Dave Barry

CCP: ‘Starcatcher’ a fun origin story

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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.

How an orphan became a legend

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

NOTE: As the Word/Eagle is in flux with the renaming and corresponding change in official website, John is putting his reviews here — for now.

By John Lyle Belden

The Phoenix Theatre in downtown Indy starts its season with the local premiere of Tony-winning play “Peter and the Starcatcher” – based on the book by humorist Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson – a prequel to the popular adventures of Peter Pan. The production is not a musical, though a few strains of song figure into the plot, and while maintaining panto-esque silliness, is not a roll-in-the-aisles comedy. Consider it a fantasy that refuses to “grow up.”

Fortunately, the Phoenix has a couple of regulars seemingly blessed with eternal youth: Nathan Robbins as the Boy without a name – at first – and Phebe Taylor as Molly, the girl who turns out to be the other half of the play’s title. They are easily the most complex characters, with the Boy’s justifiable distrust of adults and whimsical wish to always remain a child, and Molly’s intellect, desire for adventure and devotion to her noble eccentric father, Lord Aster, played by Paul Nicely. They also stand out as all other characters are mostly caricatures.

Being broadly drawn is just fine for our villain Black Stache (known by a more familiar name eventually), played with grinning gusto by Eric J. Olson. Other notable performances include Dan Scharbrough’s faithful and scene-stealing Smee; John Vessels Jr. as the “beautiful” Mrs. Bumbrake; Michael Hosp as simple and smitten Alf; Tyler Ostrander as Prentiss, the young “leader” no one follows; and Ian Cruz in multiple roles, including an unusual island native chieftan.

It felt to me at times the show tried too hard to be funny, especially with modern references sprinkled in which felt dissonant with the 19th-century setting, but overall the show is sure-fire entertainment, sure to make your heart and imagination soar.

The play runs through Oct. 23 at 749 N. Park Ave. For info and tickets, call 317-635-7529 or see phoenixtheatre.org.

John L. Belden is Associate Editor at The Eagle (formerly The Word), the central-Indiana based Midwest LGBTQ news source.