Peter and the Starcatcher

press release: We are pleased to announce the performance of Peter and the Starcatcher, the multiple Tony Award-winning whimsical play about the origin of Peter Pan as told in an imaginative way by castaways on a desert island. Adapted from a young adult novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, a small cast plays dozens of characters with plenty of laughs plus some moments of poignant revelation.

Most people will recognize some of the elements of this familiar story (a curious and intelligent girl from a magical family; a nameless orphan boy; two ships full of sailors and pirates with adventure at every turn) but the show’s structure makes it even more compelling and rewarding. The characters that have washed up onshore use items they find in trunks and on the beach to bring the audience into a tale that celebrates friendship, love, life’s discoveries and what it means to grow up in the modern world. 

According to co-Director Allen Ebert, “Audiences will cheer the good guys, boo the villains and laugh at the outrageous antics of these characters… along with a healthy dose of mermaids, expanding crocodiles and exotic, made-up languages. At its heart, though, is the relatable story of overcoming obstacles in life and finding hope in the people around us.”

Costumes, props and the set are all essential elements of this show which also has a few songs and sounds to make it come alive. Audiences will need to be on their toes to see all the activity happening everywhere the stage while jokes and silliness abound with characters taking themselves a little too seriously. Seeing how they repurpose island items and clothes into their storytelling is a big part of what makes this show different and fun.

Performance dates: Nov. 7-9, 7:30; Nov. 10, 2:00; Nov. 14-16, 7:30. Thursday and Sunday tickets are $15; Friday and Saturday tickets are $17. Tickets are available at StoughtonVillagePlayers.org and McGlynn Pharmacy in Stoughton. All shows are the Stoughton Village Players Theater, 255 East Main St., Stoughton, WI.