Boscobel Magic Lantern Show: Peter Pan

Boscobel’s Magic Lantern Show on March 1 brings J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan to life through vintage projection technology, narrated live in the mansion’s atmospheric parlor rooms where fireplaces and period furnishings create an early-20th-century vibe. The show runs twice daily, typically at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with tickets around $15 to $20 per person for children and adults (specific pricing varies by year). Magic lantern shows were the precursor to cinema, using hand-painted glass slides and oil lamps to project images on walls, and Boscobel’s version remains faithful to the original technology, creating a flickering, dreamlike quality that feels both nostalgic and freshly magical for modern audiences. Seating is limited to 50 to 75 guests per show, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.

The Peter Pan story, first published as a play in 1904 and as a novel in 1911, follows the boy who never grows up as he whisks Wendy, John, and Michael Darling to Neverland for adventures with pirates, fairies, and Lost Boys. Boscobel’s presentation includes live narration, sound effects, and musical accompaniment, often performed by a single storyteller who operates the lantern and voices the characters. The intimate setting makes the show particularly engaging for children ages 4 to 10, though adults appreciate the vintage technology and the chance to experience storytelling as it existed before motion pictures. The show runs about 45 minutes, with no intermission, and the mansion’s dim lighting and close seating create a cozy, focused atmosphere.

March weather in the Hudson Highlands is typically in the 40s, with lingering winter chill, so dress warmly for the short walk from the parking lot to the mansion entrance. Boscobel’s indoor spaces are heated, and the fireplace in the parlor adds warmth during the show. The event is family-friendly, though very young children (under 4) may struggle with the quiet, stationary format. Strollers are permitted but must be left in the mansion’s entry hall during the performance. After the show, explore Boscobel’s riverside trails for a short walk with Hudson River views, or drive five minutes south to Cold Spring’s Main Street for lunch and toy-shop browsing that extends the storybook atmosphere.

Make the Magic Lantern Show part of a Hudson Valley family weekend by booking a rental on Lake.com in Cold Spring, Garrison, or Beacon, ideally with kid-friendly amenities and river access for morning walks. Before or after the show, grab lunch at The Depot Restaurant (established 2012) in Cold Spring for burgers and milkshakes, or stop at Whistling Willie’s (2000) for casual American fare. Boscobel’s Peter Pan Magic Lantern Show combines vintage storytelling, early-20th-century technology, and Hudson River charm in a single morning, making it a memorable outing for families looking to introduce children to the magic of pre-digital entertainment in a historic riverside setting.