PETER AND THE STAR CATCHER

CHERRY CREEK THEATRE:  October 28 – November 20

 

 

 

Written by Rick Elise, “Peter and the Star Catcher” is based upon Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s novel, “Peter and the Star Catchers,” a prequel to J.M. Barrie’s book, “Peter, and Wendy.”

     Nominated for nine Tony Awards, it won five.

     The play is replete with amazing wordsmithing and imaginative, silly playfulness! 

     Director Kelly Van Oosbree has cast the show with superb talent from among the local veterans along with some relative newbies – to this reviewer at least - who show lots of promise as well.

     Unfortunately, the pacing for the show is that of a turbo-charged panic attack on steroids.

     As a result, most of the excellent work of these actors goes unapplauded, since the show has stampeded on to the next scene before we as audience have a chance to show our appreciation for the present one.

      Jeffrey Parker has honed his character, Black Stache, to a fare thee well. Parker’s performance deserves high praise. It’s full of broad physical humor. Never the land…oops…nevertheless, one cannot omit saying that he has also embellished the role with wry tongue-in-cheek musings and brilliant muggings and prancings. From start to finish he’s the ideal actor for the predecessor of Captain Hook.

     Rita Maria Aires is also the perfect right choice for the Boy who will become Peter. Their work makes one wish to see them soon again onstage in other types of roles.

     In much the same way, Evelyn Kunch, so well-cast as Molly, makes one wish to see her in a role that does not demand so much intense hysteria due to constantly being put in dire straits by the playwright.

     Rick Long is genuinely hilarious as Mrs. Bumbrake, Molly’s nanny. Quite frankly upon seeing his performance in this role, one wishes to see him do a similar role in some Dickens play or a Civil War epic in which he could once again don a hoop skirt, like the one created for him by Marci Szymanski’s excellent costume design.

     Brian Merz-Hutchinson is distinguished, if a bit pompous-and rightly so-as Molly’s father, Lord Aster.

     Carter Edward Smith’s portrayal of Smee will put a smile on your face, as will Rob Payo’s Grempkin and Fighting Prawn.

 

     

For tickets go online at cherrycreektheatre.org or call 303-800-6578