Home

Displaying items by tag: Rick Elice

It’s dark on the Neverland ship, and Molly, Prentis, Ted, and Boy are hiding in a corner – waiting for the coast to clear. As they huddle and watch, the four begin talking about dreams. All have experienced their fair share of hardships, but for the briefest moment, they look to a world of what could be.

Boy has been fairly quiet to this point – only following Molly with the promise of better food. However, at this discussion, he perks up, and whispers his dream aloud:

“The world will be so beautiful that no one will ever have to say sorry again.”

Many of us know the story of Peter Pan. The story of a boy who never wanted to grow up. All he wants is to fly around Neverland with the Lost Boys – fighting Pirates and finding adventure after adventure. The heart of the story is full of magic, and all the wonderful possibilities that come with a youthful energy and imagination.

Being a prequel to the famous tale (and based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson), Peter and the Starcatcher carries much of the same wonder. As Boy whispers his dream to the audience, you might find yourself reminded of that original story. Perhaps if you, like myself, grew up a fan of Peter Pan, you will even find yourself smiling and leaning in upon hearing the sweet innocence of the fantasy. Even in a moment where everything feels dark and uncertain, Boy, dares to dream – exploring a childlike wonder that so many eventually lose, but to which can be so fun to return.

Peter and the Starcatcher follows Boy (or later named Peter – played by Terry Bell), who is held captive on the Neverland ship with two fellow orphans - Prentis (Michaela Shaprio) and Ted (Brandon Acosta). When they meet Stardust Apprentice Molly (Shelbi Voss), their whole world is turned upside down. A quest for better food turns into an unexpected adventure when Pirates come on board – attempting to steal back a trunk full of precious stardust, which Molly and her father are sworn to protect. Drawn to Molly’s heroism, Boy takes it upon himself to protect this stardust at all costs – even if it means going toe to toe with Pirates and a terrifying ocean.

Directed by Nate Cohen, Paramount Theatre’s intimate production is intensely theatrical. Rick Elice’s play carries a storybook charm, with various forms of narration throughout and actors playing multiple roles depending on the needs of the moment. Sometimes actors step out of the action to narrate the next event, while other characters have moments of speaking in third person. Cohen and his team lean into the storybook feel – particularly in the collaboration between Scenic Designer Myra G Reavis and Props Designer Ivy Treccani.  The set is minimalistic, and primarily comprised of various objects one might find in a theater. Ladders, stools, sheets, and chairs are utilized in multiple ways to represent various locations – all moved by the actors themselves. The effect? The audience is witnessing the story unfold and reconfigure in front of them with each scene, creating the feel of being inside the storybook alongside the characters. We are invited to use our imagination alongside the performers to fill in the dots, and with the intimate feel of Paramount’s Copley Theatre space, you might find that this adds to the experience.

As many of us know, Peter Pan is full of magic, and Peter and the Starcatcher is much the same. Lighting Designer Jackie Fox utilizes gold fairy lights to create the illusion of stardust – creating stunning stage pictures throughout the production.

One such moment occurs towards the end of the first act. Boy asks Molly for proof of what stardust can do. If he is going to risk his life to save it, then he may as well know why. Begrudgingly, Molly takes out her stardust, and whispers the following:

“To have faith is to have wings.”

From there, the surrounding lights dim and the specks of gold brighten. Molly is lifted above by actors, and as we see her spread her arms, Boy looks up in pure awe. Voss and Bell play the moment wonderfully – particularly as Voss’ Molly enjoys the feel of proving Bell wrong when he doubts her abilities. Most impressive though, at least personally, is the way in which Cohen stages the magic. As we see Molly lifted above by her ensemble, we too are invited to use our imagination - to have faith.  From there, Cohen once again invites the audience to return to their own childhoods and enjoy the magic of storytelling and believing in the impossible.

Full of stunning performances and remarkable stage magic, Peter and the Starcatcher will leave you on the edge of your seat – eager for what’s next and wishing there was more beyond the final lights down.

Peter and the Starcatcher runs at Paramount Theatre’s Copley Theatre – 8 E Galena Blvd in Aurora  through September 1, 2024. See the Paramount Theatre Website for tickets and information.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Published in Theatre in Review

MJ THE MUSICAL is On Sale Wednesday May 28th!

27 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain and Broadway In Chicago are thrilled to announce that individual tickets for the highly anticipated return engagement of…

Evanston Salt Costs Rising: Stormy souls on salted streets at First Floor Theater

26 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

Recent Chicago-area winters have been relatively easy ones. Lest we forget howling blizzards or subzero temperatures, Will Arbery’s Evanston Salt…

Corn Productions has a new original play premiering in June - Support Group For The End Of The World

26 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Corn Productions announces the world premiere of “Support Group For The End Of The World” Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, June…

History. Passion. Power. A Love That Changed an Empire - Scandalous Boy at

25 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

I’m a geek, I admit it; I love seeing theatre that’s … well … real.  Like SCANDALOUS BOY – you’ve…

TimeLine Theatre Company announces milestone 2025-26 season, culminating with inaugural production at its new home in Uptown

22 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

TimeLine Theatre Company, celebrated for its powerful and provocative productions that connect past, present, and future, announces a landmark 29th…

RAVEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES 43rd SEASON - Dave Malloy's A Capella Musical OCTET and Terry Guest's OAK Get Chicago Premieres; TOP GIRLS Explores Feminism Through History

22 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago's Raven Theatre Company today announced its 43rd season, with productions appearing on its Edgewater stages at 6157 N. Clark St. in…

Marriott Theatre Continues 50th Anniversary Season with Vibrant New Jukebox Musical, Always Something There…

21 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

For a dose of summer fun, theatergoers are invited to grab their Walkman, cue up their favorite 80s mix tape,…

Lucid Theater to stage comedy BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by WELLS AND WELLES playwright Amy Crider, August 1-17 at the Edge Theatre

21 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Lucid Theater announced today it will present the world premiere of BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by Chicago playwright Amy Crider, whose WELLS…

Review: HONEYPOT: BLACK SOUTHERN WOMEN WHO LOVE WOMEN at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Evanston

20 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

HONEYPOT originated as a creative nonfiction book by E. Patrick Johnson, Dean of the School of Communication at Northwestern University.…

The Title Says it All in Conspirators Remarkable ‘Chicago Cop Macbeth’

20 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

It was a dark and stormy night as I motored to The Conspirators “Chicago Cop Macbeth,” with a fog of…

HAMILTON returns to Chicago in 2026

19 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago announced today that HAMILTON will return to Chicago for a multi-week engagement beginning March 4, 2026 through April 26,…

Hiplet Ballerinas: A Daring Dance Revolution at Auditorium Theatre

18 May 2025 in Dance in Review

An electrifying evening of artistic fusion unfolded at the Auditorium Theatre as Hiplet Ballerinas, the professional company of the Chicago…

Blank Theatre’s SWEET CHARITY Charms with Talented Cast and Standout Choreography

17 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

We are inside the Pompeii Club. From everything Charity has told us, the club is the place to be, and…

The Antiquities: A Thought-provoking Look at Today from the Future

13 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

With AI and other technological advancements continuing to change the landscape of how we work and interact with one another,…

Riots of Laughter Greet World Premiere of 'R.U.R. [Rossum’s Universal Robots]'

13 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

Riots of laughter greeted the City Lit Theater world premiere of “R.U.R. [Rossum’s Universal Robots]” Wait. Could this be the…

Paramount Theatre extends Million Dollar Quartet until January 4, 2026

12 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Paramount Theatre’s smash hit Million Dollar Quartet, a “roof-rattling…rapturous celebration of early rock ‘n’ roll” (Daily Herald), won’t stop rockin’ anytime…

See Chicago Dance Announces 2025 Chicago Dance Month Performers and FREE Events

12 May 2025 in Upcoming Dance

See Chicago Dance, the dance industry's nonprofit service organization celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, is proud to announce organizations…

Tickets for Disney's The Lion King On Sale Now

12 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago announced today that individual tickets for Disney’s The Lion King, are now on sale to the public. Tickets ranging…

Cats pounces onto the Paramount stage taking the legendary musical to soaring new heights

11 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

I’ll just say it - Cats is going to blow your mind. Now running at the Paramount Theatre, this spectacular…

Trap Door's 'Galileo,' Beautifully Produced, Is a Knowing Parable for Our Times

11 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

“Galileo” written in 1938 by German playwright Bertolt Brecht, tells the straightforward story of the 17th century physicist and astronomer’s…

Humble and Radiant: Charlotte's Web at Greenhouse Theatre

11 May 2025 in Theatre Reviews

The adage goes that you can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends. Throughout our lives, we meet…

Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents World Premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY

09 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY written by…

A Chicago May Must See: Time Is A Color And The Color Is Blue at Bramble Arts Loft

06 May 2025 in Theatre Reviews

If our day-to-day lives were a collective color, it would probably be the color blue. Whether you are feeling blue,…

Steppenwolf Theatre Presents YOU WILL GET SICK - June 5 – July 13, 2025 - Chicago Premiere!

06 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to present Noah Diaz's whimsical, wild, unpredictable and deeply moving Chicago…

Review: Remy Bumppo's 'Art' at Theatre Wit

06 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

A fool and their money are soon parted as the old expression goes, but what do you do when that…

BACK IN CHICAGO BY POPULAR DEMAND! TONY AND GRAMMY-WINNING BEST MUSICAL, HADESTOWN IS NOW PLAYING

06 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that HADESTOWN, the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best New Musical and the…

Definition Theatre Presents World Premiere of Black Bone by Tina Fakhrid-Deen

05 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Definition Theatre is proud to present the world premiere of Black Bone, a bold new satire by Chicago playwright Tina Fakhrid-Deen…

Hymn at Chicago Shakespeare Theater – A Soulful Exploration of Brotherhood

04 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

Stories that explore the emotional lives of men—especially Black men—are still far too rare on the American stage. Outside the…

Chicago Opera Theater presents world premiere of She Who Dared by Jasmine Arielle Barnes & Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton

02 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago Opera Theater (COT), Chicago’s foremost producer of new and rarely staged  operas, proudly presents the world premiere of She Who Dared by…

Outrage Made Manifest in “Bust: An Afrocurrentist Play”

30 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

Something extraordinary happens on a street in Huntsville, Alabama. Mr. Woods (Keith Randolph Smith), a hard-working Black man in the…

 

 

         19 Years and counting!

Register

     

Latest Articles

Guests Online

We have 429 guests and no members online

Buzz Chicago on Facebook Buzz Chicago on Twitter 

Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at info@buzzcenterstage.com

*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.