Making its way to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on Broadway after a run at NY Theater Workshop, there certainly could have been worrisome moments wondering how this whimsical theatrical production would transfer from 200 seats to 1000 seats. No worries! It’s as delightful as ever with some additional scenery and more space. This is still the all-too-clever story of Peter Pan before he was Peter Pan. In this laugh-a-minute prequel, cleverly adapted from a 2004 children’s book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson by Jersey Boyslibrettist Rick Elice, you’ll find yourself aboard the SS Neverland with unkempt Boy (Adam Chanler-Berat) and his band of orphans played by Carson Elrod and David Rossmer, all captives on their way to Rondoon.
Smee (Kevin Del Aguila), Stache’s right hand man, spends his time correcting the malapropisms uttered by the irrepressible Borle who tumbles, leaps and spins in this amazing portrayal.
The Mermaids (entire cast of 12) who open Act II garner some of the biggest laughs with the all male cast, except for Keenan-Bolger, dressed in bra tops and long skirts as they sway their way through original music penned by Wayne Barker; Borle in bikini top with two vegetable steamers attached that open and close, while others wear anything from plastic bottles to plastic juicers. Delightful clever costume designs by Paloma Young.
With Teddy Bergman as Fighting Prawn, Isaiah Johnson as Captain Scott and Gregg Hildreth as Alf, the cast is perfection. The skillful and clever direction is the winning team of Roger Rees and Alex Timbers.
Catch the star stuff and feel young forever with “Peter and the Starcatcher” at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on West 47th Street.
*Photo Joan Marcus