Feature: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER at Kennesaw State University

At one point or another, we have all experienced the magic of Peter Pan and the legacy that J.M. Barrie created over 100 years ago. Whether you have seen the films, read the novels or seen the Broadway musical "Finding Neverland," we have all wanted a little bit of Tinkerbell's fairy dust. Tuesday, I got to experience the story of how a boy who did not want to grow up became Peter Pan in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER. The production was executed by the theatre and performance studies department of Kennesaw State University under the direction of Professor Karen Robinson. With the audience's imagination being a critical prop, this show is perfect for Robinson's unique theatrical vision as you are reminded what it is truly like to use your imagination.

PETER tells the story of an orphan being held captive aboard a ship called the Neverland, and a starcatcher with a top secret mission. Together, along with the help of some lost boys, they tell the prequel to the story that we all know and love. It is a different side of the classic tale that still makes you never want to never grow up.

The cast, comprised of students from the university, was led by CameRon Walker as the orphaned boy named Peter, Alyssa Egelhoff as Molly the starcatcher and Tad Cameron as the comedic role of Black Stache (aka Captain Hook). The rest of the cast includes Joseph Ndoum, Truman Griffin, Carson Seabolt, Sully Brown, Amy Reynolds, Meg Harkins, Caleb Silvers, ChristIan Smith, Steven Taylor and Laura Reboulet. The musical talents of Alexander Crosett and Brooks Payne were additionally on stage. Every person in the show clearly had so much fun sharing this story and it translated wonderfully.

The scenic design by guest artist Jeffrey Zwartjes was exceptional. The black box hosting the show, lined with ladders, planks and the likes of a pirate's ship, has never looked better. The costuming, done by Jamie Bullins, was just as satisfying. You just cannot go wrong with mermaid outfits made out of Chinese take-out boxes.

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Kennesaw State University has a theatrical season comprised of plays, musicals and festivals that faculty, staff and guest artists (all of which are industry professionals) facilitate. PETER AND THE STARCATCHER is running through February 12 in their Onyx Theater. Tickets can be purchased online as well as on campus.

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