Peter and the Starcatcher
at Tuscarora High School

Reviewed on March 1, 2019

Hannah Rosman
Washington Lee High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

A boxing match in iambic pentameter, a native group who speaks mainly in Italian cuisine, and an inspiringly fierce heroine were just some of the charming elements in Tuscarora High School's production of Peter and the Starcatcher. The actors carefully balanced the comedic and sincere elements of this prequel to J.M. Barrie's classic Peter Pan.

Peter and the Starcatcher is a 2009 play adapted for the stage by Rick Elice from the 2004 novel Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. It introduces Captain Hook, Smee, the crocodile, Mrs. Darling, Peter Pan, his first two Lost Boys, the mermaids, the natives, and even Tinker Bell, weaving a tale of how they all got to where they are when Peter Pan begins.

The 2012 Broadway production of Peter and the Starcatcher was highly praised for its inventive storytelling without much of a set, even winning a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Play. Tuscarora's production followed in the footsteps of the original with creative staging and use of scenery, while still making the material their own. This was particularly impressive considering that the show was directed by Molly Klemm, who is a student at the school. One standout idea was having the two-tiered set itself, with the addition of two circles of red LEDs, portraying the crocodile.

However, what really carries the show are the performances from the cast. Cooper Josties played Peter as an angry, but scared loner who is really quite "lost". His chemistry with Patrick Hensley and DJ Strigel, as his future Lost Boys was heartwarming. Even better was his connection with Kelly De Angioletti who played Molly (the future Mrs. Darling). They were adorable and awkward as all 13-year-olds who maybe have a tiny crush on each. De Angioletti played Molly as a precocious girl who just wants to be a grown-up. Her comedic timing and line snarky line readings were impeccable, and the character development from know-it-all to hero was perfectly played.

Despite so many amazing performances, from Riley Steinkirchner playing Smee to Katie Olivero playing Molly's highly alliterative nanny, Mrs. Bumbrake to the completely cohesive ensemble, one actor completely stole the show. Sam Barthel playing Black Stache (the future Captain Hook). Stache seems like an inherently fun character to play with all the anachronistic jokes, melodramatic physical humor, and malicious sarcasm that is written into the script. Still, Barthel stuck the landing of every joke and put so much energy into his performance that it was hard not to root for the villainous character to at least get more stage time, if nothing else.

One scene that especially gave Barthel, as well as a few other cast members a chance to have fun was one of the few musical numbers in this otherwise straight play at the opening of Act Two. Eight cast members, led by Barthel, came out in full makeup and skirts as mermaids and sang about being transformed from fish. It was glorious. This was a highlight for the makeup and costume designers as well, letting them do their most intense and overstated work of the show.

This comedy with a heart-of-gold is perfect for just about everyone, and this production played into all the strengths of the script, while adding heart and depth to it as well. The inventive design and heartfelt relationships could make even the most cynical pessimist smile at the magic and joy of childhood.

Kristen Waagner
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

It's a story everyone knows: a ticking crocodile, a pirate captain with a hook for a hand, a defiant fairy, and a boy who never grows up. But who was Peter before he became Pan? In Tuscarora High School's "Peter and the Starcatcher," imagination and nostalgia collide with magic radiant enough to outshine even starstuff.

Beginning as a children's adventure novel in 2004, "Peter and the Starcatcher" tells the story of how a friendless orphan boy became the heroic mischief-maker Peter Pan. Nominated for nine Tony Awards, the 2012 Broadway production combined all the whimsy of J. M. Barrie's original story with winking references and genuine warmth to create a heartfelt comedy suitable for all ages. Aboard the H.M.S. Neverland, we travel alongside Peter, his orphan friends, and Molly Aster, a Starcatcher's apprentice, as they attempt to protect a trunk filled with magical starstuff on a mission from Queen Victoria (God save her!). Confronted by a deadly storm, pursued by fearsome pirates, and serenaded by not-so-lovely mermaids, chaos ensues when their ship wrecks upon a desert island, leaving it to them to complete the mission and save the British empire.

Cooper Josties starred as the eponymous Peter, transforming from a closed-off, nameless orphan who longed for home into a bona-fide hero, confident in his own right. Josties's palpable joy was utterly infectious as he embodied a young boy, awkward at times and unflappable at others. He showcased endearing vulnerability especially when paired with Kelly De Angioletti's vivaciously funny Molly Aster, a precocious girl unafraid of a little competition. De Angioletti's self-assuredness clashed beautifully with Josties's diffident Peter, especially when earnestly discussing their burgeoning innocent romance.

No hero's story is complete without its villain, and Sam Barthel's wonderfully campy Black Stache filled his role with gusto. The Stache was on everyone's lips as he hilariously shattered the fourth wall, pranced about the stage, and even accidentally cut off his own hand. With his devoted right-hand, er, right-hook man Smee (Riley Steinkirchner) in tow, Barthel entertained from start to finish, even when dressed as an alluring mermaid. Other notable performances included Patrick Hensley as the insufferable Prentiss, who dreams of becoming a lawyer, and Jeronica Tran as the oft-misnamed Sanchez, who reacted to each of Stache's offbeat nicknames with increasing outrage.

Technical elements created a blank canvas for student-director Molly Klemm to work magic upon. Under Klemm's expert eye, picture frames became cabin walls, ensemble members became moving hallways, and a simple plank became a magic flight. With a set akin to a child's playground and versatile props, each new scene thoroughly piqued the imagination, transporting the audience to a familiar Neverland. Despite some lighting mishaps, the entire cast performed admirably, drawing focus when necessary using their physicality.

From swashbuckling shenanigans to moments of true friendship, "Peter and the Starcatcher" is everything one could want in an adventure. Tuscarora takes audiences past the second star to the right and straight on until morning, back to a place where to have faith is to have wings.

Helen Ganley
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Maneuvering through a wooden jungle gym, one finds everything they would expect of a playground: whimsical fairy tales, imaginative bedtime stories, and, best of all, an innocent schoolyard crush. Whether you dream of being a lawyer or an explorer, Tuscarora High School's production of "Peter and the Starcatcher" had all wanting to turn back the ticking clock and just be a kid for a while.

Based off of a beloved book 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 and opened on Broadway in 2012. The show follows Peter and Apprentice Starcatcher Molly Aster as they attempt to deter swashbuckling pirates from apprehending an ornate treasure chest, which only they know to be filled with magical "starstuff." With a glowing amulet to guide the way, the two must navigate tribal warfare, thrashing seas, and siren songs in pursuit of their mission.

With sparkling eyes and a youthful gleam, Cooper Josties, portraying the originally nameless "Boy," transformed into the impish character, Peter Pan. Josties showcased both sides of Peter, both as the defensive, abandoned orphan and as a prideful, rowdy lost boy. His genuinely childlike mannerisms were accentuated when paired with the sprightly Kelly De Angioletti as Molly Aster. De Angioletti's competitive energy and spunky attitude created a compelling heroine that was youthful yet mature. The duo's adolescent love story was an awkward, authentic, and delightfully innocent romance.

Strutting across the stage brandishing a longsword and spitting rhymes under his unmistakable "mouth brow" was Sam Barthel as Black Stache. Whether he was dancing seductively as a mermaid or participating in a captains-only boxing match, Barthel's campy mannerisms and swift, biting jokes drew attention and applause. Trailing Stache as his devoted right-hand, nay, right-hook man was Riley Steinkirchner as Smee, whose energy combined with Barthel's to create a true comedic duo. Completing the trio of Lost Boys were DJ Strigel and Patrick Hensley as the clueless Ted and the charmless Prentiss, who perpetuated boyish expression and charisma, especially during their interpretive pantomime of Sleeping Beauty. The native tribe of Neverland, the Mollusks, and their leader, Fighting Prawn (Bryce Treichel), chanted furiously in their native language, forms of Italian foods, and created dynamic and colorful scene pictures. As the name-mistaken sailor, Jeronica Tran's matter-of-fact delivery of her one-liners made Sanchez into a distinct and memorable character.

It was all-hands-on-deck for Tuscarora High School's production of "Peter and the Starcatcher." The large set made entirely of wooden planks housed countless locations, from ships to jungles. Simple set pieces that were held in place by cast members created effective visual moments in ship holds and hallways, both of which were accentuated by intricately placed lighting. The sound crew aptly cued the music and sound effects while the props crew provided detailed pieces, such as Ted's seemingly inedible pineapple. Most commendable was the student direction of Molly Klemm, whose choices with blocking, character analysis, and stylistic choices defined the playful tone of the entire production.

With a combination of the swashbuckling cast along and seaworthy technical elements, all showered with a sprinkle of glittering starstuff, Tuscarora High School's production of "Peter and the Starcatcher" welcomed all to a Neverland they never knew.

Emma Shacochis
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Loudoun Now

If you've ever dreamed of visiting Neverland, you won't need starstuff to get there - the magical world is thriving onstage in Tuscarora High School's inventive, spellbinding production of "Peter and the Starcatcher"!

J.M. Barrie's classic fairytale, Peter Pan, has been adapted countless times for the screen, stage, and page. "Peter and the Starcatcher", written by Rick Elice and based on Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's eponymous book series, ran in California and off-Broadway before opening on Broadway in 2012, winning five Tony awards.

"Peter and the Starcatcher" tells the origin story of Peter Pan before he arrived in Neverland. Along with two other orphaned "lost boys", Peter is trapped on a sea voyage where he forms a bond with Molly Aster, an apprentice starcatcher sworn to protect a trunk full of a mysterious, powerful substance called starstuff. When the Black Stache, a hirsute swashbuckler, attempts to steal the trunk, Peter must help Molly keep it safe, while along the way, learning to be a hero - and a friend.

Cooper Josties deftly portrayed Peter's initial mistrust of the world and the adults in it through his disillusioned mannerisms and delivery. However, as the adventure progressed, Josties gradually developed his character into the bold, clever Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up. Joining him on his adventure was the precocious Molly Aster, played ebulliently by Kelly De Angioletti. De Angioletti balancing of Molly's teenage insecurities and curiosity with her mature incisiveness and leadership skills made for a layered performance. Josties and De Angioletti displayed a clear contrast in their characters - Peter's wish to stay a boy clashing with Molly's enthusiasm to grow up - but their competitive connection still developed into a sweet, adolescent relationship that grew throughout their adventure.

As the animated antagonist Black Stache, Sam Barthel's dedicated, flamboyant performance constantly had the audience in stitches. Joined by the simpering Smee (Riley Steinkirchner, a hilariously supportive sidekick), Barthel's sinister swagger and mispronounced monologues worked together to make Black Stache a villain both impish and imposing. Barthel's expressive energy, culminating in his accidental transformation into Peter's iconic one-handed nemesis, couldn't help but make viewers cheer for the bombastic buccaneer.

The lively ensemble had "all hands on deck" throughout the show. While they were dynamic as dastardly pirates and Italian-spouting island natives, they were equally spirited and engaged when playing backdrops, such as an island storm, a shimmering grotto, or a winding ship's hallway.

Molly Klemm's direction was skillful as a steadfast sea captain. Klemm always kept the play's tone lighthearted, even when dealing with more mature subjects such as loss and abuse. Her innovative staging of scenes such as a rhyming rumble, jungle chase, and the show-stopping serenade, "Mermaid Outta Me", were full of imagination. Klemm's directorial choices made sure that the show balanced comedy with its bittersweet message about the inevitability of growing up.

The show's adventurous world was excellently encompassed through the set, which resembled a playground and added to the youthful nature of the show; its different levels were effectively transformed into a multitude of different locations, such as vast ship decks and a sprawling jungle.

The hair and makeup team's addition of blackened teeth to sailors, graying hair to adults, and the infamous facial hair of Black Stache were all eye-catching and well-designed; additionally, the inspired costuming choice to dress the ensemble in white and beige meant they could easily adapt into their various characters.

Through whimsical creativity and delightful performances, Tuscarora's "Peter and the Starcatcher" soars high as a cloud and shines bright as a star. Tiramisu!

Sam Fremin
Stone Bridge High School
Submitted for publication to Loudoun Times-Mirror

Disney's "Peter Pan" is a show that is widely revered by people of all ages. "Peter and the Starcatcher" though, offers a whole new take on the classic story.

"Peter and the Starcatcher" is a play based on the novel written by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry. It simultaneously follows Molly Aster and "Boy", as they both search for validation in different forms. Molly, trying to become a full-fledged "starcatcher", and Boy, an orphan looking for family, find a purpose in each other over the course of a trying time riddled with pirates, shipwrecks, and crocodiles.

From the opening, Kelly de Angioletti (as starcatcher Molly Aster), established herself as a star in her own right, due to the consistency of her British accent. Her poise and elegance contrasted nicely with that of the pirates' and the orphans' dirtiness, creating some lovely juxtapositional humor. De Angioletti had this particular audience member laughing out loud in moments that would have otherwise not received a laugh, if it weren't played with such integrity to Molly's character. Opposite her, Cooper Josties, playing Boy, was remarkable. His wonderfully awkward chemistry with potential love interest, Molly, was heartwarming. Every issued challenge and childish outburst brought realism to what could have been a cartoonish portrayal.

Without a doubt, Sam Barthel's performance as Black Stache stole the show. Barthel's fearlessness with an err of Johnny Depp-style confidence commanded the attention of the audience every time he was onstage. No word better describes his time onstage than "fun." Almost every line out of his mouth was met with uncontrollable laughter, thanks to his impeccable comedic timing. His sidekick, Smee (Riley Steinkirchner), contrasted Stache's flamboyance perfectly. His simple corrections to Stache's constant malapropisms were delightful and never failed to please the audience. Another impressive comedic performance came from Bryce Treichel, in the role of Fighting Prawn. Treichel, as the ludicrous tropical king, was exactly the piece the second act needed to stay on par with the first. His over the top antics were equal parts dazzling and sinister.

While the show is blessed with comedy, at the heart of the piece is a story of two protagonists who crave validation in some form or another. The plot centers on a very tender and relatable message that sometimes buries itself amongst all of the joking elements of the show. Under the direction of student, Molly Klemm, the actors handled this balance professionally. Her blocking took advantage of the stationary set, with creative uses of movement. By themselves, each performer possessed incredible stage presence, but the clever stage decisions made by Klemm were clear. The product of her leadership was artful, which is impressive for a student, but also for any director in high school theatre.

Anyone who does not catch these stars in action will sorely regret their decision. With a quickly moving plot, Tuscarora's drama department put together an excellent show that will not soon be forgotten.