Black Stache is bringing his pirate ship to Source Theatre, in Constellation Theatre Company’s fantastic production of the 2012 Tony Award-winning play Peter and the Starcatcher. Equipped with lost boys, a girl on a mission, “starstuff,” and majestically beautiful singing mermaids, this production is sure to enchant.
A fun and delightful story of how an orphaned boy found himself lost in a faraway land, Peter and the Starcatcher, was originally penned as a novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson in 2006 and brought to the Broadway stage by Rick Elice in 2012.
The story begins when an nameless orphan boy (played by Dallas Tolentino) and his two friends (played by Christopher Michael Richardson and John Sygar) meet Molly (played by Megan Graves) in the midst of her mission (as mandated by Queen Victoria; God save her!) to protect a magical treasure trunk full of “starstuff.” Onboard the Neverland ship, adventure ensues as our heroes try mightily to shield the precious treasure from the dread pirate Black Stache.
The ensemble perform their hearts out and make the story come to life; Dallas Tolentino, Megan Graves, Michael John Casey, Matt Dewberry, Matt Schleigh, Jordan Campbell, Ian Anthony Coleman, John Sygar, Christopher Richardson, Keith Richards, Alex Vernon, Kamau Mitchell, and Kevin M. Collins eased through their scenes, playing various – sometimes physically demanding – roles. The night did not fall short of great comedic performances; Michael John Casey’s Black Stache had the audience in stitches, while not too far behind was Jordan Campbell as the scene stealing Mrs. Bumbrake.
Staged in an intimate theater, with thirteen actors and two live musicians, this exciting production is visually captivating and wildly entertaining. The play is full of creatively choreographed scenes and stunts, delivering a true swashbuckling adventure. With Kathryn Chase Bryer’s direction, Molley Maxner and Kelly Maxner’s choreography, and Kendra Rai’s period costumes (and those mermaid tails), the audience is immersed into the story in this very cozy theater.
Wayne Barker’s original 2012 score was flawlessly brought to this production through Deborah Jacobson’s musical direction. The live music played by Jacobson (piano) and Manny Arciniega (percussion) was an essential storytelling piece intertwined with the story telling, as well as a big part in shaping the magical atmosphere A.J. Guban provides scenic design and lighting.
Constellation Theatre Company’s scintillating Peter and the Starcatcher will take you to Neverland and back with this first-class, fun, and nostalgic production.
*Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Running Time: Two hours and 15 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission.
Peter and the Starcatcher plays through March 12, 2017, at Constellation Theatre Company performing at Source Theatre – 1835 14th Street North West, in Washington, DC. For tickets, call the box office at (202) 204-7741, or purchase them online.
