Review By Avery Dall-Hilton, Front Row Reviewers
Murray City Cultural Arts‘ Peter and the Starcatcher was a wonder I was pleased to attend on opening night. Based on Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s 2004 book of the same name, Peter and the Starcatcher serves as a prequel to the beloved classic by J.M. Barrie and the 1953 Disney cartoon. An orphan boy is sent on a ship for an unknown future when he meets Molly Aster, a rambunctious girl with a fantastical secret. When pirates attack, it’s up to Molly and the boy to save the mysterious treasure aboard the ship. With an island of hostile natives, a giant crocodile, mermaids, and a whole crew of hilarious pirates, this adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Though slated as a play, the production utilizes a good deal of music and singing. Because of this, the use of a live pianist and percussionist is imperative. The two act as foley artists, narrating and heightening the action on stage. Dressed as fellow pirates, Jennifer Hansen (piano) and Angel Williams (percussion) provide an impressive amount of backing music and sound effects. It’s delightful to watch them take a central role in the storytelling; their talent is outstanding and on full display.
Along with sound and music, the unique style of the show relies on a good deal of physicality, pantomime, and creative prop work. Director Adam Wilkins captures the spirit and fun of the play by emphasizing the physical comedy. The blocking is specific and well-timed with actors constantly on and off stage, lifting fellow cast members, acting as props, and even becoming part of the scenery. It’s a lot for a community theater to take on but the cast and crew handle it with professionalism and vigor.
The talented cast of 17 actors make up dozens of different roles throughout the performance. It is easy to suspend our disbelief when an actor goes from a bloodthirsty pirate one minute to a bedazzled mermaid the next. Matthew Davids takes on the role of the dreaded pirate captain, Black Stache. His comedic performance and high physical energy make him a standout performance. But of course, the captain would be lost without his first mate. Georgia Collings has perfect wit and comedic timing as the humorous and ever loyal sidekick, Smee. Trinity Medina and Cece Capps are a delightful duo as Boy/Peter and Molly. Their connection is authentic and believable, and they both bring a strong presence in their leading roles. Ben Wilkins as Bill Slank provides another fantastic performance. He is both wicked and slimy as he terrorizes the boy and his friends until–well, just come and see….
One of the most anticipated moments of the show for me was the mermaid song and this production does not disappoint. By my count, almost every cast member is onstage, decked out in full mermaid regalia. It is a wonderfully funny moment where each actor gets to shine and improvise a bit. The whole cast is charming and highly dedicated to the physical comedy of the show. Costumes by Madison Howell are fetching and colorful, bringing drama and dash to the stage.
I was previously unaware of Murray’s community theater. The amphitheater is tucked into the center of the city park and is a glorious backdrop for any show, but especially an adventure play like this one. The theater itself has been recently refurbished and is absolutely breathtaking. Add to that the remarkable set (Kiera Miller) and the energy of the cast and you have a lovely night out at the theater.
Supporting the arts through community theaters is a great way to make sure they continue to be part of our lives, providing wonderful outlets to creatives and audiences alike. Make sure you catch Peter and the Starcatcher before it flies away this month.
Murray City Cultural Arts Presents Peter and the Starcatcher: a play by Rick Elice and music by Wayne Barker.
Murray Park Amphitheater, 495 5300 S, Murray, UT 84107
August 8-10, 12, 15-17 8 PM, ASL interpreter August 12, 2024
Tickets: $10-12
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Content Advisory: This production contains a few moments that may not be suitable for children under the age of 8. Moments of stage violence (sword fighting, hand-to-hand combat, comedic severed hand, holding blades to throats) and some mild language and a few sexual references.
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