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If you're craving a whimsical, captivating musical that offers a delightful escape from the everyday, then UCR's Department of Theatre, Film, and Digital Production's staging of the Tony-winning "Peter and the Starcatcher" is a must-see. This enchanting production, running from November 7th to 16th at the University Theatre, promises to transport audiences to a world of adventure, discovery, and the timeless magic of childhood.

Embark on a Spellbinding Journey to Neverland

Rediscovering the Origins of a Beloved Icon

The play, adapted by Rick Elice from the 2004 children's novel "Peter and the Starcatchers" by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, delves into the captivating backstory of the iconic Peter Pan. Audiences will witness the transformation of a Dickensian orphan into the mischievous, pan flute-playing boy who defies the constraints of growing up. This is not merely a coming-of-age tale, but a rediscovery of the childhood that the orphans had been robbed of, inviting viewers to embrace their own sense of wonder and imagination.

A Talented Ensemble Brings the Fantasy to Life

Twelve talented UCR student actors take the stage, some portraying multiple roles, as they breathe life into a vibrant cast of characters. From sailors and pirates to British naval officers and Mollusk natives, the ensemble seamlessly transitions between singing, dancing, and operating an array of captivating puppets. These include a cat, a bird destined to become Tinker Bell, sailing ships, and the infamous alligator. The creative use of found objects, such as oversized kitchen tools and a toilet plunger, adds a delightful layer of whimsy to the production, immersing the audience in a fantastical world unlike any other.

Coordinating the Chaos: A Collaborative Effort

Despite the large ensemble and the intricate storytelling, the production maintains a fluid and loose quality, as if the audience is witnessing an unfolding event. This seamless execution is the result of a collaborative effort, with the student actors undergoing specialized workshops in choreography, musical theater, intimacy, and dance to ensure a cohesive performance. The director, Daphnie Sicre, also credited her student assistant directors for their invaluable contributions in coordinating the actors and maintaining the smooth flow of the action on stage.

Exploring the Complexities of Eternal Youth

While "Peter and the Starcatcher" offers a delightful fantasy, it also delves into the deeper themes of tragedy and the heartache of thwarted love. In J.M. Barrie's original story, Pan is portrayed as a villain who kidnaps children from their beds. Over time, the character has evolved, becoming more of a mischievous sprite, transitioning from a young boy to a teenager on the cusp of puberty.The two lead actors, Josiah Alpher as Pan and Sasha Brown as Molly the Starcatcher-in-training, skillfully convey the bittersweet realization of what Pan loses by remaining forever young. It's not just the freedom from adult responsibilities, but the loss of the natural progression of life and the experiences that come with it. As Pan plays his games and flies around, the audience is left to ponder the implications of eternal youth and the price one pays for avoiding the inevitable.

Reflecting on Changing Attitudes Toward Childhood

The play's setting, spanning the transition from the Victorian era of Dickens to the Edwardian era of Barrie, reflects the evolving social attitudes toward children. The shift from the harsh realities of child labor to the emergence of child labor laws and the newfound freedom to play and evade adult responsibilities is a poignant backdrop to the story. Viewers are invited to contemplate how this adaptation of the Peter Pan tale speaks to contemporary perspectives on childhood and the delicate balance between innocence and the inevitable march of time.As you immerse yourself in the world of "Peter and the Starcatcher," prepare to be enchanted by the whimsical performances, the imaginative use of props and puppetry, and the thought-provoking exploration of the timeless themes of youth, love, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. This production promises to captivate audiences, leaving them with a renewed sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the enduring magic of the Peter Pan story.