
|
Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce that individual tickets for the North American Tour of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS , A New Musical will go on sale Friday, April 17. The hit Broadway musical will make its Chicago premiere at the James M. Nederlander Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.) for a limited engagement June 23—July 5, 2026. Individual tickets range from $30.00 to $130.00, with a limited number of premium seats available. See below for additional ticket information and the performance schedule. |
|
|
|
|
It’s dark on the Neverland ship, and Molly, Prentis, Ted, and Boy are hiding in a corner – waiting for the coast to clear. As they huddle and watch, the four begin talking about dreams. All have experienced their fair share of hardships, but for the briefest moment, they look to a world of what could be.
Boy has been fairly quiet to this point – only following Molly with the promise of better food. However, at this discussion, he perks up, and whispers his dream aloud:
“The world will be so beautiful that no one will ever have to say sorry again.”
Many of us know the story of Peter Pan. The story of a boy who never wanted to grow up. All he wants is to fly around Neverland with the Lost Boys – fighting Pirates and finding adventure after adventure. The heart of the story is full of magic, and all the wonderful possibilities that come with a youthful energy and imagination.
Being a prequel to the famous tale (and based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson), Peter and the Starcatcher carries much of the same wonder. As Boy whispers his dream to the audience, you might find yourself reminded of that original story. Perhaps if you, like myself, grew up a fan of Peter Pan, you will even find yourself smiling and leaning in upon hearing the sweet innocence of the fantasy. Even in a moment where everything feels dark and uncertain, Boy, dares to dream – exploring a childlike wonder that so many eventually lose, but to which can be so fun to return.
Peter and the Starcatcher follows Boy (or later named Peter – played by Terry Bell), who is held captive on the Neverland ship with two fellow orphans - Prentis (Michaela Shaprio) and Ted (Brandon Acosta). When they meet Stardust Apprentice Molly (Shelbi Voss), their whole world is turned upside down. A quest for better food turns into an unexpected adventure when Pirates come on board – attempting to steal back a trunk full of precious stardust, which Molly and her father are sworn to protect. Drawn to Molly’s heroism, Boy takes it upon himself to protect this stardust at all costs – even if it means going toe to toe with Pirates and a terrifying ocean.
Directed by Nate Cohen, Paramount Theatre’s intimate production is intensely theatrical. Rick Elice’s play carries a storybook charm, with various forms of narration throughout and actors playing multiple roles depending on the needs of the moment. Sometimes actors step out of the action to narrate the next event, while other characters have moments of speaking in third person. Cohen and his team lean into the storybook feel – particularly in the collaboration between Scenic Designer Myra G Reavis and Props Designer Ivy Treccani. The set is minimalistic, and primarily comprised of various objects one might find in a theater. Ladders, stools, sheets, and chairs are utilized in multiple ways to represent various locations – all moved by the actors themselves. The effect? The audience is witnessing the story unfold and reconfigure in front of them with each scene, creating the feel of being inside the storybook alongside the characters. We are invited to use our imagination alongside the performers to fill in the dots, and with the intimate feel of Paramount’s Copley Theatre space, you might find that this adds to the experience.
As many of us know, Peter Pan is full of magic, and Peter and the Starcatcher is much the same. Lighting Designer Jackie Fox utilizes gold fairy lights to create the illusion of stardust – creating stunning stage pictures throughout the production.
One such moment occurs towards the end of the first act. Boy asks Molly for proof of what stardust can do. If he is going to risk his life to save it, then he may as well know why. Begrudgingly, Molly takes out her stardust, and whispers the following:
“To have faith is to have wings.”
From there, the surrounding lights dim and the specks of gold brighten. Molly is lifted above by actors, and as we see her spread her arms, Boy looks up in pure awe. Voss and Bell play the moment wonderfully – particularly as Voss’ Molly enjoys the feel of proving Bell wrong when he doubts her abilities. Most impressive though, at least personally, is the way in which Cohen stages the magic. As we see Molly lifted above by her ensemble, we too are invited to use our imagination - to have faith. From there, Cohen once again invites the audience to return to their own childhoods and enjoy the magic of storytelling and believing in the impossible.
Full of stunning performances and remarkable stage magic, Peter and the Starcatcher will leave you on the edge of your seat – eager for what’s next and wishing there was more beyond the final lights down.
Peter and the Starcatcher runs at Paramount Theatre’s Copley Theatre – 8 E Galena Blvd in Aurora through September 1, 2024. See the Paramount Theatre Website for tickets and information.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Produced in partnership with JunkHeart, The Metal Shop Performance Lab is proud to announce the cast and creative team for Anatomy of a Suicide, August…
Black Ensemble Theater Founder and Executive Director Jackie Taylor proudly announces Black Ensemble's Juneteenth Prelude: Celebrating Freedom and Black Expression, as part of…
Welcome to Southie, a Boston neighborhood where a night on the town means a few rounds of bingo, this month’s…
Award-winning Redtwist Theatre presents Deserted, playing June 14 through August 2, a world premiere by Melanie Coffey and directed by Laura Sturm*, at Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn…
Black Ensemble Theater continues its 50th Anniversary Season with the return of the celebrated musical revue Men of Soul, written and directed by Artistic…
Now fully activated, Collaboraction Theatre Company’s new House of Belonging in the Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N. Kimball Ave in…
Definition Theatre's Amplify New Play Program exists to elevate emerging voices, and Netta Walker's keerah certainly arrives with ambition. Loosely…
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce the cast…
No Dogs in the Kitchen Theatre is thrilled to continue its third season with The Importance of Being Earnest, written by…
Following is critically acclaimed productions of Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods, Kokandy Productions once again celebrates the great Stephen…
Some theatrical experiences ask you to sit back and watch. "The Last Word" invites you to pull up a chair,…
Paramount Theatre’s smash hit, immersive musical Million Dollar Quartet wrapped its spring run at downtown Aurora’s Stolp Island Theatre this…
Paramount Theatre is proud to host the world’s most influential name in comedy, The Second City, back for for a…
Studebaker Theater (Erica Berger and Jacob Harvey), P3 Productions (Ben Holtzman, Sammy Lopez, and Fiona Howe Rudin) and Audible, in collaboration with Teatro Vista…
About Face Theatre is proud to announce its 32nd season featuring the Pulitzer Prize winning musical A Strange Loop and the Midwest Premiere of i…
Broadway In Chicago will bring its free annual SUMMER CONCERT to Millennium Park on Monday, August 10, 2026. Sponsored by…
Lookingglass Theatre Company presents Ice Cream Circus! 2026, a free, family-friendly theatrical event presented as part of the Chicago Park District's Night Out…
The South Florida based YI Love Jewish and Chicago-based Arts Judaica proudly join forces to present a limited engagement of the Chicago…
JK Entertainment is proud to announce the final production of their inaugural season: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, the cult-classic created…
Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre announces today that the recent stars of Porchlight in Concert’s production of Follies, Tony Award-nominee Felicia P. Fields and Broadway’s…
Hot off their record-breaking, award-winning runs of Jekyll & Hyde and Amélie, Kokandy Productions is pleased to launch its 2026 Season with the revolutionary "love-rock"…
Babes With Blades Theatre Company’s (BWBTC) 2026 season opens with a world premiere, yo ho., by playwright SMJ, directed by JD Caudill and fight choreography by Carly…
PrideArts announced today that Craig Ramsay and Catherine Wreford will bring the magic of Broadway to the Hoover-Leppen Theatre at…
Music Theater Works is proud to announce the cast and creative team for the second production of its 2026 season, West Side…
David Koechner stormed into The Den Theatre’s Mainstage this weekend with the kind of unruly, big‑hearted presence that instantly reminded…
Chicago continues to produce some of the most exciting work in the country this Summer, offering a wide variety of plays…
Spaceman, presented by [producingbody], touches down at The Edge Off-Broadway with a quiet, unnerving force, pulling audiences into the fragile…
Set in Chicago’s oldest fire station (now Firehouse Art Studio) the immersive play "Fire House” is only loosely tethered to…
Spamalot rides into the Windy City courtesy of Broadway In Chicago, inviting theatergoers to join King Arthur’s quest now through…
Raven Theatre, under the director of Executive Artistic Director Jonathan Berry, announces its 44th season, to include Michael R. Jackson's Pulitzer Prize-winning musical A Strange…
Collaboraction Theatre announces June shows and events in its new House of Belonging in Humboldt Park
Redtwist Theatre presents Anatomy of A Suicide August 12-30
Juneteenth Prelude: Celebrating Freedom and Black Expression, an evening of entertainment and community
The Second City's Laughing For All The Wrong Reasons - Paramount's Copley Theatre - Through June 20th
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.