Magic Soaring Up into the Sky

Peter and the Starcatcher

Are you a fan of magic that soars up into the sky? Of books, films and plays that, like “Wicked,” provide a backstory for characters from other classic stories? If so, you’ll be excited and totally enchanted by this hilarious, highly imaginative play, which is the opening production of Paramount’s 2024-25 Bold Series at the Copley Theatre. The 2012 multi-Tony Award-winner was based upon a novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson entitled Peter and the Starcatchers. But in addition to presenting a captivating new story, theatergoers will learn how a character named Boy gained his new name, Peter Pan, who is Molly and what’s her relationship to Wendy, how the Mermaids and Tinker Bell came to be, who were the Lost Boys, how Hook really lost his hand and earned his new moniker, whence came Mister Grin the ticking crocodile, how Peter decided to call his island Neverland and how Peter Pan learned how to fly. 

As the houselights dim, sixteen talented, likable and cleverly creative actors enter a virtually empty stage. The cast switch off between narrating and portraying the characters in what will ultimately become a uniquely delightful prequel to Peter Pan, Or the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up. In 1904, Scottish novelist and playwright Sir James M. Barrie wrote a highly popular fairy play for children entitled “Peter and Wendy.” Playing for years in London’s West End, “Peter Pan” was eventually adapted into a holiday pantomime, a silent film, a stage musical, a television special, a 1953 Disney animated movie, an ice skating show and several more filmed versions of the story. But Rick Elise’s fast-paced play, with music by Wayne Barker, is different. It’s set in the time prior to the story we all know of Peter Pan. At Paramount, the production’s directed with skill, creativity and lots of love by Nate Cohen. The cast flawlessly shifts between telling the story and portraying all the characters in the tale. Paramount’s devilishly creative, laugh-out-loud hilarious and marvelously magical production is a sweet summertime surprise. 

In this production the acting is flawless and effervescent, the pacing is swift and sparkling—all thanks to Cohen’s smart direction. But it’s the sheer inventiveness of it all that constantly surprises. With a tip of the hat to the English Music Hall and children’s Panto presentations, the play is filled with slapstick staging and richly poetic language, multitudes of malapropisms and plentyof puns. Although not technically a musical, the play features several delightful songs and choreographed numbers, thanks to the talent provided by Music Director Kevin Reeks and Choreographer Tal Schatsky. The show’s musical highlight opens Act II. Entitled “Starstuff Made a Mermaid Outta Me,” it’s performed by the cast bedecked in Katryna Hilko’s wildly imaginative aquatic costumes. Visually, the musical number will haunt the audience long after the final curtain. In fact, the entire production is a testament to innovative inventiveness and savvy skill. 

Every member of this multitalented ensemble cast is absolutely enthralling. Charmingly portraying Boy, later to become known as Peter Pan, talented Broadway actor Terry Bell makes his auspicious Paramount debut. He’s been seen locally in ROUTES, at Remy Bumppo, and THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, at Steppenwolf Theatre. As Boy, Mr. Bell brings an innocent honesty, highlighted by a strength and determination to succeed, capped by a winning smile that’s pure Pan. A veteran of several Paramount musicals, Shelhi Voss makes her debut in Paramount’s Bold series as Molly, the only true female character in the cast. She plays this spunky young Edwardian girl with authority and confidence. Shelhi’s completely believable as a 13-year-old, a girl on the verge of womanhood who easily accepts her leadership role while educating, rescuing and eventually falling in love with her lost boys. 

As Black Stache, the outstanding star of this production, Nick Sandys has either directed or been seen on stage at just about every major theatre around Chicago. Remembered for his roles in AN INSPECTOR CALLS, FRANKENSTEIN, MR. DICKENS’ HAT and, more recently, DIAL M FOR MURDER, Mr. Sandys can add another brilliant performance to his resume. He’s superbly witty and undeniably clever in the play’s standout role. Richly eloquent, with a velvety baritone voice that  caresses every word he speaks, Mr. Sandys ricochets between studied casualness and wildly energetic. And another actor who’s mastered his character completely and leaves it all on stage is Mark David Kaplan. As Black Stache’s faithful first mate, his right-hand man, Mr. Kaplan plays Smee as alternately menacingly macho and just a tiny bit twee, all for the audience’s pleasure. Kaplan and Sandys make a great pair of villains, as well as a couple of sexy-looking mermaids. 

Kevin Kantor is strong, commanding and beautifully grounded as Lord Leonard Aster. As a Starcatcher on a secret mission for Queen Victoria, Lord Aster often sets aside his duties as Molly’s father in order to place his dangerous mission over his daughter’s safety and wellbeing. The multitalented performer does triple duty playing several characters, as well as serving as the production’s Dance and Fight Captain. In the tradition of the English Pantomime dame, Gabriel Fries is delightfully funny as Mrs. Bumbrake, Molly’s prim and very proper British nanny. He plays the character with proper lady-like decorum and just a touch of sassy good fun. Wet and wild, with some good advice to impart, Fries also plays the wise and mysterious mermaid named Teacher. 

Returning to Chicago after bouncing around the country as Tigger in DISNEY’S WINNIE THE POOH, Josh Bernaski makes his noteworthy debut in several roles in this Paramount production. He plays Grempkin, the Lost Boys’ cruelly sadistic schoolmaster, tempering his portrayal with a wink and a nod of humor; but he is truly hilarious as Fighting Prawn, the leader of the Mollusk Islanders, a character who humorously speaks in Italian culinary terms. And Boy’s two fellow orphan companions, who become the Lost Boys, are skillfully played with chutzpah and hilarity. Brandon Acosta is Tubby Ted, a tween who’s always hungry and continually obsessed with food. Prentiss, who is as lovable as he is sarcastic and supercilious, is portrayed by petite performer, Michaela Shapiro. The actor will be remembered for their much-loved portrayals of Pinocchio in SHREK, at Music Theater Works, and, especially as an innocent new girl at the Chicken Ranch named Shy (as well as an Aggie football player) in Theo Ubique’s BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS. In this production, Shapiro almost steals the show.  

A five-time 2012 Tony Award-winning play, this highly entertaining production is a play for every adult wanting to treat his inner child. While older children and teen audiences will find the show enjoyable, this production is clearly aimed at adults. It doesn’t contain nudity or foul language, but much of the typically British humor will be better appreciated by grown-ups, especially those who enjoy the offbeat comedy of Monty Python and Benny Hill. 

Creating a stageful of something out of seemingly nothing makes this production so special. Planks of wood and ropes turn into a couple of British sailing ships; a toothy, grinning crocodile is created out of—you guessed it—a pair of Crocs; and believing that you’re seeing a young girl fly, with the help of her friends, is elements of magic that make this show extra special. Forget the high-tech effects seen in other shows. In PETER AND THE STARCATCHER it’s the audience’s imagination working in tandem with a cast of gifted onstage artists that make this very special, magical production soar up into the sky.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented July 24-September 1 by Paramount Theatre at the Copley Theatre, 8 East Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 630-896-6666, or by going to www.paramountaurora.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.