Cappies Review: W.T. Woodson High's 'Peter and the Starcatcher'

FAIRFAX, VA — Get your pixie dust ready because it's off to Neverland! W. T. Woodson High School's production of Peter and the Starcatcher transports its audience back to before time stands still when Peter Pan was just a young orphan who dreamed of being a normal boy. This prequel blends rollicking laughs with heartwarming tenderness for an entertaining yet emotional experience.

Written by Dave Barry, the story follows 13-year-old Peter(Jack Hopewell), at the time just called "boy," as his life takes an unexpected turn of events when he and two friends are sold to a ship captain. They meet a young girl, Molly (Caroline Orejuela), and join her mission to take care of her father's "stardust".

On this adventure they encounter a rapping pirate named Black Stache(Caroline Grass), singing mermaids who used to be fish, and Fighting Prawn (Marc Manaloto), the island chief whose language consists only of names of Italian food, all ending in the discovery of their true home, Neverland.

Although the beginning of the production was at times slow-moving, the liveliness and vibrancy soared in the second act along with remarkable comedic timing and the deepening of the relationship between Peter and Molly. The cast at large engaged the audience with high energy and melodramatic reactions throughout the multiple ensembles.

This was especially apparent in the climactic fight scene against the pirates which showcased excellently the choreographed stage combat and the complexity of character relationships in intertwining story lines. As a complement to thought provoking scenes where Peter struggles with his emotional development, multiple comedic actors are featured throughout the journey.

Most notably are Molly's nanny, Mrs. Brumbrake (Sean Coady), who is fiercely committed to enforcing her ideas of feminist strength, her new boyfriend Alf (Nick Dache) and pirate Black Stache's right hand woman, Smee (Meryn Holtslander). Peter's friends, Prentiss (Jacob Lamb) and Ted (Andrew Black), stand apart with consistently impeccable comedic timing that strengthens as the show goes on.

The duo's one-liners and joint dynamic produce roaring laughs from the audience and at times provide relief from the awkward innocence of teen romance. The set design cleverly uses the stage to create over 10 different locations, that along with the lighting, assisted with the credibility of a purposefully ridiculous script.

The actors make superb use of the space with bold physical movements that give life to both the drama and satire of the show.

With its playful humor and pleasantly absurd story line, Woodson High School's performance of Peter and the Starcatcher is an enjoyable experience that evokes both the difficulties and joy of childhood.

Review by Yael Cohen of The New School of Northern Virginia

Photo: Pam Hardin