Peter and the Starcatcher
at Orange Lutheran High School

Reviewed on January 21, 2017

Katie Wagner
University High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Stars Emerge in Orange Lutheran's "Peter and the Starcatcher"
written by Katie Wagner, a sophmore at University High School

Amid a sea of twinkling stars, Molly Astor (Sam Hood) and Peter Pan (Carson Inouye) are arguing. Their voices ring out with a high pitched, childlike sincerity, and with their feet planted solidly on the ground their indignant sighs and petulant glares seem very real. The pair, though surrounded by incredible magic and immeasurable danger, behave just like any young almost-couple struggling to understand first love. This touch of normalcy, their assuredness amid the absurd, beautifully anchors this fantastical show into reality.

"Peter and the Starcatcher", as performed by Orange Lutheran High School, provides a heartfelt, picturesque, and utterly spellbinding take on this prequel to Peter Pan. This is a show that creates an entire world using few props, most of them commonplace, household items, and imagination, to stunning effect. In addition, this show uniquely places importance on an ever present ensemble, a small group that collectively represents about 100 characters.

Black Stache (Brayden Martino), the flamboyant and grandiose pirate villain of this story, talks a mile a minute. With his weight firmly settled upon his hips, he swaggers and slouches across the stage, all the while dreaming up dastardly but eventually botched plans to steal treasure. He gestures exuberantly, loosely flailing his limbs, as he wisecracks and rhymes his way through far-fetched obstacles. Martino revels in the eccentric, scene stealing character, and his crazy-eyed wonder brings an additional edge of fantasy to the production.

Mrs. Bumbrake, portrayed by Emily Bradley, boasts a clear command of a British accent and an impressive ability to clearly enunciate long strands of alliteration. As she delivers difficult lines such as "Best bring back a bucket before Betty Bumbrake blows her bloomin' breakfast!", Bradley's stuffily perfect posture and crisp movement prove her to be frightfully British.

Some of the strongest moments of this production can be attributed to the show's ensemble.
The dedication to their sometimes absurd tasks is quite impressive, and this is perhaps most strongly demonstrated during the musical number "Mermaid Outta Me". Though clad in ridiculous costumes, the entire cast enthusiastically shimmies and shakes to wacky choreography and nonsensical lyrics. A showstopper, this number truly allows the whole cast to shine.

Orange Lutheran's show is a heartfelt, though entirely absurd take on the fantastical and spellbinding prequel to Peter Pan, "Peter and the Starcatcher".

Madeline Crisp
La Habra
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

A powerful tribute to childhood by Orange Lutheran
written by Madeline Crisp, a freshman at La Habra High School

Orange Lutheran High School movingly performs "Peter and the Starcatcher," a creative and majestic fantasy, that is yet true to reality through the cast's portrayal of childlike wonder and friendships.

A prequel to the timeless "Peter Pan," the play follows Molly Aster, a strong and confident girl on an important mission, and a nameless orphaned boy, later called Peter, who hates grownups. The two cross paths and impact one another more than either would have thought possible. Through friendship, faith, and trust, the two go on an incredible journey, encountering both recognizable and new characters alike.

Carson Inouye brings the boy out in Peter. At the beginning of the show, he is isolated, timid, and unwilling to trust anyone, shown through his hunched posture and head tilting down. As the story continues, a beautiful transformation occurs, in which he begins to stand up straight and assert himself as a leader through a strong voice. Inouye succeeds in presenting the black and white views of a child by showing his belief that people are either good or bad, as well as by vocalizing his hatred for grownups on multiple occasions.

Molly Aster, cleverly played by Sam Hood, is competitive and fierce, yet also a kind and passionate leader. Hood shows Molly's increasing maturity and confidence through her feet standing solidly on the ground, hands firmly at her sides, and chin held determinedly in the air. The comedic side of her is not to be forgotten, and is exemplified when she hysterically speaks the language of the dodo bird with her father, Lord Aster, played by Charlie Battiglia.

The ensemble is perhaps the most unforgettable part of the show. Each member plays multiple roles, be it a pirate or a Mollusk island native, and all clearly differentiate their physicality from loose to tense posture to distinguish each group from one another. A powerful effect takes place when the whole cast speaks or chants together with clear and understandable diction. Nick Wise, a standout ensemble member, angelically sings a soft melody during certain scenes, making the entire moment extremely moving and emotional.

Through unique characters, an intelligent plot, hilarious pop culture references, and a beautiful message, Orange Lutheran's "Peter and the Starcatcher" opens hearts and fond memories of childhood from the boy who never wanted to grow up.

Danielle Kelly
Laguna Hills High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

To have faith is to have wings at Orange Lutheran High School
written by Danielle Kelly, a junior at Laguna Hills High School

Set in 19th-century England, 'Peter and the Starcatcher' is a prequel to the beloved tale of Peter Pan. This creative backstory explains how Peter transforms from a quiet, nameless orphan boy to the confident, flying immortal we know him all to be. Orange Lutheran's production emphasizes that believing in yourself is the key to bravery.

Brayden Martino, playing the part of Black Stache, carries his weight in his hips as he swaggers around the stage, waving his arms around and attracting attention from everyone in the room. In contrast from his smooth saunter, Martino's voice remains loud and frantic throughout the entirety of the play, complimenting the character's extravagance and flamboyancy.

At the beginning of the show, Carson Inouye (Peter) sets his face in a solemn expression and moves hesitantly, successfully portraying Peter's anger and frustration with the cruel treatment he has faced as an orphan. As Sam Hood's character (Molly) shows him kindness and introduces him to the beauty of the world, Inouye's movements become more sharp and confident, such as when he stands up to Martino (Black Stache) near the end of the show.

Primarily, Sam Hood (Molly) uses a breathy, high pitched inflection to conjure the youth of her character. She walks confidently with her shoulders held back and her chin in the air to portray Molly's assertiveness and tendency to try to act older than her age. Her assuring motherly touches of Carson Inouye (Peter), Kyle Hill (Prentiss), and Justin Borland (Ted) further develop her character as the "leader", or the one the boys look toward for motivation and instruction.

Mia Battaglia, as Teacher the mermaid, is a boisterous presence with an exaggerated countenance and strong personality. When she explains the nature of starstuff to Peter, she holds a hand out to him as he starts to speak, looking annoyed as she huffs that she wasn't finished talking.

Furthermore, Emily Bradley eloquently speaks impressive tirades of alliteration. She walks with her hands folded and head held high. Her appearance and personality is foiled by the boisterous Chris Harper, who portrays her love interest, Alf.

Overall, the show's ensemble is focused and engaging. Whether it's choreographed dances or pirate shenanigans, the ensemble members' objectives are apparent and their execution is exemplary. Orange Lutheran High School brings the phrase 'faith is flying' to the stage in this charming adaptation of 'Peter and the Starcatcher'.