Napa Theater Stages Fictional Meeting of Literary Legends

"Peter & Alice" explores the real-life inspirations behind "Alice in Wonderland" and "Peter Pan"

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The play "Peter & Alice" is now running at the Lucky Penny Community Arts Center in Napa, California. The script, written by John Logan, is a fictionalized version of a real meeting between Alice Liddell Hargreaves, the inspiration for "Alice in Wonderland", and Peter Llewelyn Davies, the inspiration for "Peter Pan". The production explores the themes of childhood fame and the challenges of growing up, with standout performances by the cast, particularly Kade Morrill as J.M. Barrie.

Why it matters

The play provides a unique and emotional look at the real people behind two of literature's most iconic children's characters, examining the personal costs of their childhood fame and the difficulties of transitioning to adulthood. It also highlights the continued appeal and relevance of these classic stories.

The details

The play is set at the opening of a 1932 Lewis Carroll exhibition in London, where the fictionalized meeting between Alice Hargreaves (Bright Eastman) and Peter Davies (Max Geide) takes place. The script slips between memory, fantasy, and reality as the two grapple with the legacies of their childhood personas. While the entire cast delivers strong performances, Kade Morrill's portrayal of the enigmatic J.M. Barrie is particularly praised for bringing depth and nuance to the author's complex relationship with the Davies boys.

  • The play "Peter & Alice" is running at the Lucky Penny Community Arts Center in Napa, California through February 15, 2026.
  • The play is set at the opening of a 1932 Lewis Carroll exhibition in London.

The players

Alice Liddell Hargreaves

The inspiration for the character of Alice in Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland".

Peter Llewelyn Davies

The inspiration for the character of Peter Pan in J.M. Barrie's stories.

J.M. Barrie

The author who created the character of Peter Pan.

Lewis Carroll

The author who created the character of Alice in "Alice in Wonderland".

Lucky Penny Community Arts Center

The theater in Napa, California where the play "Peter & Alice" is being performed.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The play "Peter & Alice" will continue its run at the Lucky Penny Community Arts Center in Napa, California through February 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The play "Peter & Alice" provides a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the real-life inspirations behind two of literature's most beloved children's characters, examining the personal costs of childhood fame and the challenges of growing up. The standout performances, particularly by Kade Morrill as J.M. Barrie, make this a must-see production for fans of classic literature and theater.