On Stage at the Hall

Meet the Company of PETER PAN – 10 Questions with Shefali Deshpande

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SHEFALI DESHPANDE (Mrs. Darling) is thrilled to be touring with this beautiful new production of Peter Pan. Shefali, a graduate of USC, is a musical theatre performer, actress, and pop/R&B singer-songwriter. She played Chalali on Minx (HBO Max), wrote/sang on the soundtrack for Double Cross (ALLBLK), and played Kamala Harris in the nationally-touring political parody musical, Capitol Comedy. Shefali is proud of her Bay Area and Indian roots, and is ever-grateful to her family, friends, and educators for their unconditional belief in her.

Shefali Deshpande plays Mrs. Darling in the national tour of PETER PAN.

What was your path to becoming a professional actor?

My mom instilled a love of performing arts within me when I was very young. I started singing and dancing when I was two, and fell in love with acting a few years later. I did musicals in high school, and minored in it at USC, but never knew I’d make it my profession–that is, until junior year. The curtain came down at the end of Grand Hotel, in which I played Raffaela, and BAM. That was the moment I knew I wanted to be a professional actor.

If you weren’t an actor, what profession would you pursue?

I’d be either a family lawyer or a therapist!

What is new about this production of PETER PAN?

Our additional book writer Larissa Fasthorse really put thought and effort into making this a more modern, less racist, less misogynistic story for ALL audience members to enjoy. It’s the same story we all know and love, but far less harmful.

How have audiences reacted to this updated version of the classic story?

People seem to be enjoying it! We are particularly grateful for our audience members who believe in fairies.

Can you share a particularly memorable or touching moment you’ve experienced while performing in this show that stands out to you?

There was a little girl in San Jose dressed like Tinkerbell, who threw her arms around me like she had known me her whole life. I just melted when she said, “I loved the show!”

“I’m Flying.” (from L) Micah Turner Lee as John, Reed Epley as Michael, Hawa Kamara as Wendy, Nolan Almeida as Peter Pan. Photo: Matthew Murphy

What was the audition process like for this show?

I did a self tape that was sent in to casting, and then I flew to New York for the callback!! (I was living in LA)

Dream role?

Elphaba – WIcked!!!

What item can’t you live without while on tour?

My favorite sweatpants I wear on travel days! It’s a non-negotiable.

Favorite city you’ve played on tour?

Cincinnati!! I loved exploring all the wonderful culture, art, coffee, and food there. The people were kind. The scenery was incredible, too!

Favorite part about touring the country with PETER PAN?

Seeing new cities! And seeing friends who live in various cities around the country!

PETER PAN is part of the 2024-2025 Great Southern Bank Broadway Season at Juanita K. Hammons Hall. More information is available at HammonsHall.com.