The boy who never grew up
Alluvion and Academy of Fine Arts partner to premiere Peter Pan prequel
How exactly did Peter Pan become “the boy who never grew up?”
Magic — Audiences viewed the first Central Virginia showing of “Peter and the Starcatcher” at the Academy of Fine Arts in downtown Lynchburg. Photo credit: Leah Seavers
The answer to this age-old question is revealed in the play “Peter and the Starcatcher,” which opened at the Academy of Fine Arts Thursday, Jan. 15. The play is being presented through a partnership between Alluvion Stage Company, a professional theater company run through Liberty University’s Department of Theatre Arts, and the Academy of Fine Arts. “Peter and the Starcatcher” marks the second show produced as a collaborative between Alluvion and the academy.
According to Scott Hayes, associate dean for the School of Communication & Creative Arts and director of the show, the play is a prequel to J.M. Barrie’s novel “Peter and Wendy,” on which “Peter Pan” is based. Originally conceived as a 2006 novel, “Peter and the Starcatchers” by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson was adapted for the stage by Rick Elice. It had successful off-Broadway runs in 2011 and 2013, as well as a successful turn on Broadway in 2012.
The Alluvion production marks the show’s Central Virginia debut.
“The reason we get to do this premiere is because the university thinks that the arts are so important,” Hayes said. “That’s one of the very best things about having a professional theater company that’s part of Liberty University. To reinforce that, the company that controls the rights to the show (Music Theatre International) approached us, and we took them up on that offer to be the first professional theater in Central Virginia to produce the show.”
Although not originally intended to have a religious theme, Hayes believes the Christian atmosphere at Liberty gives the show a different meaning.
“When talking about original stories, you’re talking about how things are created,” Hayes said. “For me, it just goes back to who we worship — our creator.”
According to 2013 Liberty graduate Carson Burkett, who plays the boy who later becomes Peter Pan, the play makes the audience really contemplate their definition of “home.”
“You think the statement, ‘Home is where the heart is’ is really cliché,” Burkett said. “But it really does apply in this case. (The show) is a wonderful challenge to the audience to redefine what is important in their lives and what the definitions of home and family mean to them. It’s a great reminder that home isn’t necessarily a specific place. It’s not always your relational family, either. It can be many things.”
For Liberty senior Kara Faraldi, who portrays Molly Aster, the show is about enjoying the moments you have with other people.
“Molly and Peter go on this very brief, yet exciting, journey together,” Faraldi said. “They become closer because of it. The ending is very bittersweet because of the consequences that come with it. Just enjoy people and their company while you have it. As a graduating senior, that speaks to me a lot.”
The show runs through Jan. 25. The Academy of Fine Arts is located at 600 Main St. More information can be found at alluvionstage.com.
Maurer is a feature reporter.