Show Lets Imaginations Soar
Lauren BonneyTHE SANTA CLARANovember 14, 2013It’s the final push before the end of the quarter, and while you may not think you have time for anything else, it is important to take a little break to relax. Head into San Francisco for an evening of fun and experience “Peter and the Starcatchers.”This Broadway show is currently being shown at the Curran Theatre and has captivated audiences across the country.Based on the children’s book “Peter and the Starcatchers” by humor columnist Dave Barry and novelist Ridley Pearson, the play cleverly weaves this adventurous story with J.M. Barrie’s original “Peter Pan,” creating an imaginative prequel to the classic narrative.
Written by Rick Elice, the play brilliantly uses imagination, both in subject matter and the way the audience connects to the story, to create a fantastical world straight out of a dream.Instead of depending on elaborate sets to portray this world, the play allows the audience to use their imaginations to create a world that is not right in front of their face, using lighting and creativity rather than props. Common household items are used to suggest everything from a mermaid to a bird flying overhead.The set, for the most part, is pretty empty. To convey characters walking down or up stairs, rope is used to hint the slope of stairs. Locations are ingeniously suggested rather than defined in the conventional sense.The dialogue is fast paced and incredibly witty, and with the addition of modern slang and pop cultural references, hilarity ultimately ensues. The small cast covers a wide range of complex, well-developed characters who will have you guffawing in your seat.“Peter and the Starcatchers” truly is an entertaining theater-going experience that allows every audience member to dream as big as they want.“Peter and the Starcatchers” is a fabulous show that pushes you to use and cherish your imagination, while allowing you to fall in love with a classic childhood story in a completely new way. Contact Lauren Bonney at lbonney@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.