ISU Theatre’s ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ brings magic, pirates, and heartfelt fun to Fisher Theater

ISU Theatre’s “Peter and the Starcatcher” opens in Fisher Theater on Thursday, April 16, welcoming audiences into a world of imagination. The Tony Award-winning play upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan boy becomes the legendary Peter Pan. As orphans unite to protect the magic of the community, this show will prove leaders can come from anywhere.

Based on the popular novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson with book by Rick Elice and music by Wayne Barker, this prequel to the story of Peter Pan is a fast-paced, wildly theatrical adventure.

Crafted through creativity and collaboration

“Peter and the Starcatcher” won five Tony Awards in 2012, including awards for sound design, lighting design, costume design, and scenic design. ISU Theatre’s production is directed by guest alumni director Brittny Rebhuhn (’13 performing arts), who described the play as a “gift” for artists and audiences.

“It is made in such a way that opens the door to deep collaboration, endless imagination, and a world of heart,” she said. “I’m particularly excited for the cast and creative team to share their vision and creation with audiences.”

As the show builds the backstory for the legend of Peter Pan, audiences will meet a trio of orphans; the precocious Molly Aster; the pirate “Black Stache;” Smee; a “pirate-y magic” ensemble band; and many others as thrilling adventure unfolds aboard a ship called The Neverland.

Rebhuhn said the team experimented with music and folly sounds to deepen the comedy and heartache of the story. Using the power of imagination, they also breathed new life into existing ISU Theatre warehouse props, costumes, and set pieces.

“While a sword might not be a literal sword, we invite the imagination to transform a kitchen spoon or a plunger into a deadly weapon,” she said.

A show ‘stuffed with silliness’

Devon TeKolste (’26 performing arts) plays “Black Stache,” a pirate eager to cement his reputation as a villain.

“My favorite part about working on this show is that it is stuffed with silliness, and the cast embraces every moment of it,” TeKolste said. “Getting to play such a temperamental antagonist in a show such as this has also been delightfully challenging and greatly expanded my confidence in my capabilities.”

Audiences should prepare to laugh, cheer, and play along, he added.

“In this show, the audience can look forward to belly laughs, sore cheekbones, and maybe even some very strong eye watering,” he said. “The more energy the audience gives, the more energy we can give back to you!”

Making memories at Iowa State

Rebhuhn is a resident artist company member with Iowa Stage Theatre Company and is an actor, director, and writer in numerous stage and film productions around central Iowa. She said being back in the “purple seats” of the Fisher Theater auditorium reminded her of falling in love with theatre as an Iowa State student and wondering where the art form might lead her.

“I look back with such fondness on that time, to be in the depths of passion while finding a rock to stand upon,” she said. “Through my education here, I was able to find an avenue to be the creator I wanted to be. Being able to return and revisit that for a time is cherished.”

Rebhuhn said she hopes audiences for “Peter and the Starcatcher” can experience the joy of being present for live theatre, while revisiting their memories of childhood and what it means to inevitably grow up.

“I hope they look back on that with a kind of reverence and appreciation,” she said. “What a gift to be young. What a gift to grow old. What a gift to know love. What a gift to know the heartache of saying goodbye. From the first audition to the final curtain call, I can’t express just how impressed I am with these students and their journeys in this program and just how honored I am to be a part of it. What a gift.”

Showtimes and ticket information

Showtimes are April 16, April 17, and April 18 at 7:30 p.m., and April 19 at 2:00 p.m. All performances will take place at Fisher Theater.

All tickets are general admission ($20 for adults; youth and Iowa State students free). Tickets can be purchased at the door, through the Iowa State Center Ticket Office (open Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), or any Ticketmaster. Free youth and student tickets can be obtained at the door or in advance (recommended) through the Iowa State Center Ticket Office. For more information, visit theatre.iastate.edu.