Sir James Barrie’s novel about a boy who never grows up was first produced on Broadway in 1905, revived in 1950 and turned into a musical in 1954 starring Mary Martin. We saw Sandy Duncan play Peter in the early ’80s and Cathy Rigby fill the role in the ’90s. Amazingly, the family-oriented musical is still flying in 2009.

What is even more amazing is that TBTS, under the direction of Gary John La Rosa, is able to fit this huge show with its cast of over three dozen on its small stage. The choreography was a bit limited and while not spectacular was lively.

While Peter doesn’t fly over the audience and can’t fly away to Never Never Land, because the stage isn’t very deep, he and his charges still create that wonderful illusion of flying.

Theatre-by-the-Sea has engaged a most engaging actress to fill the big shoes of her predecessors. Carol Michele Miller is excellent as Peter Pan, in constant movement, whether running about the stage or flying over it.

There weren’t many children in the audience on press night, but Peter still got the audience to “believe” by clapping and shouting Tinker Bell back to life.

“Peter Pan” is a show with a gimmick, a few memorable songs, a fairy-tale story and lots of action. To pull it off on the tiny Matunuck stage is quite a feat. Most of the time it works, but occasionally the actors seemed to be running into each other.

In one scene, the fey Captain Hook is running up a staircase on the pirate ship, when one of the stairs gave way. Peter S. Adams, who also plays Wendy’s father, quickly recovered and went on with the scene, ad libbing as he told those behind him to watch their step.

We would expect to see more children attending, as it is really their show, but the adults seemed to be enjoying being young again, laughing at the corny lines, the politically incorrect Indians and the fey pirates

The two unsung heroes were Matthew Wagner and Nick Nelson, who played Nana the Dog and the Crocodile, in the best costumes I’ve seen in all the productions of the musical.

The story has a bittersweet ending, with Dominique Rose DeSimone (see accompanying interview) appearing as Wendy’s daughter.

“Peter Pan” provides a light, starry-eyed evening of entertainment. Bring the family. If your kids are too old, bring a neighbor’s child; they will love it. Playing through Aug. 8. Reservations at 782-8587.