Photo by Anirudh Kulkarni
By Layney Keesee
University Theatre’s first production of the 2023-2024 academic year, Peter and the Starcatcher, took its final bow on October 29, 2023. The two-week run garnered much attention from students involved in the arts, as well as alumni, faculty and even Chancellor Randy Woodson, who viewed the production on its opening night.
A family-friendly tale of family, belonging and courage, Peter and the Starcatcher was executed perfectly, down to its smallest detail. Serving as a prelude to Peter Pan, Peter and the Starcatcher follows Peter and his budding friendship with a young girl named Molly, who must prevent the dubious pirate, Black Stache, from getting ahold of a trunk full of stardust.
For the production, NC State’s Titmus Theater was transformed into a tangible representation of childhood innocence and imagination. The aim for the production design was to appear as a game of make-believe put on by British schoolchildren in a dusty attic. Wooden stage structures, battered trunks and painted wood grain on the stage floor wonderfully delivered this concept to the audience.
Costuming also played a large role in exhibiting the playful attitude of the production. The base for all characters’ costumes were school uniforms that were then layered with mismatched items of clothing to perpetuate the idea that children were throwing on what they found in the attic to look like pirates and mermaids. Exaggerated blush and drawn-on facial hair make the actors appear as if they are children who may have gotten ahold of their mother’s makeup bag.
The visual elements assist the music and dialogue in telling the story of three young orphan boys and a girl with a mysterious yet magical ability. Whimsical and enjoyable, the production was well worth seeing. The cast and crew were incredibly talented, and have worked hard to balance their schoolwork with putting on a production they are very clearly passionate about. Personally, I found that viewing the production with a few friends made for a wonderful, yet relaxed, evening without having to leave campus.
The next large University Theatre production, Jekyll & Hyde, premieres February 15, 2024 in Stewart Theater. A full list of events, as well as where to buy tickets and how to get involved, can be found on the University Theatre website.