Peter and the Starcatcher
at Loudoun Valley High School

Reviewed on December 10, 2016

Corinne Kleinman
Wakefield School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

"You single-handedly rendered me single handed," the hilariously evil pirate, Black Stache, shouted at the Boy near the end of "Peter and the Starcatcher." Last night, Loudoun Valley High School single-handedly transported the audience into a magical world where Neverland exists, where little boys can stay young forever, and where almost anything is possible.

"Peter and the Starcatcher" tells the vibrant story of a feisty girl, Molly, who leads a group of orphans to protect a chest of "starstuff" from the hysterically funny pirate, Black Stache. Based on Dave Barry's and Ridley Pearson's prequel to JM Barrie's revered classic "Peter and Wendy," the show opened on Broadway in 2012 and garnered massive critical acclaim, including five Tony awards.

Trevor Schoeny (Peter) and Megan Horgan (Molly) led the cast in the comic adventure of Neverland's founding. Schoeny sparkled in the emotional scenes - when he was in the orphanage or alone on the island, his hunched shoulders created palpable tension; with a mischievous twinkle, Schoeny perfectly mastered the classic Peter Pan stance. Schoeny and Horgan smoothly developed their character's' friendship into a believably awkward, adorably tender kiss as their final goodbye.

The show featured several dazzling duos with sizzling stage presence. First, Darius Fraser cross-dressing as Mrs. Bumbrake, and Cole Walker as Bumbrake's love interest, Alf, kept the audience enthralled with their single-minded dedication to their characters' travails. Mrs. Bumbrake's comically high voice and overwrought mannerisms (especially in the mermaid song) are worth special praise.

With great comedic timing and winning smiles, Peter's companion orphans, Blake Carlson (Prentiss) and Evan Kagarise (Ted), played off each other's energy with effervescent chemistry. Kagarise's fascination with a pineapple (trying, unsuccessfully, to eat it like an apple) and common line "Pork!" brought chuckles to even the darkest of scenes.

With "a little swash and a bit of buckle," sporting his "celebrated nosebrush," and "lawn on the lip," Charlie Trochlil's Captain Stache emerged as the undisputed master of the evening - accompanied by his dedicated, luckless, charming, wacky, grammar-nazi, ukulele-wielding sidekick, Smee. Trochil's impeccable timing, his commitment to over-the-top physical comedy, and complete willingness to make an utter fool of himself endeared him to the audience.

But more than any one character, the incredibly effective ensemble electrified the night with perfect timing and glittering energy. Every character, no matter how small, delved deeply into his or her role. The rousing opening of Act II, featuring most of the cast in clever (and positively hilarious) mermaid costumes, is just one example of the cast's high energy and dedication. Most impressively, all the actors performed without microphones, projecting powerfully to the very back of the house.

Any discussion of Loudoun Valley's "Peter and the Starcatcher" would be remiss without mention of the light, set, and sound. Flawlessly timed lighting united with a simplistic but highly effective set —predominantly made of rope and wooden planks — to create seamless transitions between the nautical ships to the overgrown jungle-like island. Although the stage could be slightly dark at times, the actors sparkled from the shadows - the director's varied use of light and dark always created a compelling stage picture.

Last night, Loudoun Valley created a truly magical performance about how an unnamed orphan became Peter Pan, one of the most worshipped young boys in all literature. From cast to crew to stage to set, the performance truly glistened with light and energy - leaving the audience with the impression that, with a little bit of help, anyone - even an orphan - can learn to fly.

Helen Ganley
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Ominous sails bearing the Jolly Roger glide across thrashing seas in pursuit of an ornate chest of treasure. The isolation of the open seas encases orphan Peter and Apprentice Starcatcher Molly Aster as they attempt to deter the swashbuckling pirates from getting the chest full of magical "starstuff." With a glowing amulet to guide the way, Loudon Valley High School's production of "Peter and the Starcatcher" inspires all to reach for the stars.

Written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson in 2004, this prequel to Peter Pan spawned a new series of tales incorporating the classic characters from J.M. Barrie's original. With newfound popularity, Peter and the Starcatcher spurred the crew's journey from fairytale to stage production in 2011. Beginning on Broadway in 2012, Peter's impish persona remained on stage until 2013, when the show ended its run.

With sparkling eyes and a youthful gleam, Trevor Schoeny, portraying Peter Pan, presents a steady performance of a petulant child. Showing both sides of Peter, as the defensive, abandoned orphan and as a prideful, rowdy lost boy, Shoeny had the audience rooting for him throughout the whole production. His organic, childlike qualities shone, especially when paired with the spritely Megan Horgan (Molly Aster). Horgan's consistent energy and "girl-power" attitude created a compelling heroine that drove the plot. The duo's adolescent love story created an awkward romance that had the audience in tears when they had to bid each other farewell.

As every rendition of Peter Pan needs, Charlie Trochlil presented an uproarious Black Stache as the (eventually) handless pirate opposing Peter. Along with his loyal sidekick Smee, brought to life by Ian Carlson, the pair swaggered across the stage, their constant back and forth radiating energy that filled the room. The brotherly combo of Ted and Prentiss, Evan Kagarise and Blake Carlson, created a comedic team of gluttony and vanity that impressed. Standout Darius Fraser fully embraced the stately female character of Mrs. Bumbrake. Humorously adapting a shrill falsetto for much of the show, Fraser brought incited roars of laughter in those perfectly timed moments when he slipped back into his true and charming bass.

It was all-hands-on-deck for Loudoun Valley High School's production of "Peter and the Starcatcher." Collectively, the tech, led by Stage Manager Hannah Allison, transported the audience to a place where they felt they'd never grow up. Noah Wade, Scenic Designer, and his capable crew loosely draped ropes and sails across the stage simulating the decks of both the Neverland and Wasp. A run crew dressed appropriately as pirates, their costumes reflecting the cohesiveness of the seamen that was present within the entire cast, swiftly moved large set pieces on and off stage. Quinn Weir (Props Mistress) and Lauren Sullivan (Lighting Designer) cleverly combined spotlights and nautical flags to give the giant crocodile its form, creating one of the most powerful scenes in the show.

Whimsy, calamity, and fraternity form the foundation of Loudoun Valley High School's "Peter and the Starcatcher" A savvy combination of gallant cast along and seaworthy technical elements welcome all to a Neverland they never knew. With faith, trust, and starstuff, this show proves that anything is possible, if you just believe.

Celia Konowe
South Lakes High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Grab a handful of Starstuff and let the magic take over as we follow a lonely, orphaned boy and a bright, driven girl on their whimsical and exhilarating adventure in Loudoun Valley High School's Peter and the Starcatcher.

Based on the 2006 novel of a similar name by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, this captivating stage production written by Rick Elice is the compelling prequel to the story of Peter Pan that we all know and love today. When The Neverland, a ship carrying three young orphans, a precocious Starcatcher apprentice, and a trunk of celestial magic, is overtaken by a band of raucous pirates and their captain, Black Stache, the children dive into a thrilling adventure, encountering the age-old concepts of friendship, obligation and greed, while discovering the true definition of "home."

Guiding the audience through the action-packed tale was the engaged troupe of storytellers who made seamless transitions in and out of the action with their strong choices in dialect and compelling energy. The tribe of Mollusks continued the liveliness on the island with their boisterous attitudes and hilarious chants.

Peter, portrayed by Trevor Schoeny, transitioned smoothly from a nameless and friendless orphan to the hero of the tale with his stubborn yet imaginative spirit, developing an awkwardly adorable relationship with the determined Molly. Megan Horgan (Molly Aster), a young Starcatcher-in-training, was the epitome of girl power as she led Peter and his friends through their adventures with her bright energy. Charlie Trochlil portrayed a notorious captain, donning the black 'stache for which he gained his name and sending the audience into fits of laughter with his stellar comedic timing and physical representation.

Also highly enjoyable performances were those of Smee (Ian Carlson), Mrs. Bumbrake (Darius Fraser), Alf (Cole Walker), Lord Aster (Zahl Azizi), and the rowdy duo of Ted and Prentiss (Evan Kagarise and Blake Carlson, respectively). Ian Carlson's quick wit and dedication to Black Stache's every word created an hysterical give and take between his captain and him. Fraser impressively maintained his falsetto and physical portrayal of Molly's British nanny, while Walker presented the lovable, if unruly sailor. Azizi's sternness and loyalty to his job and his country contrasted nicely with the rambunctious spirit of his daughter. And the orphans Kagarise, a food obsessed pork-enthusiast, and Carlson, the ambitious "leader" of the clan, added a sense of juvenility with their rowdy exploits.

Creative staging brought the magic of Starstuff to life while the unified set, consisting of planks of wood and numerous ropes, and quick scene changes aided the story through its movement from the ship to the jungles of the island. Vivid makeup enhanced and brought vibrancy to the characters, specifically the Mollusks Tribe and Teacher (a mermaid that Peter encounters while on the island). Handmade costumes advanced each character's persona while remaining cohesive onstage. While an occasional lack of projection led to a loss of diction and a few missed lines, the actors maintained their sensational energy, carrying on without hesitation. Lighting and sound cues were impeccably timed with the action onstage, and colorful lights created a superb contrast between the dark shadows of the ships and the sun-soaked openness of the island.

Loudoun Valley High School presented a thoroughly charming and riveting journey bursting at the seams with incredible energy and the inspiration to never grow up.

Tylor Goshorn
Tuscarora High School
Submitted for publication to Loudoun Now

We have all wished to fly and soar above the world, to battle pirates, be birds, mermaids and heroes. Peter and the Star Catcher has returned those feelings to those who have grown up. In the prequel to the childhood favorite Peter Pan, we are re-introduced to the many characters we grew up with.

The phenomenal play was adapted from the novel, Peter and the Starcatchers, written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson in 2006. It was then mastered for the stage by Rick Elice, premiering on Broadway in 2012 and ending its run in 2013. Revolving around a magical substance called star stuff and its allusive properties, some characters wish to take it to be destroyed in a volcano or making a major dollar selling it.

With an electric ensemble and stellar leading men and women, Loudoun Valley High School transported us from roaring ocean to the wild jungle. The dynamic duos, Alf played by Cole Walker and Mrs. Bumbrake portrayed by Darius Fraser, gifted the audience with their comedic timing and playful choices. The orphans, Prentiss (Blake Carlson) and Ted (Evan Kagarise) gave energy, showed the true bond of friendship, and made the most of every line given to them by making the audience laugh every time they entered the stage. Black Stache (Charlie Trochlil) and Smee (Ian Carlson) blessed the audience with their dedication to both their physicality and the playfulness in their relationship. Lastly Peter Pan (Trevor Schoeny) and Molly Aster (Megan Horgan) dominated the stage time and time again with their chemistry. Their character choices brought the juvenile characters to life, carrying them through the whole production. Lord Aster (Zahl Azizi) played a magnificent, authoritative character, staying poised and collected and contrasting his boisterous daughter. The pirate ensemble's distinctive character quirks pulled in the audience, giving energy to each scene which was later returned by the Mollusk tribe in the second act. The tight knit ensemble had sharp movements, acting as one organism at times and astounding the audience.

The fluidity and seamlessness of the set changes can be attributed to stage manager Hannah Allison. The sound effects and light cues paired with blocking of the characters in the door scene and again in the orphanage wowed the audience completely. The timing for all was well rehearsed and executed wonderfully. The set is creative and inventive. The use of wood for every piece gave it unity and a clean pallet for the colorful lighting, particularly green and red. The tall wood towers, stood symmetrically placed on each side of the stage, adding levels as the platforms and stairs were wheeled on and off throughout the production. This made the stage seem even bigger, more captivating, and helped tell the story. Simple uses of rope from making a cabin to the sails of the ship gave the actors a chance to play with physicality and endowment. Lighting kept the stage colorful and accentuated the shadows of the wood, and the characters adding a dramatic vibe to the production.

In all, Peter and the Starcatcher was a whimsical, wonderful, and wowing show. With quirky characters, an awe-inspiring set, flirty mermaids and dashing pirates, Loudoun Valley High School performed with dedication that every member of the audience could feel in their hearts.

Molly Warndorf
Woodgrove High School
Submitted for publication to Viking Voices

Sets as tall as a pirate ship loomed over the stage, and ropes slung from the ceiling of the auditorium. The audience was about to embark on the Neverland. Loudoun Valley High School's production of Peter and the Starcatcher made magic with stunning sets, a vibrant cast, and refreshing creativity.

This play was adapted by Rick Elice, and is based on a book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. The play showcases how Peter Pan became Peter Pan, and is filled with histrionic humor, and outrageous characters. Peter and the Starcatcher opened on Broadway in 2012, and completed its run in 2014. This 5-time Tony award-winning play captures the magic behind the story of Neverland, and demonstrates the value of cherishing childhood.

The cast relied on the detailed development of every single character, the energy and fluidity of the ensemble, and beautifully paired sound effects and pantomime. Loudoun Valley effectively created scenes out of thin air with nothing but the use of their strong ensemble and a few pieces of rope. The ensemble of Storytellers were creative, devoted, and brought the story to life. All members of the cast were extremely invested in the show.

Trevor Schoeny, playing Peter, engaged the audience with childlike wonder, and held everyone in the palm of his hand in scenes such as "The Beach." The character's counterpart Molly Aster, portrayed by Megan Horgan brought a feisty and spirited character to life. Both worked off of each other well and developed an enjoyable relationship between the two characters.
Playing the passionate pirate of trickery Black Stache, Charlie Trochlil captured the character in its entirety. Trochlil remained completely invested in the character the entire time, and bounced off of his underling Smee, portrayed by Ian Carlson, creating a powerful dynamic duo. Both held consistent and incredible characters throughout the entire show and even continued to swell with vibrant energy in scenes such as the vaudevillian mermaid song. Another powerful dynamic duo included Ted (Evan Kagarise) and Prentiss (Blake Carlson). Both developed highly humorous moments with one another, and truly captured their characters with childlike wonder. Other spotlight characters include Mrs. Bumbrake and Lord Aster. Mrs. Bumbrake, played by Darius Fraser, truly showcased the busty character and played up dead-pan moments. Zhal Azizi, who depicted Lord Aster, produced a refreshing father-like chemistry with his daughter Molly Aster (Megan Horgan).


The creative lighting helped to depict each scene to its full extent. Both the lighting and sound were nearly flawless in timing. The sound crew and cast were able to create scenes out of thin air with the use of highly accurate pantomiming and humorous sound effects. Though some lines became lost to the audience, the cast demonstrated an impressive ability to project even without the use of personal mics. Makeup was highly detailed and vibrant. The Mollusks' makeup were all varied, yet combined wonderfully to create the rambunctious, pasta-loving tribe. The fast-moving sets contributed to never a dull moment.

Loudoun Valley High School's production of Peter and the Starcatcher had the audience on the edges of their seats; savoring childhood and catching stardust throughout the energetic and imaginative production.