From Emerson to Neverland: Alums Soar with ‘Peter Pan’ National Tour

Hawa Kamara and Jonah Barricklo, both alums of the Class of 2023, took time from the national tour of Peter Pan to speak to aspiring musical theatre students about how their Emerson education prepared them for their iconic roles. 

Kamara, who is playing Wendy in the production, and Barricklo, a Lost Boy and an understudy for Peter Pan, returned to campus on January 29 to talk about life on the road, the importance of auditioning, and to encourage the students to enjoy their time at Emerson.  

The duo were in town as the show stopped in Boston for 13 shows, and were happy to visit Performing Arts Assistant Professor Ilana Toeplitz’s Professional Orientation class. 

Both Kamara and Barricklo said their journeys to landing their classic Peter Pan roles were directly tied to their time at Emerson. Their opportunity presented itself when director Lonny Price, a guest lecturer on campus, invited the class to an in-person audition in New York. 

“I performed the dance to [Peter Pan’s] ‘I Won’t Grow Up’,” said Kamara. “I genuinely did not think I was going to get the part [of Wendy], so I was so stunned when I found out I did.”

“I was going on a trip to Europe that week when I got the call saying they wanted me in the show,” Barricklo said. “So I immediately returned to New York for a vocal session to finalize the casting.”

Toeplitz credited Emerson’s Musical Theatre program for equipping Barricklo and Kamara with both the technical skills and discipline to land the roles.

“The program taught them stamina, self-discipline, a sense of curiosity, professional polish, as well as sound acting, vocal and dance technique,” said Toeplitz. “Lonny rightfully fell in love with our talented students under our roof.”

Both Kamara and Barricklo performed in numerous Emerson Stage productions during their college careers, and Kamara echoed Toeplitz’s sentiments.

“I felt most prepared by the EmStage shows I was able to be a part of. I have about six or seven under my belt, so it was helpful having the structure that modeled the professional atmosphere be my main tool that helped me adapt to life performing in a national tour,” she said.

Before preparing for their performance later that day at the Boston Opera House, the actors emphasized the importance of self-care and discipline while on tour.

“It’s hard, especially once you leave Emerson,” Kamara admitted. “You don’t have the consistent voice lessons anymore, so it’s up to you to maintain your training. You have to have the mental toughness to do that on your own, as no one is reminding you.”

Barricklo echoed Kamara’s sentiments, highlighting the physical demands of touring.

“As a Lost Boy, the role is physically taxing,” said Barricklo. “I stretch every day, do core workouts, and focus on back strengthening because of the flying. Finding your own routine is essential.”

She added that acting as Wendy for a year in dozens of shows allows opportunities to add nuance to her performance.  

“Rather than having a literal change in my movements and physical stature, I have found myself finding slightly new intentions which led to the different actions I could make,” said Kawara. 

Kamara didn’t have a lot of experience playing someone young, let alone a child, so the role allows her to step into shoes she’s never filled before. Kamara being cast to play Wendy in itself was meaningful to her, because Wendy is traditionally played by white actors.

“Being the first Black Wendy on a professional stage, having the chance to see little kids who look like me, who have hair just like mine, skin just like mine, and see themselves in a role like this, I want to make them feel seen and know that there are no boundaries to what we can do,” said Kamara.

Kamara’s performance has been praised, including by The Boston Globe, which said, “Her Wendy has an air of authority – small wonder that Peter asks her to be the ‘mother’ for him and the Lost Boys – and her singing is equal parts clarity and warmth.

Both actors spoke about the balance of staying present in a role while preparing for the future. Kamara emphasized the importance of continuous auditioning.

“Even when you’re under contract, you should be auditioning nonstop,” said Kamara. “It’s not just about booking jobs, but about getting your name out there. A lot of people in the industry know who I am just because I’ve auditioned for their shows.”

Barricklo said he’s really been focusing on Peter Pan before thinking about his next move. 

“I wanted to fully enjoy this job before thinking about what’s next,” said Barricklo. “Keep in mind, it’s not just about loving the show but about finding a work environment that feels right for you.”

As graduation approaches for this senior class, Kamara and Barricklo encouraged students to find balance between career preparation and enjoying their final semester.

“I was so stressed trying to go to every audition and callback that it hurt my mental health,” Kamara admitted. “I didn’t book Peter Pan until two days after graduation. Do your best, but also enjoy your time with friends.”

Barricklo added, “Don’t get so caught up in what comes next that you forget to enjoy college. Emerson is such a unique experience, and you don’t know when you’ll have that again. Trust yourself, and be confident in the work you’ve put in.”