Berkshire on Stage

“Peter and the Starcatcher”, currently playing at SLOC Musical Theater, is an ambitious production that brings to life the whimsical backstory of Peter Pan. A mix of slapstick humor, heartfelt moments, and theatrical ingenuity, the play has its moments of charm but ultimately feels uneven in execution. While the performances are energetic, and the script itself is full of wit, the production’s strongest elements lie in its visual presentation; particularly the set and costume design, which elevate the experience beyond what the performances alone manage to achieve.

The staging of “Peter and the Starcatcher” is an impressive feat, given the space constraints of community theater. The set design (Molly Waters, also serving as Director) makes clever use of wooden structures, ropes, and nautical elements to evoke the seafaring adventure at the heart of the story. The transitions between the ship and the island are seamless, with lighting (Laura Darling) and minimal set changes doing much of the heavy lifting. There’s a certain scrappy feel to it all, reminiscent of classic theatrical techniques that rely on suggestion rather than realism. The designers clearly understood the need to keep things visually engaging, and in that regard, they succeeded admirably.

Similarly, the costume design (Rory Alexa) contributes greatly to the production’s success. The whimsical, slightly worn aesthetic of the pirate costumes fits the playful tone of the show, while the orphans’ ragged clothing subtly underscores their struggles. The decision to go with exaggerated, colorful designs for some of the more fantastical characters helps distinguish them from the rest of the cast, making for a dynamic and visually cohesive production. The mermaids, in particular, are a highlight, with costumes that are delightfully over-the-top and appropriately theatrical without veering into gaudiness.

While the technical aspects of the show are a hit, the performances themselves are more of a mixed bag. The cast is undoubtedly enthusiastic, and there are moments of genuine comedic brilliance, often from Black Stache (David Quiñones, Jr.), but at times, the energy feels misplaced or uneven. There seemed to also be an over-reliance on “inside jokes” that most SLOC regulars would probably find amusing, but confusing for the casual theatre-goer.

One of the production’s standout performers is Ben Amey playing Mrs. Bumbrake. Often relegated to a minor role in most adaptations of Peter Pan lore, the nanny is given a surprising amount of comedic weight in this production, and Ben fully embraces the absurdity of the character. Whether through expressive physical comedy, perfectly timed line deliveries, or just a general sense of commitment to the role, they steal nearly every scene they’re in. 

“Peter and the Starcatcher” is a play that thrives on a sense of momentum. When done well, it should feel like an exhilarating ride from beginning to end. This production occasionally loses steam, particularly in scenes that rely heavily on dialogue rather than action. There are moments where jokes don’t quite land and others where dramatic pauses stretch just a bit too long. 

Despite these shortcomings, “Peter and the Starcatcher” is still an enjoyable night at the theater, largely thanks to the creativity behind its visual elements. The set and costumes are so well-executed that they almost become characters in their own right, adding layers and personality to the production. Even when the performances waver, the show remains a treat to look at, making it a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate the artistry of live theater.

In the end, “Peter and the Starcatcher” may not be a perfect show, but it has its strengths. The technical aspects shine and there are enough moments of cleverness and charm to make it worth seeing. Come early for the sea shanties, stay for the whimsy. 

“Peter and the Starcacher” by Rick Elice, directed by Molly Waters, plays at SLOC Musical Theater, 427 Franklin Street, Schenectady, NY 12305, through March 23, 2025. CAST: Ben Amey as Mrs. Bumbrake; Max Beyer as Boy; Hannah M. DeStefano as Molly; Wren DiCocco as Smee; Paige Kenneally as Bill Slank and Hawking Clam; Kason Mulderry as Ted; Joe Plock as Lord Leonard Aster; Ari Polburn as Prentiss; David Quiñones, Jr. as Black Stache; James Rios as Alf; Edwin Vazquez as Captain Scott and Sanchez; and Livia Walker as Grempkin, Mack, and Fighting Prawn. CREATIVE TEAM: Producers MJ Alexander & Michaela Torres; Musical Director James W. Alexander; Assistant Director Amy Sarah LaMena; Set Design Molly Waters; Lighting & Effects Design Laura Darling; Sound Design Katie Fitzmorris; Costume Design Rory Alexa; Hair & Make-up Design Jennie Canale; Property Design Kimberly Austin; Stage Manager Sara Fredericks;

For tickets: 518-730-7370 or https://sloctheater.org/project/peter-and-the-starcatcher/. Remaining performances March 20-22 at 8:00pm, March 23 at 3:00pm.