Directing the T Nunn PETER PANN this fall

[mikey2573]

So the theater group I belong to has asked me to co-direct their big fall production of PETER PAN, the one by Trevor Nunn and John Caird (with assistance from Andrew).  I have read the script about 9 times now and there are things I really love about this version.  Also, some I don't like.  I agree with Andrew that the "Storyteller" (aka Barrie) frequently ends up saying things before they happen on stage or describing things on stage that the audience should be able to SEE.  For example, he describes what Captain Hook looks like right down to his black curls being like candles.  Well, if Hook is on stage, the audience can SEE him, so it seems pointless to have the Storyteller describe him.
But my biggest gripe is the ending when Wendy grows up.  The Storyteller gives away the fact that Wendy has grown up in his narration before the scene begins.  I wanted to play the scene kind of dark with Wendy sitting until Peter asks, "What is it?".  Then I wanted Wendy to stand and be so much bigger than we last saw her.  Of course, the Storyteller GIVES IT AWAY so the dramatic surprise is ruined.  FRUSTRATING! (Sorry).
But my approach to directing it is to keep it rather simple. I want the nursery set (and especially the window) to stay on stage throughout.  The actors will move the beds and other furniture to make Neverland and the Pirate ship and everything will come organically from that set, with toys from the window seat (and other things) being used to create the world. The window remains throughout, but moves further and further back and becomes obscured with leaves and vines as the play progresses.  But the idea that the window is always opened (even though Peter insists it isn't) gave me the idea of keeping the window on stage. 
The one problem I am having is how to do Nana and the Croc.  I am having a hard time finding items from a 19th century nursery to make these two animals.
Any ideas?
 Also, any ideas on approaches to this version would be helpful. 
We are hoping to raise enough $$ to get Foy to do our flying.

[CoriSCapnSkip]

Yes, this http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=61 is recommended listening for you and, well, everyone!   

[andrew]

Totally agree with your gripes about T Nunn's use of the narrator - I should cut him out if I were you! I like your ideas about keeping the look very simple - if it were me, I wouldn't use flying-on-wires either unless you have a huge budget - why not take tips from a conjuror and create the impression that they fly, possibly using doubles, so that one moment Peter is at the back of the stage - then at the back of the auditorium - then up in the wings.....