BWW Reviews: Treat Your Inner Child to PETER AND THE STARCATCHER

Theatre, more than any other medium, has the ability to create magic and seldom has more magic been created on a stage than in the Zach Theatre production of PETER AND THE STARCATCHER. While the production is advertised as suitable for ages 6 and up, it is the adults who are in for the real treat with this whip-smart, endlessly inventive and deliciously campy and snarky production. There's no shortage of delights in store for the younger set, but it is the inner child of the adults in the audience who are in store for a marvelous roller coaster of a ride.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER is a play with music based on the 2006 novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, adapted for the stage by Rick Elice. The play provides a back-story for the character Peter Pan, and serves as a prequel to J. M. Barrie's 'Peter and Wendy'. There has been no shortage of back-story and reinventions of late. Sometimes, they disastrously alter the canon of the characters. Yes, Disney, I am talking about you and the dreadful MALIFICENT. Sometimes, though, they get it right. PETER AND THE STARCATCHER is a shining example of the latter.

The evening begins with an ensemble of twelve actors who enter and addresses the audience. With a bit of bickering, they welcome us to the world of the play and tell us what's in store: flying, dreaming, adventure and growing up. The ensemble invites us to use our imaginations and from there absolute magic happens.

About this ensemble: they are all splendid playing a multitude of characters. A few performances are absolute gems: Sara Burke, as Molly Aster, a pre-cursor to the character of Wendy; Jamie Goodwin, as Lord Leonard Aster, her father; Toby Minor, as Smee; Josean Rodriguez as Peter; Luke Linsteadt as Prentiss, one of Peter's friends; Nicolas Garza as Ted, another of Peter's friends; and Martin Burke in the dual roles of Mrs. Bumbrake and Teacher. However, the shining performance of J. Robert Moore as Black Stache (who goes on to become Captain Hook) is a sheer delight. He commands absolute attention as he camps and preens about the stage in a gloriously over the top performance that makes the other Hook's you've seen fade from memory.

The music for the production is by Wayne Barker. Without spoiling anything, the number by the mermaids that opens the second act will have you crying tears of laughter. You'll also have a hard time getting the tune out of your head. That's not a bad thing, either.

Director Michael Baron has done a marvelous job with this show. His staging is first rate and endlessly inventive. Michael McDonald's costumes are simply perfect. The lighting design by Matthew Webb imbues the production with a Technicolor glow. Scott Groh's set design is a marvel of whimsy and utility and his found-art props are absolutely inspired. They are the things of childhood imagination and invention - those everyday household items you turned into weapons or wondrous tools in your youthful imagination.

If you've neglected your inner child of late, treat him to PETER AND THE STARCATCHER and all will be forgiven.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER by Rick Elice. Based Upon the Novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

Running Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes, including one 20 minute intermission

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, produced by Zach Theatre playing in The Topher Theatre (202 South Lamar Blvd.) January 28, 2015 - March 1, 2015. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 7:30 pm. Sundays at 2:30 PM.
Reservations: http://tickets.zachtheatre.org/

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