Mary Martin originated the title role in the 1954 Broadway musical Peter Pan.
The 1954 Broadway production of Peter Pan starred Mary Martin as Peter and Cyril Ritchard as Captain Hook. Martin’s performance became one of the best-known stage interpretations of the character, helping establish the convention that Peter could be played by an adult woman in a major theatrical production.
The musical featured music by Moose Charlap and Jule Styne, with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green. Its songs included “I’m Flying,” “I Won’t Grow Up,” and “Never Never Land.” The production was directed by Jerome Robbins and became closely associated with Martin through later televised versions.
A frequent source of confusion is the difference between the 1954 stage musical and Disney’s 1953 animated film. Martin did not voice Disney’s Peter Pan; Bobby Driscoll provided that film’s speaking voice. Martin’s importance belongs to the Broadway musical tradition, where Peter’s role has often been performed by women.