The Bossier Parish Community College Performing Arts Program and Cavalier Players proudly announce their fall production of the whimsical and adventurous stage fantasy Peter and the Starcatcher. Performances are scheduled for Oct. 28-Nov. 1 in BPCC’s Stephen W. Slaughter Theatre, located in Building C on the Bossier campus, 6220 East Texas St. in Bossier City.
The popular and wildly imaginative Tony Award-winning Broadway comedy was adapted from the best-selling novels by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson about how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). This wildly theatrical adaptation was conceived for the stage by its directors, Roger Rees and Alex Timbers, and written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair… and the bonds of friendship, duty, and love.
The story follows the dangerous journey of the misunderstood boy with no name (soon to become Peter) and his new friend, Molly, an Apprentice Starcatcher. They endeavor to protect Queen Victoria’s precious secret cargo of “star stuff” from misadventure. The stuff’s potent magical power cannot fall into evil hands, particularly those of the notorious pirate, Black Stache. The “star stuff” must be protected until the whole trunk of it can be destroyed. If any of this sounds familiar to you, then you and your family are sure to enjoy this prequel to a century-old story.
The play features performances by BPCC students (mostly theatre majors) with Sutton Gay as the Boy, Ellen Douglas as Molly, and Geoff Sloane as Black Stache. Andy Thrasher and Jackson Corbett will play the orphans, Prentis and Ted. Also appearing are Saige Williams as Smee and Ben Moss as Mrs. Bumbrake. MC Carpenter, a recent BPCC Theatre Graduate, plays Alf, and BPCC staffer Lari Leber will portray Grempkin and others. In numerous ensemble roles are Patrick Smithson, Michael Calvaresi, Sabina Lucius, Dan Gray, Chrystal Davis, and Faith Robinson. Mystery Almond will stage manage the production, and Ray Landry will serve as the music technician.
Program Director Ray Scott Crawford directs Peter, and Lari Leber serves as combat choreographer. Rona Leber is Costume Designer, David White is Set and Lighting Designer, and Davi Cole is Properties Designer.
Dr. Crawford states, “I grew up watching the television production of the Broadway musical of Peter Pan, tuning in when it aired once a year. Of course, the Disney animated film, and the movie sequels of Hook and other renditions of the legendary tales of Peter Pan fed my fascination with the magical tales of pirates, pixie dust, and the Boy Who Could Fly! I’ll never forget playing Captain Hook in graduate school. I saw this play in New York years ago and knew then that I would direct it one day. That day has come, and I could not be happier to bring this fantasy to our theatre community.”
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on October 28, 29, 30, and 31; and at 2:00 p.m. on October 31 and November 1. Tickets are $15 and go on sale September 28. BPCC students, faculty, and staff may receive one ticket at no cost. Please note that this is a full-length play (about 1 hour and 50 minutes). The story will appeal to both young and old, but it is not recommended for children under eight.
To reserve seats, visit www.bpcc.edu/theatre or call the BPCC Theatre Box Office at 318-678-6021.