Embark on a Fantastical Adventure with "Peter and the Starcatcher"

Origins and Characters

Before the legendary Neverland came to be, the story began with an orphan boy named Peter. "Peter and the Starcatcher" provides a captivating backstory to the beloved tale of Peter Pan and Captain Hook. We meet a poor orphaned child, simply known as Boy, along with fellow orphans and the young Molly – the daughter of famous starcatcher Lord Astor. Molly embarks on a mission to save the world and protect a treasure trunk filled with "magical star stuff" from the clutches of evil pirate Black Stache. As they set sail aboard the Neverland ship, Molly and Boy discover the true meaning of love and friendship.

Guest director Ted Clement, hailing from the Community College of Rhode Island's theatre department, brings a dynamic touch to the production. With experience ranging from Circle Mirror Transformation to Green Day's American Idiot, he has earned numerous awards. His concept for the play is to set it in "grandma's attic," a space filled with memories, where children seek adventure and discover the world of "Peter and the Starcatcher."

Scenic Design and Imagination

Reénee Surprenant Fitzgerald, a URI alum, brings her expertise to the scenic design. She creates a space that looks like an attic yet transforms with lighting and fun props. It can be imagined as a ship, inspiring children's play. By combining architecture, shapes, and wooden beams, she makes the set feel like a real attic while sparking children's imagination. The theatre department often collaborates with her, as she is a freelance designer and scenic artist with work across the country.

With a director at the helm and a transformative attic, the story is brought to life by freshman Max Hunter as Boy. His relatability and growth throughout the play are remarkable. Hunter believes that everyone can connect with Boy's experiences, whether it's trauma or falling in love. Working with Ted Clement has taught Hunter to have fun and find joy in acting.

Themes and Relevance

"Peter and the Starcatcher" explores deep themes such as greed, despair, friendship, duty, and love. Examined through a child's eyes, these themes have a relevant connection to our culture today. The play is a satire that lampoons English colonialism, a subject that is being actively confronted in our world. Despite its serious themes, the play is hilariously constructed, with the actors bringing amazing energy to the comedy.

In addition to the regular performances, the production offers a special treat to local Rhode Island schools. 150 students from various schools will attend a school performance followed by a talkback with the cast and creative team. This was made possible by a generous gift from Mary Higgins, a URI class of '67, allowing a theatrical experience for high school students and helping to recruit future artists.

Peter and the Starcatcher runs Nov. 21-23 and Dec. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 24 and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. in J Studio at the Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $20 for the general public and $15 for senior citizens and URI students, faculty, and staff. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling (401) 874-5843 or at the box office in Room 101H of the Fine Arts Center.

Peter and the Starcatcher cast: Max Hunter (Boy/Peter), Abraphine Ngafaih (Molly), Ethan Clarke (Black Stache), David Satana (Prentiss), Ryan DeSacia (Ted), Terrence Fry (Grempkin/Mack/Sanchez), Cole Stanley (Smee), Isaiah Agabi (Lord Aster), Christian Owen (Fighting Prawn), Ella Kenny (Mrs. Bumbrake), Matt Perrotta (Alf), Brandon Tallardy (Captain Scott), Maeve Murray (Teacher), Jake DeShiro (Slank/Hawking Clam), Caroline Cronin (Ensemble), Princess Johnson (Ensemble), Fletcher Pike (Ensemble), Tatiana Sullivan (Ensemble).