BWW Blog: Marissa Emerson - Review of PETER AND THE STARCATCHER at The Episcopal Academy

Creating a world where orphan boys can be heros, girls can be leaders, and nothing is impossible, the cast of Episcopal Academy's Peter and the Starcatcher highlighted the true meaning of friendship and home in a beautifully refreshing way.

Based on the Dave Barry 2006 novel, Peter and the Starcatcher illustrates the back-story of Disney's iconic boy-who-never-grew-up. The play uses a Story Theatre style and minimal props, forcing actors to heavily depend on their narrative ability. The show made its Broadway debut in 2012, earning five Tony awards, including Best Play.

An incredibly ensemble-heavy show, the cast of Peter and the Starcatcher proved up for the challenge. Lines delivered together came across as nothing short of one, united voice and the well-rehearsed company kept energy up through sections of lines following quick succession. Even when not the focal point of scenes, actors stayed in character, displaying a level of discipline not many schools can boast.

Kelly Flynn (Peter Pan) showed growth throughout the show, performing with naked honesty as the young orphan with a rebellious nature and broken past. Her eyes told stories of wanderlust and her voice pleaded for family and home. Helena Bryant (Molly Aster) made a perfect partner on stage. Her vibrant, jovial energy made interactions between the two actresses, both playing thirteen year-olds, light and fun, with a daring air about them. With shining tears streaming down her face and gasped breaths escaping her lips, Bryant showed unmatched acting prowess.

Swashbuckling swagger dripped from Greg Smith (Black Stache) as his sauntering strides swept the stage. His wide range of facial expressions made him an animated pleasure to watch. McKee Bond (Mrs. Bumbrake) brought bouts of side-splitting laughter with his hilarious portrayal of Molly's nanny. From his high-pitched voice to his feminine mannerisms, Bond was a perfect font of humor when the show's darker themes emerged.

Creativity was taken to a new level thanks to the ingenuity of the tech crew. Simple props, like ropes, wooden crates, and drapes were used to create sets ranging from pirate ships to rap-battle arenas.

The talented cast of Peter and the Starcatcher put on a fantastical performance, reminding audiences that, "things are only worth what you're willing to give up for them." Seeing a show of this caliber was certainly worth more than the stars.

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