Star stuff. It's all about star stuff and imagination, in Heartwood's tour de force production of the Tony Award Winning “Peter and the Starcatcher.” Opening weekend audiences leapt to their feet at the curtain, with rave reviews for this incredibly tight ensemble of 12. Only four performances remain in the Poe Theater, Aug. 3-6 at 7:30 p.m.

In the nonstop, high voltage, hilarious first act, actors steam through the locomotive story telling adventure (with music) of how Peter Pan came to be. Wonderfully witty lines, occasionally delivered in other languages, and the impeccable timing of clever dialogue renders this one smart play.

Fitting for the Peter Pan legend, imagination abounds, with endlessly inventive theater craft. Set and staging are at once clever, imaginative, playful and effective.  Amazing what can be done, with a couple of rope coils, a few rudimentary kitchen objects and some very funny physical shenanigans! Audience cannot help but "believe," as they acclimate to the pacing and hilarity of the comedic bits, goofy jokes and satirical dialogue.

Noteworthy, in the dynamic, frenzied role of Black Stache, is New York actor, Tommy MacDonell, supported by his "right hand man", Ryan Kohnert (Smee). May Halm (Molly) and Jonah Daiute (the orphan boy who grows into his true self, Peter Pan) develop a positively lovely relationship, which tugs at heartstrings.  The blossoming romance of Nanette Fraser (Mrs. Bumbrake) and Nick Miaoulis (Alf) drops humor in all the right places.  The ensemble is deep and was cast spot-on, including the easily believable British senior member, Joseph Cote (Lord Aster).

The performance leaves the cast spent and the audience exhilarated. It's summertime entertainment at its finest - smart, precise, nuanced and magical. Costumes, lighting, sound ... high quality tech, to support this high quality production. It's all there, for those who are ready to fly to the theater.

Don't be caught in Neverland, wishing you had seen this amazing show!

Reserve by emailing info@heartwoodtheater.org or phoning 563-1373. Student tickets (through college) are a nominal $5, sponsored by Peapod Jewelry & First National Wealth Management; all adult tickets are $30.

“Peter and the Starcatcher” is sponsored by Moody’s Diner and Heartwood’s longstanding Season Sponsor, Bath Savings Institution.

Based on the best-selling novels by Dave Barry and Ridley Parson, this play by Rick Elice was conceived for the stage by directors, Roger Rees and Alex Timbers, with music by Wayner Barker. Presented with special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI).

The Poe Theater is at 81 Academy Hill Road in Newcastle.