(OUTview NW) Re-view: "Peter and the Starcatcher" is only part of the story, but that is A-OK!

Peter not flying yet! (John McLellan)

by MK Scott

Oh, Peter Pan, you know that show with Mary Martin and later Cathy Rigby, you know the story?

How about the Backstory? No, this is not 'Finding Neverland" about author, J.M. Barrie, but more of a prequel called "Peter and the Starcatcher" co-written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, and Adapted  by Rick Elice (“Jersey Boys”) that opened the past weekend at West Seattle's Artswest Playhouse.

Directed by the FAB, Eric Ankrim who helmed last years huge hit, "American Idiot" surely brought the youthful energy to this production.

The cast is 99% men with the exception of the refreshing,  Aly Gutierrez as Molly. Plus Molly's Nanny and Head Mermaid, is played with Pizazz by Nathan Brockett.


I had always thought "Starcatcher" was a musical, but I quickly learned it is a play with music. There are just a few musical numbers in Act one, but way more in Act 2. The biggest and the best is when all the guys perform as mermaids. Hysterical!

In a rare Treat, this play has Twin actors, the Ab-licious, Patrick and Kirby McDermott.

The charming villain,  Blackstache (Saxton Jay Walker) is there with his crew and we later learn due to freak accident becomes, Hook.

Peter (played by the Fab, Trent Moury) is still youthful enough to play the 13 year old vulnerable Lost  Boy that will never grow up.

Molly's father, Lord Aster (forever young, Ryan McCabe) is captured by Blackstache and it is Peter (Pan) that must rescue him and battle Blackstache. But of course, we know this won't be the end of the story!

ArtsWest's ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ continues through Dec. 23, at ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery in West Seattle. Click HERE for Info.