Theater Review Peter and the Starcatcher

David Rossmer, Adam Chanler-Berat, Carson Elrod, and the cast of Peter and the Starcatcher Photo:(c)O&M Co.

Storytelling at its Very Best
By Lauren Yarger
I just wanted to roll around in the star stuff and wish that this show would never end.

Rick Elice's new play Peter and the Starcatcher is one of the most imaginative, energetic, intelligent plays to hit a Broadway stage in a long time. Add excellent performances, breathtaking sets (Donyale Werle), uber-talent Director Alex Timbers (Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson) and Co-Director Roger Rees to the mix and you have such a great Broadway show you might think it could only exist in fairy tales.

Peter, of the title's reference, is Peter Pan, but in a time before he meets up with Wendy, Captain Hook and others as the familiar J.M. Barrie character: a green-clad, flying boy from Neverland who doesn't want to grow up. Think "Batman Returns" or "Wicked." This is the backstory.

Based on Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's novel "Peter and the Starcatchers" the story follows 13-year-old Molly (a brilliant Celia Kennan-Bolger), a star catcher (one who knows the secrets of how to use "star stuff" found here on earth). She is charged by her father, Lord Aster (Rick Holmes), also a starcatcher, with safeguarding a trunk of "star stuff" hoisted aboard the ship Neverland. There, Molly discovers a boy (Adam Chandler-Berat) and his friends being held for some dark purpose. (The energy-filled ensemble cast includes Teddy Bergman, matt D'Amico, Kevin Del Aguila, Carson Elrod, Greg Hildreth, Isaiah Johnson and David Rossmer).

Wanting the powerful star stuff for himself is Back Stache (a wonderfully playful Christian Borle). The unfortunate accident that deprives him of his right hand, thus turning him into Captain Hook, becomes several moments of sustained hilarity thanks to Borle's comic talent.

Witty, intelligent humor, fanciful costumes by Paloma Young, excellent lighting by Jeff Croiter, movement directed by Steven Hoggett, music by Wayne Barker and some amazingly creative use of a rope all combine to create one of the most enjoyable experiences at the theater you are likely to enjoy this season or any.

Peter and the Starcatcher flies at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, 256 West 47th St., NYC until Jan. 20. It will fly over for a transition to an Off-Broadway production at New World Stages this spring,. Tickets: 800-745-3000.

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