Brian Thibodeau

CCP: ‘Starcatcher’ a fun origin story

PWJW_Indy Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

By John Lyle Belden

Once upon a time, there was a boy who never wanted to grow up, so he didn’t.

How he managed that feat is the tale of “Peter and the Starcatcher,” an all-ages story presented by Carmel Community Players. Adapted for Broadway in 2011 by Rick Elice from the book by humorist Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, this piece of English Story Theatre now occupies the intimate space of The Cat, directed by Lori Raffel.

During the reign of Queen Victoria (God save her!), two ships depart from London for a faraway tropic kingdom. One has Lord Aster (Grant Bowen), the other has his young daughter Molly (Hannah Janowicz) under the watchful eye of Mrs. Bumbrake (Tanya Haas). Also, aboard one of these is a trunk containing a dangerously wonderful substance.

Molly is aboard the Neverland, captained by crafty crusty Bill Slank (Dan Flahive) who also keeps three captive orphans – bossy Prentiss (Olivia Carrier), hungry Ted (Quinn Yeater) and a Boy too poor for a name (Mason Yeater). Meanwhile the Wasp, under Captain Scott (Chris Vojtko), is taken over by the pirate Smee (Samantha Kelly) for their boss, the infamous Black Stache (Austin Uebelhor). The buccaneers are aware there is a priceless treasure, and that Aster holds its key.

Brian Thibodeau plays Slank’s first mate, Alf, with other characters by Adrian Blackwell, Desiree Black, and Mackey Brose.

The play’s simple staging and air of whimsy propel a wild adventure that includes storms, mermaids, restless island natives, and a large hungry crocodile. Along the way, the Boy gains a name, and a purpose. Little touches like Bumbrake’s alliterations and Stache’s anachronisms keep things interesting as we see the elements come together, laying the foundation of the familiar legend of Peter Pan.

The Yeater brothers are always a treat to see onstage. Quinn’s Ted is a likable goof, while Mason displays both comic and leading-man talent, which combined make him believable as the primary title character without having to actually fly. Janowicz nicely embodies the know-it-all teen girl who speaks Doolittle-esqe languages and works magical devices with scientific precision. Carrier carries on well as the boy who’s more bluster than bravery.

Kelly has an odd charm as almost-smart Smee, while Uebelhor is entertaining as the villain wannabe who struggles to be feared until a sudden injury clarifies his place in this legend. Additional humor is wrung from the growing relationship between Bumbrake and Alf. Blackwell is impressive as a chef-turned-cannibal.

Take some time out from being a grown-up to experience the childish charms of “Peter and the Starcatcher,” performances Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 21-24, at 254 Veterans Way in downtown Carmel (by the Arts & Design district). For info and tickets, see carmelplayers.org or thecat.biz.

CAT’s ‘Almost’ is certainly entertaining

PWJW_Indy Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

By John Lyle Belden

When you consider that the Carmel Apprentice Theatre, resident company at The Cat, involves those with limited (or no) experience taking the stage with the aid of mentors, it’s tempting to lower expectations. No need, though, with the CAT production of “Almost, Maine,” by John Cariani.

The northern edge of the United States has an exceptionally weird atmosphere, judging by TV shows like “Northern Exposure” or “Twin Peaks,” or the Maine-set novels of Stephen King. However, likely due to it being “almost” in good-natured Canada, the weirdness in our little township (they almost incorporated into a town) is more bent towards the sublime than the spooky.

Directed by first-timer Zach Kreinbrink with Jayda Glynn, this set of comedy scenes finds love in the air on a winter night.

Pete and Ginette (Tim West and Amelie Thibodeau) test how “close” they can get to each other. Glory (Caroline Ryker) carries her broken heart with her as she looks for the Northern Lights in East’s (Jake Williams) back yard. At the MoosePaddy Pub (“Drink Free If You’re Sad”), Jimmy (West) feels like the bad guy for losing Sandrine (Hannah Vaught), but a cheery waitress (Deanna Larkin) is on hand with her freebie flask.

Can love get through to Steve (Malcolm Marshall), who literally can’t feel pain? Marvalyn (Emma Leary) understands being hurt too well. Lendall (Brandt Ryan) is confronted by sweetheart Gayle (Allison Hermann) who is tired of all their love piling up, just sitting there. Out at frozen Echo Pond, a skating date isn’t going well for Phil (Brian Thibodeau) and Marci (Larkin). All this and more in a gently aburdist world where “falling in love” can literally involve gravity.

An excellent display of budding and hidden talents, this cast charms throughout. Hopefully we’ll see a bit more of these folks on area stages in the future.

For now, visit “Almost, Maine,” Thursday through Sunday, May 4-7, at 254 Veterans Way, Carmel (just south of Main Street downtown). Tickets and info at thecat.biz.