Peter and the Starcatcher
at Capistrano Valley

Reviewed on October 5, 2018

Carson Preusse
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Capo's "Peter and the Starcatcher" Delights
written by Carson Presusse, a senior at Tesoro High School

Pirates, mermaids, and mollusks all weave their way into an orphan's enchanting journey in "Peter and the Starcatcher" at Capo Valley HS. This hilarious production puts a unique spin on the prequel to the timeless tale of Peter Pan.

Ethan Kron, playing the headstrong Boy (Peter), assumes this young character through childish movements and a starry-eyed gaze. Kron consistently delivers a sincere performance, without hesitating to let his voice quaver as he reveals his bitter feelings against grownups. Alongside Kron is Elyse Abregov, who plays Molly Aster. Abregov bounces around the stage, flailing her arms with excitement. These energetic actions are a perfect foil to Kron's smaller, reserved movements, together portraying their unlikely friendship that blossoms into youthful romance.

Kayla Bryant delights as the bumbling buccaneer, Captain Black Stache. From the moment she confidently struts on stage with a sly smirk, Bryant takes charge. She embodies the true essence of the nonsensical antagonist by careening over every inch of the stage, flamboyantly making a spectacle and seeking attention from the crew. At the end of the story, after slamming a chest shut on her arm, leaving her one-handed, Bryant delivers an outrageous rant, full of over the top shrieks and gestures.

Natalie Hill portrays Nanny Bumbrake, offering a perfectly timed comedic performance from start to finish. Whether she spontaneously decides to toss a harmless kitten over the side of the ship or precariously rides a scooter across the stage to represent a rickety rowboat, Hill never ceases to commit to her frisky character.

In the second act, the inhabitants of Mollusk Island wear captivating glow-in-the-dark neon face paint, designed by Kayla Marck. This choice collaborates with Ellie Mezak's unique costume design to dress the Mollusks in bright, neon garments to contrast with the drab and mundane colors worn in the rest of the show.

Another enhancing element of the show is the lighting, designed by Katrina Silva. As characters enter various rooms of the ship, the colors on the backdrop switch, illustrating a clear change of location. Later, in the scenes taking place on the island, stencils in lighting instruments create shadows of trees and leaves to represent the jungle, resulting in an instantly immersive portrayal of location.

Through a combination of a committed and engaged cast along with intricate technical elements, Capo's production of "Peter and the Starcatcher" lifts spirits and warms hearts.

Carson Preusse
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Capo's "Peter and the Starcatcher" Delights
written by Carson Presusse, a senior at Tesoro High School

Pirates, mermaids, and mollusks all weave their way into an orphan's enchanting journey in "Peter and the Starcatcher" at Capo Valley HS. This hilarious production puts a unique spin on the prequel to the timeless tale of Peter Pan.

Ethan Kron, playing the headstrong Boy (Peter), assumes this young character through childish movements and a starry-eyed gaze. Kron consistently delivers a sincere performance, without hesitating to let his voice quaver as he reveals his bitter feelings against grownups. Alongside Kron is Elyse Abregov, who plays Molly Aster. Abregov bounces around the stage, flailing her arms with excitement. These energetic actions are a perfect foil to Kron's smaller, reserved movements, together portraying their unlikely friendship that blossoms into youthful romance.

Kayla Bryant delights as the bumbling buccaneer, Captain Black Stache. From the moment she confidently struts on stage with a sly smirk, Bryant takes charge. She embodies the true essence of the nonsensical antagonist by careening over every inch of the stage, flamboyantly making a spectacle and seeking attention from the crew. At the end of the story, after slamming a chest shut on her arm, leaving her one-handed, Bryant delivers an outrageous rant, full of over the top shrieks and gestures.

Natalie Hill portrays Nanny Bumbrake, offering a perfectly timed comedic performance from start to finish. Whether she spontaneously decides to toss a harmless kitten over the side of the ship or precariously rides a scooter across the stage to represent a rickety rowboat, Hill never ceases to commit to her frisky character.

In the second act, the inhabitants of Mollusk Island wear captivating glow-in-the-dark neon face paint, designed by Kayla Marck. This choice collaborates with Ellie Mezak's unique costume design to dress the Mollusks in bright, neon garments to contrast with the drab and mundane colors worn in the rest of the show.

Another enhancing element of the show is the lighting, designed by Katrina Silva. As characters enter various rooms of the ship, the colors on the backdrop switch, illustrating a clear change of location. Later, in the scenes taking place on the island, stencils in lighting instruments create shadows of trees and leaves to represent the jungle, resulting in an instantly immersive portrayal of location.

Through a combination of a committed and engaged cast along with intricate technical elements, Capo's production of "Peter and the Starcatcher" lifts spirits and warms hearts.

Lila Holley
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Capistrano Valley High School's Peter and the Starcatcher" is a Light in the Darkness
written by Lila Holley, a senior at San Juan Hills High School

Two ships charge toward Mollusk Island, identical trunks in tow and both in pursuit of the same treasure--starstuff. Aboard, from the lowly orphans set aside as snake food to the elusive pirate crew, everyone harbors a longing for happiness. A poignant tale of childhood meets the absurdly funny in Capistrano Valley High School's Peter and the Starcatcher.

Ethan Kron balances boyhood with emotional trauma as the jaded young Peter. Doubled over in sobs at the thought of the family he never had, Kron clings to hope in the face of hatred. Kron and his counterpart-- Elyse Abregov as the fiery Molly Aster--tiptoe around teenage hormones as their hands inch ever closer and their hearts begin to find light in each other.

Armed with bold movements, sharp comedic timing, and enormous facial hair, Kayla Bryant as Black Stache flounces across the stage in pursuit of a hero to battle. Her hand freshly severed, Bryant colors upwards of twenty "Oh My God"s with fear, delirium, shock, and one-a la Legally Blonde-"Oh My God You Guys!"

Working with a very minimalistic set, Katrina Silva illustrates the setting with her lighting design. Rectangular pattens of a grate shine on the huddled orphans as they eat worms below deck, a warm wash provides the heat of the sun on the beach, and colored lights create rooms as Molly explores the ship.

Props, designed by Astazzia Calderon, play into the imagination of the audience as household objects transform. Green umbrellas twist into gnarled branches of the forest, whipping in the children's faces. Upon Peter's shoulder, a yellow kitchen glove flaps in place of a bird.

Kayla Marck is particularly inventive with hair and makeup as she employs neon face paint and black lights; the Italian native tribe glows in the darkness as their intricately painted faces sway. Also inhabiting the island are the mermaids, whose handmade costumes by Ellie Mezak glitter brilliantly, littered with playing cards, toothbrushes, and utensils.

Through duels and boxing matches, puns and love, the characters of Peter and the Starcatcher find the family they sought for so long. For Molly, she reunites with her father. For Black Stache, he finds a nemesis that can never disappear. And for the ever beaten-down Peter, he finds a home where he can fly free forever.

Lila Holley
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Capistrano Valley High School's Peter and the Starcatcher" is a Light in the Darkness
written by Lila Holley, a senior at San Juan Hills High School

Two ships charge toward Mollusk Island, identical trunks in tow and both in pursuit of the same treasure--starstuff. Aboard, from the lowly orphans set aside as snake food to the elusive pirate crew, everyone harbors a longing for happiness. A poignant tale of childhood meets the absurdly funny in Capistrano Valley High School's Peter and the Starcatcher.

Ethan Kron balances boyhood with emotional trauma as the jaded young Peter. Doubled over in sobs at the thought of the family he never had, Kron clings to hope in the face of hatred. Kron and his counterpart-- Elyse Abregov as the fiery Molly Aster--tiptoe around teenage hormones as their hands inch ever closer and their hearts begin to find light in each other.

Armed with bold movements, sharp comedic timing, and enormous facial hair, Kayla Bryant as Black Stache flounces across the stage in pursuit of a hero to battle. Her hand freshly severed, Bryant colors upwards of twenty "Oh My God"s with fear, delirium, shock, and one-a la Legally Blonde-"Oh My God You Guys!"

Working with a very minimalistic set, Katrina Silva illustrates the setting with her lighting design. Rectangular pattens of a grate shine on the huddled orphans as they eat worms below deck, a warm wash provides the heat of the sun on the beach, and colored lights create rooms as Molly explores the ship.

Props, designed by Astazzia Calderon, play into the imagination of the audience as household objects transform. Green umbrellas twist into gnarled branches of the forest, whipping in the children's faces. Upon Peter's shoulder, a yellow kitchen glove flaps in place of a bird.

Kayla Marck is particularly inventive with hair and makeup as she employs neon face paint and black lights; the Italian native tribe glows in the darkness as their intricately painted faces sway. Also inhabiting the island are the mermaids, whose handmade costumes by Ellie Mezak glitter brilliantly, littered with playing cards, toothbrushes, and utensils.

Through duels and boxing matches, puns and love, the characters of Peter and the Starcatcher find the family they sought for so long. For Molly, she reunites with her father. For Black Stache, he finds a nemesis that can never disappear. And for the ever beaten-down Peter, he finds a home where he can fly free forever.

Jordyn Murray
El Dorado
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Capo Valley's "Peter and the Starcatcher" is a Hidden Treasure

"Peter and the Starcatcher", performed by Capistrano Valley, tells the story of a shy orphan boy in search of a home. The timid child, with the help of his friends, becomes a youthful hero who calls himself Peter Pan.

Ethan Kron as Boy (Peter) perfectly captures the frightened and apprehensive character through his soft voice and slouchy body language. After Boy meets Molly (Elyse Abregov), Kron begins revealing his character's caring and dependable side, and Molly's impact on the Boy's life is evident. In Act I, Kron gains confidence after Black Stache (Kayla Bryant) gives him the name Pirate Pete. With his newfound identity, Peter develops into a heroic leader and finds his true home in Neverland.

Contrary to the role of Peter, Elyse Abregov illustrates Molly as much more carefree and intelligent. As a girl from a wealthy family, she is immediately intrigued by the orphan's situation, and she dedicates a lot of time to being with the boys. She is particularly drawn to Peter, and the connection between the two characters in undeniable. Abregov acts especially radiant after a kiss the two share when they fear they won't make it off Neverland alive. Although the moment is brief, it clearly reflects the characters' affection for each other.

Providing comic relief for this otherwise emotional show is the dynamic duo of Black Stache and Smee (Brenna Martinez). The two have spectacular comedic timing and play off of each other really well. When Black Stache slams her hand in the chest and cuts it off, her comedic lines and with Smee's commentary make a great combination. Kayla Bryant, in particular, makes her presence known in every scene with her dramatic facial expressions and quirky line delivery.

The props, led by Astazzia Calderon, add a unique aspect to the show. When Molly and Peter confront the evil crocodile, staring back at them are red lantern eyes and pearly pennant teeth hanging below. These clever and creative props contribute to the spine-tingling scene. Another well executed prop is the umbrellas representing trees. When Molly and Peter enter Neverland's rainforest, the ensemble enter the stage with emerald umbrellas to set the scene.

The heartfelt narrative "Peter and the Starcatcher" at Capistrano Valley is delightfully told by a talented cast and crew.

Jordyn Murray
El Dorado
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Capo Valley's "Peter and the Starcatcher" is a Hidden Treasure

"Peter and the Starcatcher", performed by Capistrano Valley, tells the story of a shy orphan boy in search of a home. The timid child, with the help of his friends, becomes a youthful hero who calls himself Peter Pan.

Ethan Kron as Boy (Peter) perfectly captures the frightened and apprehensive character through his soft voice and slouchy body language. After Boy meets Molly (Elyse Abregov), Kron begins revealing his character's caring and dependable side, and Molly's impact on the Boy's life is evident. In Act I, Kron gains confidence after Black Stache (Kayla Bryant) gives him the name Pirate Pete. With his newfound identity, Peter develops into a heroic leader and finds his true home in Neverland.

Contrary to the role of Peter, Elyse Abregov illustrates Molly as much more carefree and intelligent. As a girl from a wealthy family, she is immediately intrigued by the orphan's situation, and she dedicates a lot of time to being with the boys. She is particularly drawn to Peter, and the connection between the two characters in undeniable. Abregov acts especially radiant after a kiss the two share when they fear they won't make it off Neverland alive. Although the moment is brief, it clearly reflects the characters' affection for each other.

Providing comic relief for this otherwise emotional show is the dynamic duo of Black Stache and Smee (Brenna Martinez). The two have spectacular comedic timing and play off of each other really well. When Black Stache slams her hand in the chest and cuts it off, her comedic lines and with Smee's commentary make a great combination. Kayla Bryant, in particular, makes her presence known in every scene with her dramatic facial expressions and quirky line delivery.

The props, led by Astazzia Calderon, add a unique aspect to the show. When Molly and Peter confront the evil crocodile, staring back at them are red lantern eyes and pearly pennant teeth hanging below. These clever and creative props contribute to the spine-tingling scene. Another well executed prop is the umbrellas representing trees. When Molly and Peter enter Neverland's rainforest, the ensemble enter the stage with emerald umbrellas to set the scene.

The heartfelt narrative "Peter and the Starcatcher" at Capistrano Valley is delightfully told by a talented cast and crew.