Explore the origin story of ‘Peter Pan’ at Riverwalk

“Peter and the Starcatcher” is an origin-exploring prequel to “Peter Pan,” featuring characters such as Peter himself, Tinkerbell, Mrs. Darling, Captain Hook and a certain determined crocodile. The musical, based on the novel “Peter and the Starcatchers,” by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, is intended for ages 10 and up, but even younger children will enjoy the escapades, and there are plenty of jokes that parents will laugh at while trusting the risqué comedy to fly over kids’ heads. 

Riverwalk Theatre has done a great job bringing the story and characters to life. The sound, lights, costumes and sets all service the production well, and the small pit orchestra handles the score with ease. Kudos to director Brian Farnham, who manages all the different elements with skill.

Black Stache, the man who eventually becomes Captain Hook, is played with panache by Joe Dickson, whose consistently over-the-top performance is a treat to watch. Dickson delivers a pirate that echoes Tim Curry’s best performances, with a dash of Jack Sparrow sprinkled in. Best of all, he clearly knows which jokes are meant for children and which are meant for adults and delivers them accordingly. His assistant, Smee, is played by Jillian Stauffer, who also delivers a delightful performance. 

The script asks a lot of the juvenile leads, but Ava Taube, who plays Molly Aster, and Mathieu Wiesner, who plays Peter, are up to the task, driving the scenes and connecting well with each other. Both look the parts and convincingly express teenage angst and longing. 

Luka Pawsek is captivating as Mrs. Bumbrake, showing a solid understanding of the character’s arc and delivering punchlines with the correct flair. The post-intermission opening number is especially hilarious and shouldn’t be missed.

This is a show that demands a disciplined and focused ensemble to propel the narrative, set the scenes, sing the songs and enact the many characters. The ensemble is practically faultless in the execution of their duties, and each member adds nice touches as various supporting characters. Notable among them are Lyla Pople as a melancholy Prentiss, Anthony Mandalari as Bill Slank and Lainie Plunkett as Fighting Prawn. Sarah Lehman is also impressively versatile in her many roles, including the mermaid Teacher and a cat.

The musical numbers and combat scenes are well-staged and performed, and the plot moves forward with energy and purpose. Scene changes are smooth and quickly completed, and the chorus navigates them with competence. The sets and props, such as storms at sea, sailing vessels, a monster crocodile and even a human stairway, are all smoothly constructed. The proscenium arch-style stage leaves plenty of room on the beautifully painted main floor for performers while also having a revealed play space behind the main curtain. 

“Peter and the Starcatcher” is a fun romp through a complicated script, but don’t think about the details too hard and just enjoy the ride. With lots of youthful energy and some adult humor sprinkled in, this production registered well with the audience, scoring solid laughs in all the right places.