Preparation is already underway for this spring’s first theater production.
Premiering Feb. 17, “Peter and the Starcatcher” redefines the classic story of never growing up. Originally a novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s best-seller “Peter and the Starcatchers,” this story was adapted to the stage by Rick Elice, with music composed by Wayne Barker; and will now be brought to life again on the Wallace Theatre stage.
Frank Mihelich, director and assistant theatre professor, enjoys the challenging yet rewarding aspects of this production.
“The play is very imaginative…it is not a traditional realism–everybody is on stage the whole time…that’s been both what’s exciting about it, but also the challenge because it is not just your typical ‘walk here, set here’ type of thing,” Mihelich said.
Alhough it is not technically considered a musical, “Peter and the Starcatcher” includes some musical aspects. With around six singing and dancing numbers, the story of Peter Pan before Neverland is told.
With tales of pirates and the camaraderie between boys, the show takes audiences on an adventure telling the untold story behind the classic.
Daniel Beimford, freshman theatre major, is not only debuting on the Wallace Theatre stage, but is starring as Peter Pan.
“Overall, this show is a lot different from most plays because it’s very fun, but also very emotional,” Beimford said. “It has been the most intense process I have ever been a part of, but also the most worth it. This has definitely been one of the best productions I’ve been a part of.”
“Peter and the Starcatcher” will seem nostalgic to the Disney film that is widely loved, but involves elements that audiences may not be expecting.
“People are not expecting for it to be as emotional as it is…(the play) paints Peter Pan as almost a tragedy because he never gets to grow up and he is a boy forever, and all these people he meets and falls in love with grow up and he sees them leave him,” Beimford said. “The emotional arcs in this story is something that people are going to walk away with.”
The production will run until Feb. 25, and tickets are $10 for students, $12 for faculty and $15 for the general public. The shows start at 7:30p.m. except for Saturday matinees at 2 p.m.
