by: Emma Fleming
Parkland’s Theatre program is now performing Rick Elice’s play, Peter and The Starcatcher, which is directed by Mathew Green. On Nov. 14, opening night was a success and complete with a cast and crew talkback following the show. Don’t worry, if you missed opening night, other showtimes include Nov. 22 and 23 each starting at 7 p.m., as well as a 3 p.m. performance on Nov. 24. All performances are held in the Harold and Jean Miner Theatre.
The cast of the show, which includes Jace Jamison as Black Stache, Emaline Johnson as Molly, Jess Schlipf as Boy, Rachel Hejmanowski as Smee, Linclon Machula as Lord Aster, Zoë Dunn as Mrs. Bumbrake, Tommy Howie as Alf, Parker Evans as Prentiss, Thom Billam as Ted, Laura Alcantara as Bill Slank and Hawking Clam, Stephanie Swearingen as Sanchez and Grempkin, Sam Gegg as Mack and Fighting Prawn, and Wesley Bennett as Captain Scott, has great stage presence and chemistry.
The show unfolds the story of a young girl named Molly and her orphaned friends and is a show for all ages. Molly, the daughter of Lord Aster, is a Starcatcher dead set on protecting the world from evil during the era of Queen Victoria.
Aboard the Neverland, which is headed for a mystical place called Rundoon, Molly meets her poorly treated orphaned friends; one friend takes the likeness of Peter Pan. While on the ship, Molly is tasked with protecting the “star stuff” while her father is whisked away by Black Stache, who is the story’s villain pirate and captain of the ship, The Wasp.
The story, which might be a bit confusing without some knowledge of Peter Pan, was executed quite well by the cast. With faux British accents and a zeal to bring imagination to life, many of the cast members made a lasting impression. The character found most convincing was Black Stache. Jamison brought forth a confidence and awareness that made his character believable and even likeable, despite his menacing traits.
Likewise, Boy, who is eventually renamed Peter by Black Stache, provided an emotional aspect to the show. The character, with childlike mannerisms and angst, brought emotion to the show in just the right moments. At points during Boy’s interactions with other characters, the theatre was completely silent; Schlipf captivated the audience.
Other cast members, like Hejmanowski and Dunn provided comedic relief through their characters. In contrast to Schlipf’s character, Smee and Mrs. Bumbrake offered moments of comedic escape from the storyline. Similarly, Evans’ Prentiss and Billam’s Ted received laughter from the audience.
Not only did the cast provide a convincing performance, but the crew members as well. With a stage that mimicked a ship, and vibrant blue lighting that reminded one of the seas, the stage resembled the setting of the play quite nicely. Along with the lighting effects, there were also sound effects. The sound effects, which had the potential to sound corny, were pleasantly surprising. The sound effects of waves crashing, metal swords clanging, and the magic of the “star stuff,” added extra detail to the show, which is admirable when executed well.
For those who are interested in a show focused on the importance of imagination, friendship, and morals, or if you are just looking for a creative and fantastical escape, then Parkland’s rendition of Peter and the Starcatcher is the show for you.
To reserve tickets, head to the Parkland College Theatre webpage. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for students, youth, seniors, and veterans, and $16 for a group of 10 or more, according to the webpage.
