The Bushnell, Hartford, CT
through February 23, 2014
by R.E. Smith
“Peter and the Starcatcher” is an
inventive, irreverent, and entertaining twist on familiar themes:
reinventing, and repurposing not only theater conventions but the
tale of Peter Pan as well. Told in a mélange of styles from English
music hall, to Renaissance-fair storytelling to “Irma Vep”, there
are hidden gems for all ages sprinkled throughout the script,
costumes, performances and set.
Based on a young adult novel by
thriller writer Ridley Pearson and humorist Dave Barry, those
familiar with the book will recognize the basic framework and
characters but familiarity is not needed. While this is the “origin”
story of Peter Pan and Captain Hook, the true protagonist is that of
Molly, an English lord’s 13-year-old daughter who gets to prove her
upper crust English mettle on a grand adventure on the high seas.
The theme of childhood and imagination
runs strong, and simple items are used to great effect; pieces of
rope become cramped ship’s cabins, rubber gloves come to life as
birds. The proscenium is littered with repurposed items, enhancing
the idea that anything can be transformed with a little imagination.
The cast is repurposed as well, with 12 actors portraying scores of
characters, from pirates to mermaids.
There are modern references and
vernacular sprinkled throughout the script and work well to connect
with the younger members of the audience, some of whom seemed a bit
off put by so few actors playing so many roles “I really liked it
(the show), but I’m still not quite sure what was going on!”
remarked one young lady. For the adults, there are sly double
entendres and knowing nods to an eclectic swath of pop culture.
The entire ensemble works well together
with snappy pacing and boundless energy and all had their stand-out
moments. John Sanders as pirate Black Stache is given a showy and
physical part with which to run amuck, but he never does so at the
expense of the other players. Luke Smith as Smee, and Edward Tournier
as Ted, for instance, made smaller supporting parts quite memorable.
Much of the cast and technical crew
hail from the New York production and the show sails along like like
the fast moving toy boats that feature prominently. There is humor,
adventure, a little song, a little dance, even haiku! The laughs
come broad and subtle, physical and cerebral, moments range from
bawdy to tender. . .there is, indeed, something for every child and
for the child in all of us.
