Review: Thrilling and Hilarious PETER AND THE STARCATCHER at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

There are some St. Louis connections in this current production of PETER AND THE STARCATCHER. There's local author Ridley Pearson who, along with Dave Barry, crafted a terribly interesting and arresting "prequel" to the story of Peter Pan with their entertaining novel Peter and the Starcatcher. The stage version of this tale, written by Rick Elice, is an equally imaginative and inspired effort that utilizes a relatively small cast, with just about everyone playing multiple roles, that takes off at a frenetic pace that captures the same qualities that distinguished the original work. I'd seen a touring version over a year ago, but this production by The St. Louis Repertory Theatre is absolutely amazing. It just seems fresher, more touching, and more joyful. I highly recommend this show, as it appeals to families with humor and heart that anyone old or young can enjoy!

Before he became Peter Pan, he was just a boy, and the excellent (and also from St. Louis) Spencer Davis Milford, sometimes referred to as "mule" by the cruel and ruthless employees of the orphanage really shines in this role. One day he and a couple of his fellow orphans, the ever-hungry Ted (Andrew Carlyle) and self-proclaimed leader Prentiss (Sean Mellott) are shipped out to sea aboard the Neverland, a grimy little ship with a decidedly questionable reputation. They find themselves under the command of the evil Bill Slank (Arturio Soria, in full-on villain mode, and also cast in the role of Fighting Prawn), and his motley minions, who happen to be carrying the stolen treasure of Queen Victoria.

An encounter with "starcatcher" Molly (the plucky Betsy Hogg), and the promise of food, have the boys following her as their new leader. It seems she's the daughter of Captain Scott (the stalwart and sturdy Jesse Munoz), a "starcatcher" as well, and he's been duped by Slank. While Scott races to catch the Neverland, a group of pirates led by the Black Stache (the incredibly hilarious Jeffrey C. Hawkins) get involved in the shenanigans. Weather wreaks havoc on the Neverland and the newly christened "Peter" is saved from drowning by Molly. They then find themselves stranded on Mollusk Island. Much mayhem and hilarity ensues along the way before Peter realizes his dreams and becomes the "boy who never grows up".

The rest of the cast is top notch as well with Nicky Vannoy (Alf), Clinton Brandhagen (Lord Leonard Aster), Andy Paterson (Mrs. Bumbrake/Teacher), Jose Restrepo (Smee), and Natalie Morgan Fisher (Grempkin, Mack, Sanchez, Hawking Clam), all providing exceptional support.

Director Blake Robison is creative in his approach to the material, and manages to keep the action moving along at a splendid clip. The jokes fly fast and furious, but the more serious scenes are given their just due as well. James Krozner's scenic design puts the swash on the buckle, and Kenton Yeager's lighting also provides considerable atmosphere. Wayne Barker's music adds the perfect touch to the proceedings, with superb music direction by Patrick Sulken. Matthew Nielson conjures up believable environments with his sound design, and his orchestrations act to underscore and transition the action in nice fashion. David Kay Mickelsen's costumes bring the very varied personnel to life.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has outdone themselves with this terrific production of PETER AND THE STARCATCHER. It's brilliantly performed and staged, and it continues on the main stage of the Loretto-Hilton through December 27, 2015. This is the definitive version of the show, so grab your family and go immediately!

Photo Credit: Lon Brauer

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