'Peter and the Starcatcher' opening May 20 on the Wheaton Drama stage

Posted May 18, 2022 11:00 pm

Submitted by Wheaton Drama

Black Stache, Peter and the Boys are lost in the island forest of The Mollusks! Clockwise, from top left, are: David Pham, Aaron Hoge, Mike Frale, Benedict Slabik, Jake Murphy, Heidi Schultz, Ellie Paulsen, Leah Rae Witt, Matt Johnson, Christopher Williams, Melissa Heeres, and Shane Brown. "Peter and the Starcatcher"runs May 20 to June 12 at Wheaton Drama. Courtesy of Ken Beach

Wheaton Drama is opening its final production of the season this weekend.

"Peter and the Starcatcher" provides a humorous and fantastical back story for the beloved character of Peter Pan and his arch-nemesis, Captain Hook.

In this wickedly imaginative and family-friendly play, meet a poor orphaned boy called simply "Boy," because, in the absence of a mother and a father, he was never given a name.

Boy's sad and lonely world is turned upside down when he meets Molly.

The daughter of famous Starcatcher Lord Astor, the heroine is on a mission to save the world and protect a treasure trunk filled with magical star stuff from getting into the hands of evil and greedy pirate Black Stache.

As they travel aboard the Neverland ship headed for a faraway land, Molly and Boy learn about love and friendship and forge an unbreakable bond.

Directed by Sean Ogren and produced by Elyse Willis, with scenic design by R.J. Ogren, "Peter and the Starcatcher" is filled with drama, comedy, and songs that will delight theatergoers of all ages - especially those who refuse to grow up. Photos by Ken Beach

Peter is played by Jake Murphy, with Ellie Paulsen as Molly Aster and Christopher Williams as Lord Leonard Aster. Other cast members include: David Pham as Prentiss, Mike Frale as Ted, Shane Brown as Mrs. Bumbrake/Teacher, Melissa Heeres as Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Benedict Slabik as The Black Stache, Heidi Schultz as Bill Slank/Hawking Clam, Leah Rae Witt as Grempkin/Mack/Sanchez, Aaron Hoge as Smee, and Matt Johnson as Alf.

The Tony Award-winning play was written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker, based on a book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson.

The play runs at Wheaton Drama, 111 N. Hale in downtown Wheaton, from May 20 through June 12, with performances Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings beginning at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoons starting at 2 p.m. Performances will be interpreted in American Sign Language for the deaf and hard of hearing Sunday, May 29, and Friday, June 3.

For tickets, visit the Wheaton Drama website, wheatondrama.org/project/peter-and-the-starcatcher-2, or call the ticket line directly at (630) 260-1820.

Peter (Jake Murphy) takes flight. Wheaton Drama wraps up its season with "Peter and the Starcatcher" May 20 to June 12. Courtesy of Ken Beach

After falling down the mountain, Peter (Jake Murphy) leaps into a pool of shimmering water in Wheaton Drama's production of "Peter and the Starcatcher," opening Friday, May 20. Courtesy of Ken Beach

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