Front Row Reviewers

Jun 25, 2018 | Cache County, Theater Reviews

The Lyric Repertory Company’s Peter and the Starcatcher is a Refreshing Escape

Front Row Reviewers

Front Row Reviewers

By Penelope Glaittli

Lyric Repertory Company‘s Peter and the Starcatcher at the historic Caine Lyric Theatre in Logan, Utah, brings to life the backstory for one of literature’s great heroes, Peter Pan (Tristan Berg), first seen in J.M. Barrie‘s play and novel Peter and Wendy.   Adapted for stage by Rick Elice and based on the book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson the story transports us to 1885 and follows the course of two sailing ships, both headed to the remote kingdom of Rundoon.  The ships carry one trunk full of treasure and one full of sand; a very special young girl, her nanny, and her father; a boy without any possessions and his orphan friends; and villainous, bumbling pirates.

Quinn Mattfield directs the extraordinary cast as they transport us on a fantastical adventure overflowing with laughter and antics and a just right hint of tenderness.  It is difficult to single out cast members in this production as they are each spectacular in their respective roles.  This is a small cast telling a big story; many of them play several roles and switch from one to another seamlessly.  Molly Aster, played with youthful enthusiasm by Sceri Sioux Ivers, immediately had my attention.  Her energy lights up the stage and makes you believe that you too would follow her on any adventure.  Berg as the boy who becomes Peter Pan, is the perfect amount of disappointed and moody, but hopeful.  His portrayal brings the humanness and emotion to the production.  Black Stache (Matt Mueller) as the leader of the pirates blunders his way across the sea; decimating the English language along the way.  He is an audience favorite for good reason; his comedic timing is impeccable and the villain you’re supposed to be rooting against, but you secretly cheer on. Mrs. Brumbake (Toby Tropper) is an unlikely nanny with an absurd gift for alliteration and Topper’s portrayal is just right; men playing women is almost always funny for some reason.   Another one of my favorites is Prentiss (Cameron S. Neeley), a lost boy, one who loves food and whose portrayal is both humorous and relatable.  They, along with every member of this perfect cast, pull the audience through a fast-paced spectacle of hilarity.

Matt Mueller as Black Stache

What there isn’t in this production is elaborate sets and costuming, but those things aren’t missed and aren’t necessary. The set design (Jon Savage) is low key and includes a couple of hand-held model ships, with the rest of the setting suggested by ladders and ropes; the wooden ship-like set becomes an island in the second act.  Doors and walls are played by the actors, costumes are fashioned from found things, sheets simulate waves, and the cat is stuffed.  When married with lighting and sound effects, it all comes across as inventive and is so well-done.

I can’t overstate my enthusiasm for this production.  The acting is first-rate.  No exceptions. The music and sound effects (Trent Dahlin) are perfection. The script is witty enough for adults and silly enough for kids; the nearly three hours flew by in a blur of crazy, clever, and goofy fun.  I must admit, however, that I was unsure of what to expect and it took me a minute to get my bearings as it moves fast and is unconventional; if you find yourself unsure in the initial minutes–hang in there; the best is yet to come.

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The Lyric Repertory Company’s Peter and the Starcatcher in Logan runs on select nights from June 22-August 4 and promises a refreshing escape; I can’t think of a better way to spend a hot summer night.

Lyric Repertory Company presents Peter and the Starcatcher by Rick Elice
Caine Lyric Theatre, 28 West Center, Logan, UT 84321
June 22, 2018 – August 4, 2018   7:30 PM
Contact on website’s contact page 
Tickets: $21-$35
Lyric Repertory Company Facebook Page
Peter and the Starcatcher Facebook Event

Front Row Reviewers

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