Review of 'Peter and the Starcatcher' at WestConn

Pictured: Alicia Napolitano as Boy in 'Peter and the Starcatcher'

Danbury, CT - The WCSU Department of Theatre Arts opened their charming production of ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ on Friday at the VPAC on the university’s westside campus. This wonderful play with music was written by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker; the WCSU production was directed by Theatre Arts Dept. Chair Prof. Pam McDaniel, assisted by the WCSU senior musical director TJ Swetz (Peron in ‘Evita,’ Robert Martin in ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ at WCSU, and KCACTF 2017 National Award for Distinguished Performance by an Actor in a Musical) and choreographed by Bailey Nickerson.

Set designer Elizabeth Popiel outdid herself on this one; the set was both magical and functional. The lighting designed by Scott Cally beautifully brought it to another level. The animal puppets were designed and built by Christina Branfuhr. Joni Johns Lerner was the wardrobe supervisor of the wonderful costumes, including those rainbow-hued mermaid ensembles worn by nine brave male members of the cast. Sound design by Stef Carr was plentiful and well-coordinated. Kudos to dialect coach Anthony DePoto, fight choreographer Sterling Swann, and pianists David Baranowski and Dina DiMarco.

The staging of this 'Starcatcher' was perhaps more literal than I remembered, but it worked seamlessly. The director made ample use of the various levels of this very modern space and had actors and narrators entering throughout the house, including from beneath the stage for one large puppet. It was visually pleasing and quite magical.

The cast of this show is usually entirely male, with the exception of the role of Molly. However, the WCSU production team chose to give a few girls a chance to be part of this fine cast. Alicia Napolitano, a WCSU junior from Woodbury, was excellent in the role of the ‘Boy’ who does not grow up but eventually becomes Peter Pan. Since this role in many productions of the source material has been often cast with a female performer, it was certainly not a stretch do so in this prequel. Sophomore Kat Karl (assistant costume designer for the stellar production of ‘Evita’) took on the role of nanny Mrs. Bumbrake, a role usually played by male actor in drag who also portrays a wise and mysterious mermaid called Teacher. In this version, puppet designer and WCSU senior Christina Branfuhr (‘The Cat in the Hat’) appeared as Teacher.

Jessica Schwartz was perfectly cast in the ‘girl’ role of Molly. Ms. Schwartz of Brookfield is now a junior at WCSU double-majoring in Musical Theatre and Theatre Arts Management and recently was awarded the KCACTF 2018 National Award for Distinguished Performance by an Actress in a Musical for her performance as the mistress in ‘Evita.’ I loved every minute of her performance as Molly.

The role of Black Stache, the Captain Hook precursor, is a great one and senior Howard Hendrix Powell (Cat in ‘Cat in the Hat’) made the most of every minute while mostly chewing the scenery. Whether being corrected by Smee on yet another malapropism or prancing about the stage, this actor from West Haven is one to watch.

Sophomore Tyler Gallaher was able to shine in the role of Molly’s father Aster, and sophomore Dominick Ventrella of Ridgefield was a riot as Smee. Jeffrey Jannitto played Neverland sailor Alf with an eye for the nanny. Freshman Ryan Rappaport was the wannabe leader Lost Boys Prentiss and freshman Alexander Niatopsky of Wolcott (often seen at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury) was superb as "Tubby" Ted.

Jake Capelli played Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Nick Raines reminded me of Christian Borle in the role of the nasty Neverland captain Bill Slank. Junior Jason Keane had the role of sadistic schoolmaster Grempkin, and senior Topher Wallace of Naugatuck was the larger than life Fighting Prawn. Freshman Tony Harkin was at his side as Hawking Clam. Senior Shane Manley played Mack and Junior Zack Federici was the pirate Sanchez.

The narrators of the show in contemporary dress included junior Joseph Caruso, sophomore Celina Kestecher, sophomore Annaleigh Lester, freshman Kevin H. McNulty, senior Topher Wallace and junior Larry Weatherspoon.

Click here for more information about remaining performances.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and she posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417