Photo by Sandy Underwood
Milwaukee Repertory Theater, in collaboration with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, stages Peter and the Starcatcher, the Rick Elice and Wayne Barker Broadway hit that explores how Peter Pan came to be. This elaborate production is full of theatrical magic, sea shanties and versatile performances. The play has quite profound philosophical and psychological implications: This is, after all, the story of a person who thwarts childhood abuse through the magical solution of never growing up. Billed as family friendly, the complex plot and sophisticated script were sometimes confusing for children in the audience, although parents can rest assured that the many physical gags and eye-catching visuals keep everyone entertained.
Much credit to James Kronzer for a brilliant scenic design with a large playing space capable of evoking everything from the deck of a ship to a tropical island; the dozens of light bulbs suspended from the ceiling by wires are similarly effective as the stars that figure so prominently into the story’s magic. Props, too, help create a shining spectacle; the flying cat puppet and imaginative suggestion of mammoth crocodile “Mr. Grin” through a line of white flag teeth and smoldering red stage light eyes are especially memorable. Matthew M. Nielson’s sound design seals the deal on many such illusions, and David Kay Mickelsen’s costumes (particularly his mermaid ensembles) are a lot of fun.
The ensemble delivers strong performances all around. Noah Zachary and Joanna Howard as Pan and Molly the Starcatcher are endearing and believable as very special friends and child adventurers. Tom Story is entertaining as a mincing, narcissistic Black Stache (Captain Hook) and Jose Restrepo displays versatility and impeccable comedic timing as his toady, Smee. Stealing the show, though, is Andy Paterson as Mrs. Bumbrake, Molly’s alliteration-spouting nurse whose love affair with a kind but flatulent sailor (Nick Vannoy) had the audience in stitches.
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Entertaining and stirring, Peter and the Starcatcher is the sort of production that stays with you and is a treat to discuss with family and friends.
Through May 24 in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, 108 E. Wells St. For tickets call 414-224-9490 or visit milwaukeerep.com.
