Review: Eagle Theatre's PETER AND THE STARCATCHER

Peter and the Starcatcher is a play set to music based on the 2004 novel of a similar name by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, adapted for the stage by Rick Elice. The play provides a back-story for the character Peter Pan, and serves as a prequel to J. M. Barrie's Peter and Wendy. After a premiere in California at the La Jolla Playhouse, the play transferred to Off-Broadway in 2011 and opened on Broadway on April 15, 2012. The show ended its Broadway run on January 20, 2013.

So what is it about this show that is so appealing? It is terribly clever and perfectly paced and best appreciated to see it not as a witty take on a beloved story but as a new entertainment with its own delights. Eagle's Co- Artistic Director Ted Wioncek III apparently brings out his inner child with an inventive moving 'theme park' seating for a select group of theater goers as they find themselves on stage as part of the shananigans. This direction definitely has that Pixie dust sparkle all over it!

The generously resourceful ensemble members of "Peter and the Starcatcher" have almost nothing in the way of modern machinery to support their soaring journeys. On the contrary, there's little here that couldn't be found in a pallet factory and general store. What they do have is some ordinary rope, a couple of ladders, a few household appliances, two toy boats and, most important, one another. None of this could be achieved if the actors didn't have a level of synchronicity and mutual trust that you might expect in a polished circus atmosphere. As the cast members take turns delivering the narrative, the others instantly assume the myriad shapes and guises being described. It's a most exhilarating...and at times exhausting example of explosive storytelling.

A principal company cast with standout performances by Eagle favorites Adam Hoyak ( Boy/Peter), Tim Rinehart (Black Stache) and Griffin Stanton-Amesien (Prentiss), Katrina Michaels (Molly). Michales, being the only female in the cast offers a powerhouse performance keeping the 'boys' in line throughout while dazzling the crowd with her enthusiasm. Rinehart seemingly always the villain once again 'steals his scenes' as one gleefully expects and Hoyak proves time and again that his versatility as a character actor has no end in sight.

So faced-paced it is still a struggle to stay engaged throughout. It is best to appreciate the play if you don't expect it to do for Peter Pan what "Wicked" does for The Wizard of Oz. However, this is a celebration of youth and of the power of theater to inspire children and adults alike and a great family fun show.

PETER AND THE STARCATHER plays at the Eagle Theater. Hammonton NJ on selected dates through June 11. For tickets and more information visit www.eagletheatre.org.

Icon Photo: Jonathan Fink, Adam Hoyak, David Nikolas, Sam Nagel, Griffin Stanton

Photo # 1 Adam Hoyak (Boy/Peter) - Photo # 2 Tim Rinehart (Stach), Katrina Michaels (Molly), Adam Hoyak (Boy/Peter)

Photo Credits: David Pierron