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Regional Reviews: San Francisco A Wonderful Energetic Production of Also see Richard's reviews of The Complete History of Comedy (Abridged), Kinky Boots
The tale, based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, is a prequel to Peter Pan's adventures with the Darling family. It tells how Peter got his name and his flying magic, and how Captain Hook lost his hand. It even tells how the crocodile got its clock. There is a wonderful array of new characters including the prowling occupants of Mollusk Island. Peter and the Starcatcher is packed with sidesplitting banter, up-to-date anachronisms, one-liners, and composer Wayne Barker's vaudeville songs. The first act set is made to look like a ship with such low tech props as bottles, sticks, kitchen utensils, cork and wire that is very ingeniously and faultlessly placed. The second act has a frantically enchanting opening musical number that features most of the cast who sing and dance in scrumptious drag as fish transformed by the pollution of the ocean with star stuff and cross-dressing mermaids. The act takes place as Peter and boys and Molly are shipwrecked on an island that is inhabited by the dreaded Mollusk, who speaks a jargon mostly composed of words from Italian menus and wine lists. A lot of seafaring prattle is spoken throughout the play, such as "Furrow the jib and let fly the frammistan," whatever that means. The three boys—played by brilliantly played Tim Homsley, Jeremy Kahn and Cyril Jamal Cooper—and Molly, beautifully played by Adrienne Walters, are the heart of this production. Tim Homsley as Boy soon to become Peter is magnetic in the role. He is the personification of the boy who never grew up. Jeremy Kahn as Prentiss is tremendous and sports some superb accents. His speech on the "fight scene" between Black Stache, and as Alf the announcer is outstanding. Cyril Jamal Cooper is first-rate as the third boy Ted. Patrick Kelly Jones almost steals the show as the flamboyant Black Stache who someday will be called Captain Hook. He makes as much of this character as any actor could. His pirate is fascinating and he delivers a monologue of five minutes or so consisting only of the words "oh my God" when you know what happens to his right hand. Adrienne Walters makes a stubborn Molly and a character all her own. She is totally believable in the role. Supporting performances are first rate all around; Elice's words could sound just corny, but this cast puts it all over with panache. Darren Bridget is exceptional as Lord Aster while Smee, usually played by a man, is played here by Suzanne Grodner. She is a perfect as the second in command of the pirate ship. Her facial expressions are worth the price of admission. Ron Campbell is a hoot as Mrs. Bumbrake. Michael Gene Sullivan gives a beautifully comic performance in several roles, especially as Fighting Prawn. William Springhorn Jr. and Kenny Toll round out the cast and they are admirable in their small roles. All of the actors are dressed in fanciful costumes by B. Modern that have the necessary storybook quality. Sets by Joe Ragey are inventive, as is the excellent lighting by Pamila Gray, especially in the storm scene. Musical direction by William Liberatore is a great asset to the production. Robert Kelley's direction is energy driven with no dull spots in this fast moving production. Peter and the Starcatcher runs through January 3rd, 2014, at Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. For tickets call 650-463-1960 or visit www.theatreworks.org. Coming up next is 2 Pianos 4 Hands at the Mountain View for Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View. It opens on January 14 and runs through February 8th.
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