Culture
Ohio University’s Tantrum Theater journeys to Neverland in ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’
By: Woohyuk Kong
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Ohio University’s Tantrum Theater brings together students, faculty and theater professionals to tell the origin story of Peter Pan in its latest production, Peter and the Starcatcher.
Written by Rick Elice, Peter and the Starcatcher follows the famous boy in green before he ever earns his name. Alongside Molly and his fellow orphans, Peter embarks on a quest to deliver a chest of precious cargo, encountering villainous pirates and vengeful, talking mollusks along the way.
Fun for the Whole Crew
At first glance, Peter and the Starcatcher might seem like a children’s show, with its fantastical elements and four young protagonists: Peter, Molly, Prentiss and Ted. But director Brendon Fox emphasized that the production has something to offer audiences of all ages.
“Whatever age you’re at, it’s going to meet you there,” Fox said, comparing the play to Pixar films like WALL-E, which explore themes that audiences can appreciate differently as they grow older.
Tyler Murray, who plays Peter, echoed that sentiment, explaining that the show’s whimsical nature doesn’t diminish the seriousness of its characters’ experiences.
“It being a show for kids and adults means that I get to let every moment have the real weight it deserves,” Murray explained. “It’s not dumbed down for kids.”
Erik Gratton, who plays the villainous pirate Black Stache, shared a similar perspective. When he first encountered the play in 2013, Gratton was drawn to Peter. As he grew older, however, he found himself increasingly interested in Black Stache.
Uncharted Waters
Molly McHugh, who plays Molly, highlighted how Peter and the Starcatcher distinguishes itself from other interpretations of the Peter Pan story, particularly through her character.
Intelligent and determined, Molly takes on a central role in the adventure, guiding Peter and helping drive the story forward as a co-protagonist.
McHugh also noted that the production incorporates references to contemporary media, offering a fresh perspective on the familiar Peter Pan mythology.
Fox emphasized that audiences don’t need to know the original story to enjoy the production.
“So there are these fun little parallels, but it’s really quite different,” Fox explained. “If you don’t know any of it, it allows you just to come in and enjoy the ride.”
Interactive Storytelling
Another distinctive element of Peter and the Starcatcher is its interactive approach to storytelling, which draws audiences into the action.
“It’s like a bedtime story,” Murray said. “Things will break the scene and bring them in even more to the world of the play.”
Although the cast follows a set script, Gratton explained that performers make subtle adjustments from one performance to the next. Changes in timing, line delivery and reactions help shape the show’s chaotic energy and keep each performance feeling fresh.
The production’s immersive qualities also extend to its fight choreography, particularly a confrontation between Peter and Black Stache.
“We have an amazing fight and intimacy choreographer, Jose Perez,” Fox said. “… (there is) a climactic scene between Peter and Black Stache. One of the highlights is definitely going to be the showdown.”
Tantrum Theater will present “Peter and the Starcatcher” Nov. 5-21 at the Forum Theater in Ohio University’s Radio-Television Communication Building (35 College St.) Performances take place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with additional 2 p.m. matinees Nov. 7, 14, 15 and 21. Tickets range from $12 to $26.