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Peter and the Starcatcher (Introduction by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson): The Annotated Script of the Broadway Play by Elice, Rick unknown edition [Paperback(2012)]
The hilarious script for the Broadway play Peter and the Starcatcher is presented along with commentary by the playwright, the directors, the composer, the set designer, and our own Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. Filled with behind-the-scenes information and photos of the cast and crew, this annotated script will enchant and entertain fans of the book and the play alike.
Paperback
First published June 5, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 15, 2017
Einfach toll!! Das Stück hat super witzige Dialoge, die Story ist fantastisch genial und auch die Kommentare vom Autor und anderen Mitwirkenden sind total informativ.
Natürlich ersetzt es nicht den Besuch dieses tollen Theaterstücks (läuft momentan am Off-Broadway New World Stages Theater in NYC), aber ein schönes Memento eines unvergesslichen Theatererlebnisses.
Natürlich ersetzt es nicht den Besuch dieses tollen Theaterstücks (läuft momentan am Off-Broadway New World Stages Theater in NYC), aber ein schönes Memento eines unvergesslichen Theatererlebnisses.
July 12, 2013
Great play, while reading I could almost see and hear the actors, even though I haven't seen the play yet.
August 9, 2020
Something about the boy makes Molly feel like she just grew up a little.
They're speaking in Dodo, a language known only to, well - Dodos - and a handful of very special humans.
Been thinkin' 'bout getting in shape me-self. - Round is a shape.
But I call him Tubby. Cuz he's food obsessed.
Porpoises are not fish. They're mammals, just like you... or Germans.
Liar! The Stache is on everyone's lips!
And I'm in no mood for mooshoo, Alf! Tried it once - went through me like the winter wind in Wessex!
Cuz perspiration's the mark of true leadership.
Hi. I'm 16. I'm beautiful and I'm in the market for something long-term.
In our language 'Molly' means squid poop.
My bloomers have stood up to stronger wind than this! Full speed ahead!
My father will have your guts for garters.
To have faith is to have wings.
They're speaking in Dodo, a language known only to, well - Dodos - and a handful of very special humans.
Been thinkin' 'bout getting in shape me-self. - Round is a shape.
But I call him Tubby. Cuz he's food obsessed.
Porpoises are not fish. They're mammals, just like you... or Germans.
Liar! The Stache is on everyone's lips!
And I'm in no mood for mooshoo, Alf! Tried it once - went through me like the winter wind in Wessex!
Cuz perspiration's the mark of true leadership.
Hi. I'm 16. I'm beautiful and I'm in the market for something long-term.
In our language 'Molly' means squid poop.
My bloomers have stood up to stronger wind than this! Full speed ahead!
My father will have your guts for garters.
To have faith is to have wings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2017
As a big fan of Barrie's original play of 'Peter Pan' (much more than the better known musical adaptation), I was curious what I'd make of this award-winning 'prequel' stage adaptation of Barry & Pearson's children's book ... especially in how co-directors Rees and Timbers utilized a bare-bone aesthetics and theatrical imagination to bring the script to life. Unfortunately, the 'annotations' are rather skimpy on such information, but the copious photos do help to visualize what the production looked like. As for the play itself, I vacillated between finding it clever and charming, and a bit too twee for my taste.
April 15, 2022
An absolutely beautiful and evocative piece of theatre, I cried each and every time I saw it during my school’s production.
It was an inspiration for my first play, and I hope one day I’m lucky enough to direct a production of this script.
It was an inspiration for my first play, and I hope one day I’m lucky enough to direct a production of this script.
June 30, 2023
Possibly one of my favourite plays. It has all the cleverness and vigour and innocence and joy of childhood, along with the sadness and absurdity and loss and that age old question: "Will it always be so?" (No, reader. It will not.)
September 30, 2024
So beautiful. Loved having the annotated version so I knew I wasn’t crazy when so much of it reminded me of one of my favorite productions of all time- the RSC’s Nickleby
Hope I get to see a brilliant production of it one day because the script was stunning
Hope I get to see a brilliant production of it one day because the script was stunning
November 12, 2017
Read as possible title for our spring show! This is a show that might be better seen. Act Two a lot better with some great witty comedy. Liked it- a good read, but didn't love it
August 27, 2020
I love this book! This brings you on a journey of Peter, before he even is Peter. I own this book personally and I go back to it again and again. If you read this book you won’t be disappointed!
January 20, 2021
Love this story and this play.. What a hilarious ride!!!
August 4, 2021
WOW!!! That was incredible!
October 24, 2021
very cute and smartly written. wish the ending was more complete.
March 13, 2024
reading a play a week 🫡 ugh it’s so important to have fun
Read
December 11, 2024I like it ALOT
Read
April 2, 2025Could be important to know this material in the VERY near future O.O
January 8, 2017
Loved the play; the annotated script is also fun
January 31, 2022
If you've never seen Peter and the Starcatcher, the stage adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's popular Peter and the Starcatchers series, then you absolutely need to. Even if it's been ten years since its Broadway debut. Telling the story of how Peter Pan became the boy who never grew up, Peter and the Starcatcher follows three orphans as they get wrapped up in a swashbuckling tale of pirates, English nobility, and Starstuff. I've never read Barry and Pearson's original Starcatchers series, so I can't speak to how faithfully the play adapts the novel. But as a fan of J.M. Barrie's original Peter Pan play, Peter and the Starcatcher just makes my heart sing. If you ever wondered how Captain Hook lost his hand, how Peter Pan got his name, and how Neverland came to be, then this is the story for you. But better than that, it's a genuinely emotional, heartbreaking look at friendship and at growing up. It's a gut-bustingly funny, thrilling, and heartfelt love letter to the theater. And to say any more about the story would ruin some of the fun.
If you can't see the play, though, reading Rick Elice's script is a pretty solid alternative. Unlike many scripts, Elice's Peter and the Starcatcher conjures a representation of what's happening on stage that feels both accurate and entertaining. While reading his script, you never feel like you're missing out on something. Sure, you lose the fantastic performances and the simple-yet-breathtaking stage trickery, but reading the script still feels like a complete experience. A large part of this comes down to the play's liberal usage of narration, bouncing back and forth between characters and flowing almost like an uninterrupted train of thought. Elice's script, and the play itself, are a love letter to the power of the written word, to the emotional truth of oral storytelling. So, it's easy to lose yourself in these characters breaking the fourth wall to describe a big naval race, or a sword fight, or a giant, flying crocodile. Elice's script gives you all you need to visualize what's going on. And more than that, it invites you to be an active participant in the story. To bring your imagination to the page, and conjure all of these images. It's a genuinely magical experience - both on stage and on the page.
What makes this particular edition of the script interesting is all of the extra behind-the-scenes material present throughout. The book is heavily illustrated with pictures from the Broadway production and concept art from the show's earlier days. And there are some deleted and rewritten scenes presented at the end of the book, showing how some of the play's scenes evolved over the years. But the biggest draw, as the book's title suggests, are the annotations. Annotated by Elice, Barry, Pearson, and several other members of the show's creative team, they offer a neat peek behind the curtain, if you will. Not all of them are as illuminating as you'd like, though. And many of them contain some pretty big spoilers for later scenes in the play - so this edition probably isn't for those who've never seen or read the play. But if you're a fan of Peter and the Starcatcher, these glimpses behind-the-scenes are as informative as they are valuable. Honestly, more shows should release books like this.
At the end of the day, everyone should experience Peter and the Starcatcher in one way or another. While seeing a live production of it is always the way to go, the script is so well-written that it easily stands on its own. New readers should probably steer clear of this annotated edition until they've experienced the story at least once. But for those wanting a deeper understanding of the story, or a peek behind the scenes, this annotated edition of Elice's Peter and the Starcatcher script is a must-read.
If you can't see the play, though, reading Rick Elice's script is a pretty solid alternative. Unlike many scripts, Elice's Peter and the Starcatcher conjures a representation of what's happening on stage that feels both accurate and entertaining. While reading his script, you never feel like you're missing out on something. Sure, you lose the fantastic performances and the simple-yet-breathtaking stage trickery, but reading the script still feels like a complete experience. A large part of this comes down to the play's liberal usage of narration, bouncing back and forth between characters and flowing almost like an uninterrupted train of thought. Elice's script, and the play itself, are a love letter to the power of the written word, to the emotional truth of oral storytelling. So, it's easy to lose yourself in these characters breaking the fourth wall to describe a big naval race, or a sword fight, or a giant, flying crocodile. Elice's script gives you all you need to visualize what's going on. And more than that, it invites you to be an active participant in the story. To bring your imagination to the page, and conjure all of these images. It's a genuinely magical experience - both on stage and on the page.
What makes this particular edition of the script interesting is all of the extra behind-the-scenes material present throughout. The book is heavily illustrated with pictures from the Broadway production and concept art from the show's earlier days. And there are some deleted and rewritten scenes presented at the end of the book, showing how some of the play's scenes evolved over the years. But the biggest draw, as the book's title suggests, are the annotations. Annotated by Elice, Barry, Pearson, and several other members of the show's creative team, they offer a neat peek behind the curtain, if you will. Not all of them are as illuminating as you'd like, though. And many of them contain some pretty big spoilers for later scenes in the play - so this edition probably isn't for those who've never seen or read the play. But if you're a fan of Peter and the Starcatcher, these glimpses behind-the-scenes are as informative as they are valuable. Honestly, more shows should release books like this.
At the end of the day, everyone should experience Peter and the Starcatcher in one way or another. While seeing a live production of it is always the way to go, the script is so well-written that it easily stands on its own. New readers should probably steer clear of this annotated edition until they've experienced the story at least once. But for those wanting a deeper understanding of the story, or a peek behind the scenes, this annotated edition of Elice's Peter and the Starcatcher script is a must-read.
November 5, 2015
I was drawn to the books on which this play was based thanks to my love for Dave Barry and his historical, fictional predecessor, Peter Pan. Every time I come across someone who's never heard of Dave, I feel a need to clap my hands and chant, "I do believe in Dave, I do, I do!"
The curious thing critics noted at the publication of the first book, on which this play is based, was that Dave, and his co-writer Ridley Pearson, chose a somewhat moderate direction in crafting their prequel story, which is to say, it wasn't filled with abject goofiness driven by the impish impulses of little boys. (Actually, that was left to the grownups.)
When I learned that a play had been created from it, and that there was an annotated script available, I was instantly fascinated. (Those becoming impatient for some actual reviewing in this review, I ask that you turn off your ticking clock for just a little longer.) I knew I wasn't going to be seeing the play anytime soon, so this would be the next best thing, complete with creator insights. I mean, could there be a better substitute?
Reading the notes along with the script turned out to be a good decision. Frankly, it's been a few years since I read the first book, so the many changes the playwright and production staff made would have been lost on me (so, my ignorance of a missing character or two would not have been on porpoise) (*groan*). The streamlining was cleverly achieved. Reading how and why they made these decisions was almost as interesting as the play itself.
The shape of the play, and the notes explaining it, was almost a story unto itself, a lesson in the art of theater, what drives those who pursue it, and the creative process in general. Sometimes it can be somewhat insular (if you ever watched a movie and wondered why so many elements are familiar, it really is because they were placed there as loving odes) (unless placed there by clueless hacks), which may actually make this the ideal way to experience the play, with everything explained.
Clearly, the play was designed as a comedy, plus unabashedly a love letter to theater in general. One has the sense that the play is almost more love letter than play.
It's also vindication, for Peter Pan fans in general, that there's plenty of life left in the old boy (as it were). With the recent flop of Pan at the movies, and critics being ridiculous in their comments ("Why make an oblique reference to lost boys???") (which is exactly the kind of thing this play revels in), you'd think Peter's time in pop culture is coming to a final, desperate end.
Perish the thought. This is an awfully big adventure. Cherish it.
The curious thing critics noted at the publication of the first book, on which this play is based, was that Dave, and his co-writer Ridley Pearson, chose a somewhat moderate direction in crafting their prequel story, which is to say, it wasn't filled with abject goofiness driven by the impish impulses of little boys. (Actually, that was left to the grownups.)
When I learned that a play had been created from it, and that there was an annotated script available, I was instantly fascinated. (Those becoming impatient for some actual reviewing in this review, I ask that you turn off your ticking clock for just a little longer.) I knew I wasn't going to be seeing the play anytime soon, so this would be the next best thing, complete with creator insights. I mean, could there be a better substitute?
Reading the notes along with the script turned out to be a good decision. Frankly, it's been a few years since I read the first book, so the many changes the playwright and production staff made would have been lost on me (so, my ignorance of a missing character or two would not have been on porpoise) (*groan*). The streamlining was cleverly achieved. Reading how and why they made these decisions was almost as interesting as the play itself.
The shape of the play, and the notes explaining it, was almost a story unto itself, a lesson in the art of theater, what drives those who pursue it, and the creative process in general. Sometimes it can be somewhat insular (if you ever watched a movie and wondered why so many elements are familiar, it really is because they were placed there as loving odes) (unless placed there by clueless hacks), which may actually make this the ideal way to experience the play, with everything explained.
Clearly, the play was designed as a comedy, plus unabashedly a love letter to theater in general. One has the sense that the play is almost more love letter than play.
It's also vindication, for Peter Pan fans in general, that there's plenty of life left in the old boy (as it were). With the recent flop of Pan at the movies, and critics being ridiculous in their comments ("Why make an oblique reference to lost boys???") (which is exactly the kind of thing this play revels in), you'd think Peter's time in pop culture is coming to a final, desperate end.
Perish the thought. This is an awfully big adventure. Cherish it.
September 4, 2015
Most people have seen, or at least know, the story of Peter Pan, the lost boys, Captain Hook, Wendy, and all the other characters created by J. M. Barrie. Since the play’s opening in 1904, it has become a novel, a movie, a musical, and a perennial favorite.
But did you ever wonder what Peter and the Lost Boys were doing before they came to Neverland? How Peter Pan and Captain Hook met? Why does the crocodile have a clock inside? How did Tinkerbell come into being? Why Wendy?
In 2009, Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, along with illustrator Greg Call published their version of the Peter Pan prequel, PETER AND THE STIRCATCHERS. It didn’t take long for Rick Elice to turn the book into a musical. It won five Tony Awards in 2012.
The annotated script of the Broadway play is a delight. It begins with a trip that Lord Astor is making for Queen Victoria to deliver a very special trunk. His thirteen going-on-fifteenyear old daughter Molly accompanies him. They soon meet up with a group of orphan boys, including one who has no name and some pirates. The trunk is switched by a nasty crew who are delivering the boys to a King who, unbeknown to the boys bought them. To protect her, Lord Astor puts Molly on the boat with the boys, captained by Black Stach, which he thinks is a slightly slower merchant ship.. Meanwhile, Lord Astor’s ship had been captured by pirates.
PETER AND THE STIRCATCHER answers the questions posed above and many, many more. It is a delightful adventure full of puns, twists, and inside jokes performed in an amazingly altering minimalist set. It tells how the main characters developed from who the were when they first appear on stage into who they have become in “Peter Pan.”
It is filled with illustrations of numerous scenes as well as renderings of some of the costumes. The Annotated Script explains the inside jokes and references for those who may not catch them. It also provides background on the story and those involved in the writing.
I saw the play before I read the script. The script added quite a bit to my appreciation of the play and, when I see it again in a few weeks, it should prove even more valuable.
But did you ever wonder what Peter and the Lost Boys were doing before they came to Neverland? How Peter Pan and Captain Hook met? Why does the crocodile have a clock inside? How did Tinkerbell come into being? Why Wendy?
In 2009, Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, along with illustrator Greg Call published their version of the Peter Pan prequel, PETER AND THE STIRCATCHERS. It didn’t take long for Rick Elice to turn the book into a musical. It won five Tony Awards in 2012.
The annotated script of the Broadway play is a delight. It begins with a trip that Lord Astor is making for Queen Victoria to deliver a very special trunk. His thirteen going-on-fifteenyear old daughter Molly accompanies him. They soon meet up with a group of orphan boys, including one who has no name and some pirates. The trunk is switched by a nasty crew who are delivering the boys to a King who, unbeknown to the boys bought them. To protect her, Lord Astor puts Molly on the boat with the boys, captained by Black Stach, which he thinks is a slightly slower merchant ship.. Meanwhile, Lord Astor’s ship had been captured by pirates.
PETER AND THE STIRCATCHER answers the questions posed above and many, many more. It is a delightful adventure full of puns, twists, and inside jokes performed in an amazingly altering minimalist set. It tells how the main characters developed from who the were when they first appear on stage into who they have become in “Peter Pan.”
It is filled with illustrations of numerous scenes as well as renderings of some of the costumes. The Annotated Script explains the inside jokes and references for those who may not catch them. It also provides background on the story and those involved in the writing.
I saw the play before I read the script. The script added quite a bit to my appreciation of the play and, when I see it again in a few weeks, it should prove even more valuable.
February 20, 2014
Elice's adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's young adult book is wonderful, creating a play that's more fun than any prior stage update of the old J.M. Barrie. This is a play that is made or failed by the embellishments of comic actors, by physical action, and by the very clever use of simple objects like ropes to delineate a variety of different locations for the action, so even though the script is good, reading it can't completely recreate the live experience. I saw a primo production at the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
Still, I highly recommend this annotated version for two reasons, beyond the joy of Elice's language. First, this edition is loaded with fantastic production photographs. Second, the annotations tell the story of how a show is built through its origination, runs in big regional theater houses, and eventually on to Broadway.
Here's a prediction: this show is going to become a staple of local theaters once performance rights become available. It won't be a simple show to do well, but it's such a funny ensemble piece that every theater will want to try.
Still, I highly recommend this annotated version for two reasons, beyond the joy of Elice's language. First, this edition is loaded with fantastic production photographs. Second, the annotations tell the story of how a show is built through its origination, runs in big regional theater houses, and eventually on to Broadway.
Here's a prediction: this show is going to become a staple of local theaters once performance rights become available. It won't be a simple show to do well, but it's such a funny ensemble piece that every theater will want to try.
December 27, 2012
I had been really looking forward to reading this for a while. It did not dissapoint. A lot of things work in this. The characters are great, (especally Black Stache,) the story is very good and they way they tell it is great. The thing that made me love this as much as I did though was the amouunt of heart it had. That is one thing that I adore; when a script has so much heart such as ’’Our Town,’’ or, ’’Laughter on the 23rd Floor.’’ It definatley has become one of my favorites, and now I really want to see it even more. I highly recomend this. Pick it up.
January 26, 2014
I read the source material for this first, because I couldn't get my hands on a script at the time. And I fell in love. Enough that I had to remind myself that not everything in the novel was going to translate to the stage play. I found some changes at the end particularly interesting, and remain somewhat conflicted about what it means for the story. However, it's a beautiful piece that emphasizes the importance of imagination, and I would love to see it staged.
June 4, 2012
This book is a bit dark but still fun and a wonderful (unauthorized) prequel to the original Peter Pan books. I truly enjoyed both reading this book and listening to the audio book read by Jim Dale. If you are a fan of Peter Pan at all or just a Fairy Tale fanatic like me then please pick up this series!
August 4, 2012
I am in love with this play, and the annotated script adds yet another dimension. It includes anecdotes from the creative team, production history, costume sketches, and so many insights. The play (I've seen it 5 times as of this review) is fantastic - perhaps one of my favorite pieces of theater ever - and the annotated script only serves to enhance the effect that it's had on me.
August 21, 2012
Lovely book that includes the script but also lots of notes from those involved in creating the story and show, as well as deleted scenes of interest that give a very interesting view of how the show evolved. I wouldn't mind seeing this (ahem). The only quibble I have is that the commentary in some of the notes got just a little precious at times.
June 21, 2012
THIS IS SOOOOOOO INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!! why must i live in la and not be able to see it!!!!!!!! THE SCRIPT IS AN INCREDIBLE ADAPTATION OF THE BOOK, BUT ALTHOUGH THE BOOK IS ACTION/ADVENTURE/FANTASY, THE PLAY IS COMPLETELY COMEDIC!!!!!!!
January 27, 2014
What an absolute joy to read! A great script, from a great book, and the notes and sketches and photos included in this annotated version truly bring this theatrical piece to life. SO looking forward to seeing this in March!
March 13, 2014
Bought this book when I saw the show last weekend. Not only is it the perfect souvenir, but it is also a fantastic read! Love reading the script along with the inside scoop about original versions and how certain parts of the show came to be. Want to be in this show someday!!
June 22, 2012
Amazing. Just simply amazing.
November 28, 2012
BRILLIANT!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews