image from peterandthestarcatcher.com
Have you ever wondered how Peter Pan got his name or became a boy forever? Why Peter chooses to visit Wendy? How tinkerbell came about? Or how Peter, Captain Hook, and the lost boys got to Never Land? When I watch Peter Pan with my girls, their favorite Disney movie, I have thought about those questions. My oldest has also asked me why Peter never grows up. Last week I attended a performance of Peter and the Starcatcher, a grownups prequel to Peter Pan, showing off-broadway at New World Stages. The show makes a fun outing with friends or your spouse and will answer any questions you’ve ever had about the story of Peter Pan.
photo:broadwayworld.com via greganthonymusic.com
Synopsis:
A wildly theatrical, hilarious and innovative retelling of how a miserable orphan came to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER upends the century-old legend of Peter Pan.
Winner of 5 Tony Awards® and based on the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER is directed by Tony Award® winner Roger Rees (Nicholas Nickleby) and Tony Award® nominee Alex Timbers (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, The Pee-wee Herman Show) and written by Tony Award® nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys). A dozen brilliant actors play more than 100 unforgettable characters using their enormous talent, ingenious stagecraft and the limitless possibilities of imagination.
What I loved about the show:
- Simplistic props to let your imagination run free: Rope to make waves and show different levels of the ship, a yellow rubber glove for a bird, many of the props were found in a closet when they were playing around with the idea for the show.
- The cast was on the stage the entire time and became part of the background. They played all the roles and changed the set.
- The theater is small and intimate and makes you feel part of the adventure. You are able to see all the facial expressions of the actors which adds to the humor of the show.
- Entertaining, adult humor and a modern twist (“ttfu”, “fui”, and references the song “Milkshake” by Kelis)
- A reminder that we all grow up, things come to an end, and we should enjoy the innocence of our children because they too will grow up before we know it.
- Fun cocktails, try the Star Stuff, and there is even a wait staff that comes around to take orders at your seat so you can avoid lines during intermission.
What you should know before going:
- Bring a sweater, the theater can get chilly
- Recommended for children ages 10 and up
- The show is about 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission.
Purchase tickets to this wonderful show, you won’t regret it!
Disclaimer: Thank you to Culture Mom Media for the opportunity to see Peter and the Starcatcher. I received a pair of tickets with the option to review. Information in italics came from peterandthestarcatcher.com. All other opinions expressed are my own.
Tastefully Childish 