Arts and Entertainment

Campy, comic 'Peter and the Starcatcher' is a continuous, hilarious romp

Campy and comic, "Peter and the Starcatcher" revisits the mythology of Peter Pan by developing a backstory for the boy who never grows up. The play, by Rick Elice, depicts how Peter is able to fly, the origins of Tinkerbell and the ticking crocodile, Peter's life before Neverland and much else in tones of spoof, mirth and mock terror. Even the loss of a hand is subject to laughter.

Laughter was abundant at opening night of the Anchorage run of Perseverance Theatre's production at Sydney Laurence Theatre, directed by the ubiquitous Teresa K. Pond. Many of the laughs come from the constant patter of puns, double entendres, spoonerisms and witticisms, i.e., "Cleaner than the sheets at a convent."

But much of the entertainment value springs from the work of choreographer Hali Duran, dance captain Jose Isaza and fight choreographer Frank Delaney, the last two also being in the onstage cast. The manic action goes nonstop and remains fascinating until near the end, when the script attempts to supply a moral that doesn't quite live up to what has preceded it.

But before the final minutes, the show is a continuous, hilarious romp. The rompiest of the performances comes from Kelly Rossberg in the role of Black Stache, the pirate we'll later know as Captain Hook. Physical and boisterous, Rossberg owns the stage whenever he is on it, by turns bug-eyed, flailing or cajoling and always the very model of villainy.

Austin Roach plays the sullen, nameless orphan who has seen only the dark side of life. Learning courage and kindness from Molly — the future mother of Wendy — he transforms into the joyous, reckless, exuberant eternal child with a name, Peter.

But this story is more about 13-year-old Molly. Athletically played by Sylvia Kwan, she makes the decisions and takes the actions that save the day. Or at least postpone the conflict for another episode in the fictional alternate universe of Pandom.

Though the entire supporting cast is excellent, standouts include John Galas' antic and articulated Smee, and James Sullivan as the stubbly nanny, Mrs. Bumbrake. Hadassah Nelson has a series of roles ranging from the vicious queen of a tribe of tropical islanders to a sagacious mermaid.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ah, yes, the burly mermaid scene at the start of Act II: perhaps worth the price of admission all by itself.

Though the show ran for a month in Juneau, the trajectory and timing of the laugh lines didn't seem to be particularly shaped at the Anchorage opening. They come fast and furiously, piled one on another, and it felt like I was missing at least half of them in the blur. While the performers were cleanly miked, the rapidity of the words too often meant that I couldn't make out what they were saying. This was particularly a problem in the singing parts. Although the voices sounded good or at least adequate, it was a struggle to make out the lyrics.

Some children will enjoy the show (2 1/2 hours with intermission), but this "Peter Pan" is probably more suited for an adult or young adult audience. That's not because it's any smuttier than a network sitcom; it's not. But the dialogue, mood and pacing are more for fans of Monty Python than those transfixed by Daniel Tiger.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and Wednesday, Oct. 12, and 4 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 16. Tickets are available at centertix.net.

Mike Dunham

Mike Dunham was a longtime ADN reporter, mainly writing about culture, arts and Alaska history. He worked in radio for 20 years before switching to print. He retired from the ADN in 2017.

ADVERTISEMENT