RETURN TO A MAGICAL WORLD WITH `PETER PAN'.

Byline: Nancy Hewitt Daily News Staff Writer

``Second star on the right and straight on till morning.''

Remember those infamous directions from a pixie-face boy called Peter Pan?

Well, he's making a return flight to Southern California for a brief stay. The young boy who vowed he would never grow up soars on to the local stage in a new national touring production, starring Cathy Rigby as ``Peter Pan.'' Paul Schoeffler takes on the dual roles of Mr. Darling and Capt. Hook, Elisa Sagardia plays Wendy, and Dana Solimando plays Liza and Tiger Lily.

This isn't the first time Rigby, the former Olympic gymnast-turned-actress, has taken on the demanding role made famous by Mary Martin in the 1954 stage production. Rigby starred as the impetuous boy in 1990-91 - at the same theater.

And Rigby hasn't lost her touch or her energy. Her singing voice shows power and exquisite range. It's hard to believe this is a 45-year-old mother of four soaring over the stage with the ease of a veteran flying ace.

The flying illusions provided by ZFX Inc. entrance young and old alike, but credit must be given to Rigby, whose years of gymnastic training most certainly have kept her agile. Her fluid movement is apparent in the twirls and flips that have the audience ooing and aahing with glee. Rigby's Peter Pan exhibits a full range of emotions, from inquisitiveness to zeal to disappointment.

From music to scenery, this lavish production captivates the imaginations of child and adult alike. Some of the best show-stopping choreography occurs during the ``Ugg-a-Wugg'' number with Peter, Tiger Lily, the Lost Boys, the Indians, Wendy, John and Michael. From the intense pounding of the drums to the free-style dancing, the audience is drawn into this scene that is reminiscent of a ``Stomp'' performance.

Another favorite scene is when Tinker Bell drinks the poison meant for Peter. There is no one around except the audience. With Tinker Bell in his hand, Peter asks the audience: ``Do you believe? Do you believe in fairies?'' Dozens of excited voices shriek: ``We believe!''

Applause should also be given to Schoeffler, who plays a delightfully rotten Capt. Hook. His cocky attitude and intimidating persona had every kid paying attention. But when he tangos with his pirate crew, the crowd goes wild. His portrayal of Mr. Darling as a flustered but loving husband and father was also endearing.

Sagardia's Wendy showed range and maturity and was both believable and sweet, but her microphone may have been poorly adjusted during her early scenes because her voice was slightly shrill. Solimando as Tiger Lily brought more depth to the character than had been apparent in other stage versions. Her dancing and drumming ability were astonishing.

But perhaps one of the most appealing scenes was when Rigby flew over the audience and sprinkled fairy dust on them. Adults and children alike roared their approval.

If you have never experienced ``Peter Pan,'' this is the production to see. The choreography, the music, the acting and the singing are all superb. For a scant 2-1/2 hours, you can become a kid just like the one who never wanted to grow up.

THE FACTS

What: ``Peter Pan.''

Where: Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through Aug. 16.

Tickets: $22-$48, available at the Pantages box office or through Ticketmaster. Call [phone].

Our rating: Three and One Half Stars.