Peter and the Starcatcher
at Mission Viejo

Reviewed on October 28, 2017

Sophie Lindborg
Dana Hills (SOCSA)
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Mission Viejo's "Peter and the Starcatcher" is hilariously magical
written by Sophie Lindborg, a senior at Dana Hills High School

With a yearning orphan who wishes to fly, a girl thriving for adventure, and a secret trunk filled with magical "starstuff", Mission Viejo High School's "Peter and the Starcatcher" mystically unfolds into the story of how Peter Pan came to be. Bursts of sword fights, true love, and imagination add fantasy of everlasting childhood, with a little bit of faith.

Ethan Cox soars as Boy/Peter, with a twinkle in his eye as he aches to be a boy with a family. His initial timidity exudes the pain of his past, yet fades as he evolves into a confident leader, who is granted the power to fly. With a bright disposition and starstuff sparkling around her neck, Hope Spires portrays Molly Aster. Her fearless demeanor radiates throughout as she takes charge to make selfless sacrifices leading the orphans to discover all they can be.

Ben Sellers embodies the ruthless Black Stache with charming physicality and strategic comedic timing. He makes the most of every scene with a hilarious and animated style, while perfectly paired with his mini and mighty sidekick, Smee (Devoree Shields). Shields, with her enthusiastic and engaging expressions, provides comic relief by filling the "right hand man" position to Stache who later ironically loses his right hand.

The orphan duo is notably distinct. Kayla Morgan (Prentiss) attempts dominance with crossed arms, rowdy snickers, and a harsh, pouty brow, while Charlie Massey (Ted) maintains a soft and sweet presence flashing an irresistible smile as he drools over pork and sticky pudding.

Costumes by Kayla Morgan and Simar Boparai begin simple, yet aesthetics transform as the kids begin playing dress up. To represent hardships endured, orphans are dressed in dirty and torn clothing, with moody colors of brown, and variations of stripes bringing about the essence of childhood. Mermaids wear a coordinated mess of kitchen items such as glittery funnels and brightly colored loofah sponges, and shimmery tulle skirts.

Stage Manager, Michelle Hughes, provides excellent cues for lighting and sound throughout the production. Sound Design by Ben Sellers is flawlessly executed heightening the auditory senses. From a plain milk jug for creaking sounds, to soothing wind chimes introducing starstuff, each object adds unique touches to every scene.

Although growing up is inevitable, Mission Viejo's "Peter and the Starcatcher" inspires to embrace the "starstuff" within, for just a little faith conquers all.

Sophie Lindborg
Dana Hills (SOCSA)
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Mission Viejo's "Peter and the Starcatcher" is hilariously magical
written by Sophie Lindborg, a senior at Dana Hills High School

With a yearning orphan who wishes to fly, a girl thriving for adventure, and a secret trunk filled with magical "starstuff", Mission Viejo High School's "Peter and the Starcatcher" mystically unfolds into the story of how Peter Pan came to be. Bursts of sword fights, true love, and imagination add fantasy of everlasting childhood, with a little bit of faith.

Ethan Cox soars as Boy/Peter, with a twinkle in his eye as he aches to be a boy with a family. His initial timidity exudes the pain of his past, yet fades as he evolves into a confident leader, who is granted the power to fly. With a bright disposition and starstuff sparkling around her neck, Hope Spires portrays Molly Aster. Her fearless demeanor radiates throughout as she takes charge to make selfless sacrifices leading the orphans to discover all they can be.

Ben Sellers embodies the ruthless Black Stache with charming physicality and strategic comedic timing. He makes the most of every scene with a hilarious and animated style, while perfectly paired with his mini and mighty sidekick, Smee (Devoree Shields). Shields, with her enthusiastic and engaging expressions, provides comic relief by filling the "right hand man" position to Stache who later ironically loses his right hand.

The orphan duo is notably distinct. Kayla Morgan (Prentiss) attempts dominance with crossed arms, rowdy snickers, and a harsh, pouty brow, while Charlie Massey (Ted) maintains a soft and sweet presence flashing an irresistible smile as he drools over pork and sticky pudding.

Costumes by Kayla Morgan and Simar Boparai begin simple, yet aesthetics transform as the kids begin playing dress up. To represent hardships endured, orphans are dressed in dirty and torn clothing, with moody colors of brown, and variations of stripes bringing about the essence of childhood. Mermaids wear a coordinated mess of kitchen items such as glittery funnels and brightly colored loofah sponges, and shimmery tulle skirts.

Stage Manager, Michelle Hughes, provides excellent cues for lighting and sound throughout the production. Sound Design by Ben Sellers is flawlessly executed heightening the auditory senses. From a plain milk jug for creaking sounds, to soothing wind chimes introducing starstuff, each object adds unique touches to every scene.

Although growing up is inevitable, Mission Viejo's "Peter and the Starcatcher" inspires to embrace the "starstuff" within, for just a little faith conquers all.

Megan Ross
Capistrano Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Mission Viejo High School's Peter and the Starcatcher reaches for the stars
written by Megan Ross, a junior at Capistrano Valley High School

Peter and the Starcatcher, based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, gives a fresh new spin on the classic story of the boy who never wanted to grow up. Narrated by the actors themselves, the division between story telling and narrating is clear and precise, and moves the show along effortlessly and seamlessly.

Boy/Peter (Ethan Cox) is beautifully portrayed with childlike movements and a starry-eyed, wondrous gaze. As the story progresses, Boy/Peter's journey of self-recognition is apparent as he transforms from a frightened, nameless boy to a confident leader. Countered by Molly Aster (Hope Spires), the pair's playful innocence adds exuberance and warmth. Molly, with her swift but bouncy gait, is gracefully displayed as she drifts across the stage with such energy and light, but while also maintaining a sophisticated character and poise.

The comedic combination of Black Stache (Ben Sellers) and Smee (Devoree Shields) brings excitement with immaculately timed punch lines and sprawling movements. Black Stache's character is distinctly depicted with witty rebuttals, quick gestures, and brilliantly vibrant facial expressions to give the crude pirate spirit and animation. As his right hand man, Smee contrasts Black Stache's over-the-top personality with smaller maneuvers while still perfectly matching Black Stache's energy and enthusiasm.

Prentiss (Kayla Morgan) and Ted (Charlie Massey) delightfully complete one another with boyish humor, rapid comebacks, and distinct personalities that shine brightly but differently in their own ways.

The sound, designed by Ben Sellers, features a live foley that brings life to the story with well-timed and easily recognizable sounds. The creatively chosen instruments in the foley add humor and a sense of spontaneity to the already lively show.

The props (Abby Ross and the Stagecraft Class) wonderfully complete the set with innovative pieces like movable stairs for ships and ropes for doorways. The giant crocodile's red-lit eyes and sharp pointed teeth together illustrate an appealing image while not being distracting or overly exaggerated. Handheld flashlights used as stars simply, but elegantly, compose an alluring picture that matches the contemporary feel of the show.

Filled to the brim with adventure, excitement, and creativity, Mission Viejo's performance of Peter and the Starcatcher beautifully encapsulates what it feels like to never want to grow up.

Megan Ross
Capistrano Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Mission Viejo High School's Peter and the Starcatcher reaches for the stars
written by Megan Ross, a junior at Capistrano Valley High School

Peter and the Starcatcher, based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, gives a fresh new spin on the classic story of the boy who never wanted to grow up. Narrated by the actors themselves, the division between story telling and narrating is clear and precise, and moves the show along effortlessly and seamlessly.

Boy/Peter (Ethan Cox) is beautifully portrayed with childlike movements and a starry-eyed, wondrous gaze. As the story progresses, Boy/Peter's journey of self-recognition is apparent as he transforms from a frightened, nameless boy to a confident leader. Countered by Molly Aster (Hope Spires), the pair's playful innocence adds exuberance and warmth. Molly, with her swift but bouncy gait, is gracefully displayed as she drifts across the stage with such energy and light, but while also maintaining a sophisticated character and poise.

The comedic combination of Black Stache (Ben Sellers) and Smee (Devoree Shields) brings excitement with immaculately timed punch lines and sprawling movements. Black Stache's character is distinctly depicted with witty rebuttals, quick gestures, and brilliantly vibrant facial expressions to give the crude pirate spirit and animation. As his right hand man, Smee contrasts Black Stache's over-the-top personality with smaller maneuvers while still perfectly matching Black Stache's energy and enthusiasm.

Prentiss (Kayla Morgan) and Ted (Charlie Massey) delightfully complete one another with boyish humor, rapid comebacks, and distinct personalities that shine brightly but differently in their own ways.

The sound, designed by Ben Sellers, features a live foley that brings life to the story with well-timed and easily recognizable sounds. The creatively chosen instruments in the foley add humor and a sense of spontaneity to the already lively show.

The props (Abby Ross and the Stagecraft Class) wonderfully complete the set with innovative pieces like movable stairs for ships and ropes for doorways. The giant crocodile's red-lit eyes and sharp pointed teeth together illustrate an appealing image while not being distracting or overly exaggerated. Handheld flashlights used as stars simply, but elegantly, compose an alluring picture that matches the contemporary feel of the show.

Filled to the brim with adventure, excitement, and creativity, Mission Viejo's performance of Peter and the Starcatcher beautifully encapsulates what it feels like to never want to grow up.

Garrett Vallejo
Capistrano Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Mission's "Peter and the Starcatcher" is a mustache-see!
written by Garrett Vallejo, a senior at Capistrano Valley High School

Serving as a prequel to the tales of Peter Pan, "Peter and the Starcatcher" spins a story of time and youth, following the growing Molly and the boy Peter on a journey of swash-and-buckling pirates, a crate of sand, and the shimmering magic of starstuff.

Ethan Cox assumes the role of Boy/Peter. He intricately weaves immaturity into the coming-of-age character, showing softness as he hugs himself when pained, using volume as a tool to show his waning weakness and developing strength, and visibly remembering his past as an orphan and how that affects his current sense of self. His interactions with Molly, played by the lovely Hope Spires, lead him more towards adolescence, but Cox perfectly twines everything together into a dynamic character, simultaneously boy and young man, definitively displaying the elements of time and youth in the play.

Ben Sellers plays the beguiling Black Stache, staggering and flailing about with erratic gestures and defeated facial expressions- all of which effectively heighten the character's frustration. As he searches and searches for treasure, his growing tension is communicated by a constant banter with his sidekick, Smee, played by Devoree Shields, whose childish naivete acts as a main source of comedy for the play. Shields smiles widely and clumsily tosses her beanie on and off, playfully tugging at Black Stache's annoyance without realizing it. Their duo masterfully bounces across the stage, energetic and boundless, Shields a virtuoso of subtle movement.

The set, designed by Devoree Shields, artfully creates an immersive location for the story. Closer to the front of the stage, an old piano covered in rope and a table of sound instruments- both used throughout the show- carefully hint at the premise of being backstage at a theater. However, two identical crates, ships, the forest, and a mountain are then created seamlessly between scenes, making the set design both easy and brilliant. Costumes, designed and chosen by Kayla Morgan, achieve the same goal. Adeptly forming coherent looks for each group, such as mangled and ragamuffin clothes for the orphans, wilderness attire for the Mollusks, and cohesively eccentric outfits for each pirate, Morgan manages to slip a piece of each character into what they wear- a magnificent feat.

As one, Mission Viejo High School's production team makes a wonder of the stage in their rendition of "Peter and the Starcatcher."

Garrett Vallejo
Capistrano Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Mission's "Peter and the Starcatcher" is a mustache-see!
written by Garrett Vallejo, a senior at Capistrano Valley High School

Serving as a prequel to the tales of Peter Pan, "Peter and the Starcatcher" spins a story of time and youth, following the growing Molly and the boy Peter on a journey of swash-and-buckling pirates, a crate of sand, and the shimmering magic of starstuff.

Ethan Cox assumes the role of Boy/Peter. He intricately weaves immaturity into the coming-of-age character, showing softness as he hugs himself when pained, using volume as a tool to show his waning weakness and developing strength, and visibly remembering his past as an orphan and how that affects his current sense of self. His interactions with Molly, played by the lovely Hope Spires, lead him more towards adolescence, but Cox perfectly twines everything together into a dynamic character, simultaneously boy and young man, definitively displaying the elements of time and youth in the play.

Ben Sellers plays the beguiling Black Stache, staggering and flailing about with erratic gestures and defeated facial expressions- all of which effectively heighten the character's frustration. As he searches and searches for treasure, his growing tension is communicated by a constant banter with his sidekick, Smee, played by Devoree Shields, whose childish naivete acts as a main source of comedy for the play. Shields smiles widely and clumsily tosses her beanie on and off, playfully tugging at Black Stache's annoyance without realizing it. Their duo masterfully bounces across the stage, energetic and boundless, Shields a virtuoso of subtle movement.

The set, designed by Devoree Shields, artfully creates an immersive location for the story. Closer to the front of the stage, an old piano covered in rope and a table of sound instruments- both used throughout the show- carefully hint at the premise of being backstage at a theater. However, two identical crates, ships, the forest, and a mountain are then created seamlessly between scenes, making the set design both easy and brilliant. Costumes, designed and chosen by Kayla Morgan, achieve the same goal. Adeptly forming coherent looks for each group, such as mangled and ragamuffin clothes for the orphans, wilderness attire for the Mollusks, and cohesively eccentric outfits for each pirate, Morgan manages to slip a piece of each character into what they wear- a magnificent feat.

As one, Mission Viejo High School's production team makes a wonder of the stage in their rendition of "Peter and the Starcatcher."