Pier Players Theatre Company brings Neverland to South Philly

The four-woman theater troupe is premiering a darkly comedic reimagining of 'Peter Pan' at Theatre Exile this April.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:03pm

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Pier Players Theatre Company, a four-woman theater troupe based in Philadelphia, is set to premiere their latest original play, 'I Think We're Lost,' a darkly comedic postmodern take on the J.M. Barrie classic 'Peter Pan.' The show will run from April 10-19 at Theatre Exile in South Philly, as the company continues to grow its presence in the city's vibrant arts scene.

Why it matters

Pier Players' rise reflects the thriving independent theater community in Philadelphia, as the scrappy company has quickly gained a loyal following by producing original works that blend classic stories with modern sensibilities. Their latest production promises to offer a fresh, unsettling perspective on the 'Peter Pan' tale while also highlighting the theater's commitment to engaging with the local community.

The details

In 'I Think We're Lost,' a college-age Peter Pan is contemplating leaving Neverland, prompting the mischievous Tinkerbell to recruit two Philadelphia kids to keep the fantasy alive. The show features an elaborate set, lighting, and sound design, a departure from the company's humble beginnings rehearsing on an actual pier in Penn's Landing. Pier Players' four co-founders - Chelsea Cylinder, Julianne Kastner, Kate Brighter, and Vanessa Torres - all wear multiple hats, acting in the play while also handling behind-the-scenes duties like props, fight choreography, and community outreach.

  • Pier Players Theatre Company was founded in 2022.
  • The company's first production, a murder mystery called 'Larry's Late Show,' was performed in front of neighbors on a pier in Penn's Landing.
  • Their 2023 Philadelphia Fringe Festival play 'Mars Doesn't Want Us' helped the company gain momentum.
  • Their third offering, 'The Angry Grammarian,' sold out quickly at Theatre Exile.
  • The world premiere of 'I Think We're Lost' will run from April 10-19, 2026 at Theatre Exile in South Philadelphia.

The players

Chelsea Cylinder

The artistic director and co-founder of Pier Players Theatre Company.

Julianne Kastner

A co-founder of Pier Players Theatre Company who recently moved to South Philadelphia.

Kate Brighter

A co-founder of Pier Players Theatre Company and the props designer and 'fight captain' for 'I Think We're Lost.'

Vanessa Torres

A co-founder of Pier Players Theatre Company.

Peter Fenton

The playwright of 'I Think We're Lost,' Pier Players' latest original production.

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What they’re saying

“Basically, in the show, a college-age Peter Pan is thinking about leaving Neverland. Tinkerbell is scheming to keep the whole Neverland fantasy alive. In order to do that, she recruits two kids who are from Philadelphia. One becomes a modern-day Lost Boy and the other becomes Wendy 2.0. There's a lot of unsettling truths buried in Neverland's past.”

— Chelsea Cylinder, Artistic Director

“The thing I like so much about this show is it's so big. It's the biggest set, it's the biggest extravagant lighting and sound design. We also got to bring in different aspects of different types of directors.”

— Kate Brighter, Co-founder

“We have some really fun transitions where we're going from where Tink is tearing holes in reality and jumping between Neverland and Philadelphia. I personally recorded some SEPTA noises like 'doors are closing' and some buses beeping. I think local people will really appreciate those little nods here and there.”

— Julianne Kastner, Co-founder

“I think just being able to do what we do with people you enjoy art with, it didn't make it scary at all. We're just a band of friends getting together to make some reckless stuff. I feel like at least I never felt the pressure of starting a company. At least we're doing what we love in a place that celebrates culture.”

— Vanessa Torres, Co-founder

What’s next

Tickets for 'I Think We're Lost' are on sale now at the Pier Players website, with the show running from April 10-19, 2026 at Theatre Exile in South Philadelphia.

The takeaway

Pier Players Theatre Company's rise reflects the vibrant independent theater scene in Philadelphia, as the scrappy four-woman troupe continues to produce original works that blend classic stories with modern sensibilities and engage deeply with the local community.