Mary visits Neverland to discover a much darker truth than her children will: that perfect isn’t always preferable, expectations can be too high, and that sometimes, growing...
Mary Kenton doesn’t want to grow up. Nevertheless, her fourteenth birthday is upon her and she seems doomed to a life of boredom and discussions of the weather… until she is visited by Peter Pan. In this prequel to the beloved Barrie tale, Mary visits Neverland to discover a much darker truth than her children will: that perfect isn’t always preferable, expectations can be too high, and that sometimes, growing up happens whether we like it or not. Sent to an asylum for her incessant talk of magical lands, Mary emerges to grapple with the control of society, the love of a boy, and the reality that even if she finds answers for herself, she can’t find them for her children.
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Straight on 'Til Morning

Recommended by

  • Kenneth N. Kurtz:
    6 Jun. 2020
    “ As far as I can tell, NPX has three plays in its library inspired by Peter Pan. In "Straight On 'Til Morning" Rachel Diamond has created a hauntingly lovely prequel to the tale. With "Wendy Unwritten" Kate Ramsburg provides a modern urban sequel full of longing for a wished-for past. Both plays celebrate the feminine side of the growing up conundrum. Third play is mine which best sums up that conundrum with its title: "Panegyric." Read all three...You'll enjoy them. ”
  • Doug DeVita:
    3 Jun. 2020
    “ This fascinating work, a prequel of sorts to the equally fascinating “Peter Pan” story, suggests Pan was far more deeply involved with the Darling family than we ever suspected. Exploring that frustrating time between childhood and adulthood, Diamond takes on parental stifling, fear of abandonment, sexual awakening, and most impressively, the psychological trauma inflicted by Pan’s insouciance and those trips to Neverland, and she does it with wit, pathos, and a sly sense of fun that enhances the underlying seriousness of her work. Enchanting, but frightening, too. ”

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    The Online Theater Company
    ,
    2020
  • Reading
    ,
    Arcadia University
    ,
    2012

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Shots in the Dark Theater Company
    ,
    2013