By Megan Holley
On Pitch Performing Arts in Layton, Utah is a beautifully quaint family friendly community theatre that provides quality productions, and their latest offering fits the bill. Peter and the Starcatcher is about how Peter Pan came to become the fairytale character we all know and love. You’ll find a lot to love about OPPA’s newest production—if you love to laugh, that is. Director Tiffani Allen deftly serves up this delicious comedic precursor to the classic fairytale Peter Pan.
It is a plot of mistaken identity with ships and their cargo. Peter and the Starcatcher begins with Peter (Joshua Nielson), Prentiss (Kj Weidner), Ted (Avery Kirksey), and Molly Aster (E. Riley Moore) board the ship The Neverland with a trunk full of star stuff. The Wasp is carrying a trunk full of sand. When the Wasp gets invaded by pirates led by Black Stache (Ashley Ramsey) and Smee (Elia Dye) trying to get the trunk of star stuff, not knowing it was on the other ship, crazy and funny things begin to happen.
Peter’s character arc throughout the show is one that is full of pain, joy, excitement, and everything in between. He and Molly slowly fall for each other throughout the course of their journey. Their interactaction is full of authenticity—I loved their dopey twitter pated looks they gave one another and their charming and very believable teasing made me smile.
Ramsey as Black Stache and Dye as Smee provide the most comedy throughout the show, from mispronounced words to random dance moves. These two are the perfect evil duo.
Peter’s orphan companions Prentiss and Ted add the perfect sidekick flare to Peter and Molly’s adventures. Prentiss loves food, which drives his personality, while Ted is trying so hard to be the leader. The way they act just like real siblings is so believable. I know. I have a few goofy siblings myself.
Peter and the Starcatcher’s ensemble is very talented as they play off of each other’s energy to create a wonderful addition to this delightful story.
Allen brilliantly directs this narrative style of show. A decent amount of the show has the actors describing what is happening rather than using props or other means of showing the action. Sort of like when you are reading a book or a script and they give every piece of information in writing. It is very impressive to watch because it is something you learn of in theatre classes but do not get to see that often.
Laura Crossett’s light design brings the jungle and the ocean right to the audience. It’s mysterious and beautiful. Costume designer Kennedy Miller incorporates parts of Disney’s movie Peter Pan for the show’s characters. Black Stache’s red coat mimics Captain Hook’s iconic red coat.
Set designer Stacey Haslam’s set looks exactly what you would imagine a ship to look–it even has rigging. Her sandy beach made me want to grab a towel and some sunscreen and catch some rays. Sound designer Josh Rice balances the music and sound effects perfectly so you are still able to hear the cast even with no one wearing a microphone. The music in the show is great and Rice’s contribution fills the theater with perfection.
Family friendly theater is one of the wonderful contributions On Pitch Performing Arts brings to Layton, and you’ll be glad to bring all your friends and family to see Peter and the Starcatcher. Or to see it again.
On Pitch Performing Arts presents Peter and the Star Catcher by Rick Elice, music by Wayne Barker. Based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson.
On Pitch Performing Arts, 587 North Main Street, Layton, UT, 84041
March 17- April 9, 2023, 7:30 PM, Saturday Matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $14.50 – $17.50
Contact: 385-209-1557
On Pitch Performing Arts Facebook Page
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