Displaying items by tag: Michaela Shaprio

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.

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