BWW Reviews: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER Launches its National Tour with an Imagination Celebration at the Denver Center

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, the five-time Tony Award-winning musical play launches its national tour here in Denver until and runs until September 1st at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, a grown up's prequel to Peter Pan, is the innovative and imaginative musical play based on the best?selling novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. A company of a dozen actors play more than a hundred unforgettable characters, all on a journey to answer the century?old question: How did Peter Pan become The Boy Who Never Grew Up? This epic origin story of popular culture's most enduring and beloved character proves that your imagination is the most captivating place in the world.

As a 37 year-old, Gen-X kid, this play with music completely spoke to me and I could not get enough of this amazing show. Ultimately, I felt like this fine production was a children's story for Generation X. Yes, I will be the first to say it [step up on soapbox]. Tweens, talk to the hand - this show is for me, understand?!? Before the age of Facebook, Nintendo, Wii, cellphones, and even the Internet, we banded together and made up characters and adventures and lived on the playground (our Xbox was an Atari!) While I appreciate the magical worlds of Harry Potter, Twilight, hashtags, and Vampire...everything, I am tired of so much of the entertainment industry focusing primarily on this key demographic. Why should my diverse generation be put out to pasture, (especially with my twenty-year high school reunion looming) simply for aging gracefully? [Stepping down from soapbox - and for those tweens that don't know what "soapbox" is.....just Google it! #Lovesya] Even with all that said, I noticed members younger, much younger and older than me that were also in complete awe of this fiery ball of imagination. From the First Act whose every move was choreographed, to the a hysterical musical number after intermission that brought down the house, and to the Second Act that was full of fun wordplay, Peter transported me into the story completely and this is one show that I would see again and again! This show is full of wit, melodrama, mystery, intrigue, over the top memorable characters, with an infusion of Monty Python that kept smiles on everyone's faces! I knew I was in for a good night, but had no idea how good it would be until I saw this exceptional cohesive ensemble that made up PETER AND THE STARCATCHER!

Joey deBettencourt was absolutely perfect as Boy. I truly appreciated his growth and strength into the icon that would become Peter Pan and he demanded attention with his dynamic performance and boyish charm! Megan Stern was sensational as the stubborn, competitive girl with the heart of gold, Molly. What can I say, I just loved her diverse role and I always found my attention drawn to her whenever she was onstage. John Sanders was the definition of charming as the Pirate Captain Black Stache. He captured the audiences hearts in his charismatic role and had me in tears several times. Job very well done! Luke Smith was so funny as Black Stache's bumbling sidekick, Smee. This guy had me in stitches several times and was the perfect companion to his dynamic Captain. Edward Tournier stole the show as the hungrily, hilarious Ted and Carl Howell provided a nice contrast as the doubting, semi-leader, Prentiss. Both had such a nice character arch and complimented Boy quite well. Benjamin Schrader as Mrs. Bumbrake and Harter Clingman as Alf were such an adorable couple and were excellent in delivery and execution on riding the line between naughty and nice! Nathan Hosner as Lord Aster showed wondrous strength in his performance and his voice. I adored his conflicted final scene as he took his daughter away from the island and from Peter. This entire ensemble worked so well together and only helped to compliment and elevate each other and this spectacular show!

I loved this play with music (Written by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker), with a story and a live music soundtrack that carried everyone on the adventure of this newly comprised children's story. The songs were such a nice touch that helped to enhance the energy of this show! Roger Rees and Alex Timbers were a dream team in direction and were spot on with their diverse and young cast (several of them on their first national tour) that kept up with this physically demanding show. There was never a dull moment and the show flowed effortlessly. I was in absolute awe of designer, Donyale Werle and appreciated the simplistic, childish playfulness that he infused into this awesome set. Ropes, flags, crates, and so many other items were re imagined to create sets and scenes as they would be on any elementary school playground. Once the company came to the island, the stage was full of color and more inventive surprises awaited and delighted us. I also adored all of the fine details that were incorporated into this proscenium arch that was actually build for the tour or recycled materials. The contrasting designs by costumes designer Paloma Young were fascinating and I appreciated the fact that the dingy costumes kept you grounded in the reality while the talented actors transported you into magical lands. Her attention to detail for the mermaids was utterly inventive and it was a true highlight of the show. Lighting Design by Jeff Croiter was quite good and I liked that the first act was a little darker and more intense, while the second act was more of a coming into self and full of light and shimmering color. I am not sure if it was the directors or the sound designer's (Darron L West) decision to put the two main band on either side of the stage, but it was a wonderful highlight to me and they blended in to the soundtrack of the play perfectly as to not distract from the plot. Steven Hoggett deserves a standing ovation for his amazing work with the movement of the show. Every move in the first act was choreographed and staged and absolutely transfixed the audience. The fight direction by Jacob Grigolia?Rosenbaum was also full of energy and action, while keeping to that childlike playground quality. This entire production team as a whole came together to compliment one another to make this show work and achieve its full potential!

Come experience an exceptional evening of live theatre with this visually stimulating and stunning ball of creativity with an ensemble that with keep you transfixed for an evening of pure childish delight! PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, is bringing joy to audiences now until September 1st at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. For tickets or more information, contact the Denver Center Ticket Services by calling 303-893-4100 or online at www.denvercenter.org. Additional information on PETER can be found online at www.peterandthestarcatcher.com. TTFN!!!

PHOTO CREDIT: Terry Shapiro