Peter Pan at the El Capitan Theatre
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Peter Pan at the El Capitan Theater
by
Scarlett Stahl

Thursday, February 1, 2007 at Hollywoods historic El Capitan Theatre was the Premiere of the re- release of Disney's classic animated film Peter Pan. The film can be viewed from February 1- 15. The special two week engagement features a newly restored digital version of the film with enhanced picture and sound.

With the promise of a star studded panel, the theatre was filled to capacity with an enthusiastic crowd of Disney fans, particularly those fans of Peter Pan. The panelists arrived early as requested for interviews with ABC News, while others relaxed and visited with fellow panelists as well as accompanying family members and friends in the Green Room (both backstage.) There were makeup artists for those who chose, while others declined, preferring instead to snack on the popcorn, candies and soft drinks that were provided for their pleasure. With entertainment on stage the crowd was kept happy while waiting in anticipation of the stars to come.

Veteran Disney producer Don Hahn (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, etc.) conversed with his panel prior to the special panel discussion at the 7:00 pm show to prepare for his role as commentator. Don accepted the congratulations of those who have seen his short animated film of The Little Match Girl, which is done beautifully in water colors and has been nominated for the category of Best Animated Short Film for the Academy Awards.

Kathryn Beaumont and Paul Collins

Panelists included: Kathryn Beaumont- Levine (Wendy Darling), who explained that she had been under contract to MGM and had answered a casting call for the role of the live model as well as the voice of Alice in Walt Disney's film Alice in Wonderland. After completing that film, Walt cast her in the role of Wendy in his next animated film Peter Pan.

Don asked legendary animation star June Foray to humor her fans by voicing Rocky from Rocky and Bullwinkle. This brought screams of appreciation from the audience. Then when she was asked what part she played in Peter Pan, she replied that she had done the voice of the old Indian Squaw and then a few weeks later was asked to come back dressed in a swim suit! June said that she was a little concerned as she had heard stories of the casting couch and was surprised when she, along with Margaret Kerry and another girl had their legs tied, while they spent all day crawling up and down a pile of two by four wooden planks. By the end of the day June was black and blue.

Margaret Kerry and Allan Levine (husband of Kathryn Beaumont Levine)

Margaret Kerry (Tinker Bell) commented that she was used to a faster pace, being the model for Tinker Bell, and had to learn to slow down and move languidly for the role of another of the Mermaids. She was working on a film at another studio as an assistant dance director, when she got the call from Disney. She was asked to portray a tiny pixie and stand over a mirror and turn, while preening and admiring herself until she reached her hips which she pantomimed as being too large. Of course she was asked to come back and continue Tinker Bell's antics, which they rotoscoped. She asked famed animator, Eric Goldberg, if this was still what they do today.