How did a nameless orphan become Peter Pan, eternal leader of the Lost Boys? Who became their bedtime story-telling "mother"? Why did Captain Hook lose his hand? What made the crocodile tick? And when did Tinkerbell first appear?

The cast and crew of Manoa Valley Theatre’s "Peter and the Starcatcher" provide answers in their action-filled fantasy production that guarantees a great time for their audience.

The show’s seeds were sown a decade ago, when Disney’s Hyperion Books assigned Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson the daunting task of writing five "Starcatchers" novels as prequels to J.M. Barrie’s century-old Peter Pan tales. Several years later, Rick Elice’s adapted script became the hit play, thrilling off-Broadway and Broadway audiences.

The story’s epic mission begins aboard two British vessels, the Neverland and the Wasp, that shipwreck on Mollusk Island, whose jungles, mountains, grottos and beaches are ruled by English-despising natives.

Activating the imagination is of prime importance, and Andrew Doan’s simple stage set makes room for anything to happen. Sara Ward’s judicious use of props (two hand-carried model ships with contrasting sails, and ropes for waves) and Janine Myers’ fantasies in light (a shimmering golden pool and glowing amulets) create strong visual impressions.

The creative storytelling method contains narrative filled with verbal humor including alliterations, anachronisms, malapropisms and conversations in "Dodo." In fact, slowing down the dialogue in certain spots would allow the deliciousness of the words to be better received. Occasionally, attempts at over-the-top comedic delivery result in rushed lines and fuzzy diction, interfering with the audience’s fun.

The acting ensemble of 11 men and one woman constantly displays its versatility. With more than 100 characterizations, a cast member may play a leading role in one scene and a pirate, sailor, islander or mermaid in the next — or even a leaf or a star when portraying scenic elements.

Guest director Bree Kale‘a Peters, dance choreographer Karen Wolfe and acrobatic and movement choreographer Amanda Stone keep the action smooth and slick. The full cast is frequently on stage performing physical comedy. At times a stage event is simply breathtaking, as in Peter’s plunge into the mystical grotto waters.

As the three primary characters, Alex Munro as Peter, Kim Anderson as Molly and Rhansen Mars as Black Stache turn in carefully calculated performances. Munro captures the misty-eyed vulnerability and heartwarming sincerity of the orphan boy longing for both a family and freedom. Anderson conjures up a hyper-excitable, socially awkward and very bold Molly (the future mother of Wendy Darling). Mars confidently claims the mustache of soon-to-be-proclaimed Captain Hook. His vocal acuity and physical dexterity add greatly to the show’s campiness.

Wayne Barker’s original music, well executed by James Mares (keyboard I) and Phill Foster (keyboard II and percussion), provides underscoring and a sprinkling of lighthearted character songs throughout the show.

As a whimsical adventure story, "Peter and the Starcatcher" is entertaining for adults and mature children (age 10 and up is suggested). One might hope to reawaken that inner child, and perhaps even dream of starstuff.

Jane Kerns is a doctoral student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, holds degrees in theater and vocal performance, and has performed as an actor and singer in New York City.