Edmonds Driftwood Players shine in Peter and the Starcatcher

Merpeople

Theatre review by Luanne Brown

Photos by Dale Sutton of Magic Photo

Have you ever wondered who Peter Pan really was and how he got to Neverland? This and other intriguing questions about the J. M. Barrie character are answered in “Peter and the Starcatcher” now playing at the Wade James Theater in Edmonds.

Peter first appeared in a chapter of Barrie’s book, “The Little White Bird”. Inspired by his own creation, Barrie returned to Peter time and again in other books and his play, “Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up”, which premiered on the London Stage in 1904.

Peter and his crew of Lost Boys have been capturing hearts and minds ever since, and Peter and the Starcatcher is based on a novel by the well-known authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, published in 2006. The playwright is Rick Elice and the music is by Wayne Barker.

 
The staging of this play is imaginative and will delight especially the kids in the crowd. I took four of my ‘grands’ to the show ranging in ages from 7-to-13 and they enjoyed it. Refreshingly, there is something in the story that appeals to both boys and girls.

Molly, played by Anna Vizzare, is a strong girl with a strong independent mind, who won’t take a back seat to anyone. Vizzare brings a vibrant determination to her role that was inspiring. Oliver Girouard plays Peter with a palpable longing and wistfulness that is endearing. Edmonds Heights’ music teacher Christopher Puckett was deliciously villainous as Black Stache.

Slank and Stash

 

The rest of the cast was outstanding as well, including Reed Viydo as the swashbuckling Slank, Jack Lush as the obsequious Smee, Anjulene Weaver as Mrs. Bumbrake, Marina Pierce as Sanchez, Rachel Mills as Hawking Clam, Dan Ruiz as Alf, Jack Dearth as Lord Aster, Jim Walker as Mack, and Kevin Tanner as Grempkin. Coleman Hunter as Ted and Hersh Powers as Prentiss were plucky as Peter’s friends and were especially intriguing to my 7- and 9-year-old grandsons.

Ably directed by Adam Othman, the play runs through December 23, with 8pm performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Sunday performances are at 2pm. The play is performed at The Wade James Theater, 950 Main Street, Edmonds. Tickets on the webpage or call the Box Office at 425-774-9600, option 1.