Governor Simcoe flies beyond Neverland
There are multiple reasons why the story of Peter Pan remains popular. One of these is that it never gets old.
With a sprinkling of song, humour, and fairy dust, Governor Simcoe’s “Peter and the Starcatcher” initiates a quest for self-discovery. Its light-hearted demeanour does not, however, overshadow the personal journey which the characters embark on in search of either hidden treasure or a loving home.
“Peter and the Starcatcher,” a play which premiered in 2009 from the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, recounts the tale of Peter Pan before life in Neverland.
Set in 1885 under the reign of Queen Victoria, the story follows young Molly Aster and a nameless Boy on their mission to keep magical starstuff away from a barbaric ensemble of pirates.
In the style of Story Theatre, Simcoe shatters the wall between actors and audience members in a fun and interactive manner. The narration provided by the characters moves the plot along seamlessly, jumping from scene to scene as smoothly as flipping pages in a storybook. Humorous lines and engaging moments hook the audience into the swashbuckling tale from beginning to end.
The cast of 34 students manoeuvred around the vast stage with expertise and in constant action. There was never a dull moment as the rambunctious pirates and sailors, alluring mermaids, and savage mollusks caused viewers to holler with laughter at their antics.
The chemistry between the cast was overwhelming. Like a true family, the support and chemistry they had for one another shone through the production in great volumes. Emma Fox, in the role of Molly Aster, and Adam McIsaac, in the role of Boy/Peter, performed at ease with one another and had the audience rooting for their young love. Lucas Romanelli (Black Stache) and William ShicklunaPierce (Smee), on the other hand, were a dynamic partner-in-crime duo who provided a sense of comedic relief in each scene.
The set painting which was done by students was an impressive display of ship fragments that became more than what meets the eye. Triggering the viewer's imagination, Simcoe believably shaped the fragments into grand ships, shrubs into vibrant jungles, and costumes into creatures. Colour and flair clothed the cast into fantastical beings and further accentuated the thought put into the production.
Lighting and sound operators, Ciaran Brophy and Hunter Fulton respectively, worked behind the scenes to enhance the show with their flawlessly executed cues. Flashy and colourful lighting set the mood in a powerful manner, whether it be sombre or jolly. Sound effects, such as the iconic crocodile ticking, was a flashback to the childhood-favourite story of Peter Pan and awak- ened a sense of nostalgia among the viewers.
With the incorporation of musical elements into the play, Governor Simcoe surpassed all expectations with numbers such as Mermaid Outta Me and Hurricano Swim On. Pirates transformed into mermaids, shrubbery turns into mollusks, and children find a home all through lively musical transitions and captivating narration.
“Peter and the Starcatcher” is fearless in its pursuit to uncover what it truly means to have a home — demonstrating that it is not a place but rather a sense of belonging.
Entrancing audiences of all ages, Governor Simcoe flies above and beyond to rekindle the youthful flame burning inside all of us in a dazzling night overflowing with magic and adventure.