Peter Pan’ prequel a gravity-defying delight to the senses

What gutsy young lady wouldn't love to investigate a ship on the high oceans? And, what group of onlookers wouldn't love to go with her,, if
the reconnaissance turned up the surprises that abound in Constellation Theatre Company’s irresistible “Peter and the Starcatcher”?

At one point in this funny, rollicking fantasy-adventure tale, an intrepid young heroine named Molly prowls around a ship, peeking through doors. As she does so, vivid scenes spring to life: seamen playing cards, a chapel service, the punishment of a crew member. Also: a flying cat.

A single plank represents all the doors, and a white muff depicts the cat. To signal each revelation, actors spring into position, through movement and posture conjuring up the door hinges, the sailors’ activities, the cat’s levitation. The fluid pacing and assured physical storytelling are typical of this intimate, playful staging, directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer and featuring a spirited 13-person cast, choreography by Kelly Maxner and Mollye Maxner, and delectable costumes by Kendra Rai.

Written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker, “Peter and the Starcatcher” is based on Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s novel, a prequel to the tale of Peter Pan. (A Broadway production opened in 2012; a touring version landed at the Kennedy Center in 2014.) Filled with irreverent humor, including wordplay and impish anachronisms, the play tells how a nameless orphan — the future Peter — is rescued from shipboard imprisonment by Molly, a turn of events that plunges both youngsters into an escapade involving pirates, mermaids, bloodthirsty islanders, a shipwreck and magic “starstuff.”