Why is there usually a female playing the role of Peter Pan?

Question

like in the plays...or the one w/ Mary Martin?

(it's an english assignment so I need real answers ;) )

Answer 1

Peter needs to be of youthful appearance, and thin woman look more like boys than thin men do. The same applies to their voice. Also, flying harnesses can be uncomfortable for men.

Answer 2

Peter is usually portrayed by a young woman as a tradition--James Barrie, the author of the play Peter Pan (as well as the two books which first featured Peter), specified that Peter should be played by a woman when the play was first produced in London.
The reason behind this was very likely because a young, petite woman could more easily and convincingly perform Peter's role than a young boy of Peter's real pre-pubescent age.
Happily, audiences everywhere have accepted this casting preference without a problem. Even the first feature film based on the play, in 1925, starred young actress Betty Bronson as Peter, opposite a younger and slightly more robust actress playing Wendy.

Answer 3

I think the reason Peter Pan is usually played by females in plays is because they are lighter for the flying scenes and because a petite woman can be passed off more easily as a young boy.

Answer 4

He needs to have a very child like voice and usually around the age that peter is..many boys start developing low pitch tones. So a woman will be better suited for the part.

Answer 5

probly cuz peter pan needs to be verry verry verry thin and kinda girly lookin kinda like how he is in the cartoon

Answer 6

b/c peter pan was originaly a girl...lyk they meant for peter pan to be a girl

Answer 7

Because he's a little fairy.