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Star-studded Performance from the Peter and the Starcatcher Cast

Star-studded Performance from the Peter and the Starcatcher Cast

By Kelly McGee (Reporter ‘25)


Peter Pan is a story of eternal youth, and the Friends’ Central production of Peter and the Starcatcher was definitely made with that in mind. Childish humor carried through this reimagined origin story of Peter Pan, complete with wondrous magic and swashbuckling pirates. Director Megan Schumacher’s keen eye for silliness only improved upon the uproarious one-liners and distinctly hilarious characters Rick Elice created.


Poster Design by Slyvie Hoffman '24

The protagonists of this story are Molly Aster, a spunky and brilliant daughter of a professional starcatcher, and Peter, a pesky orphan desperate for a sense of self. These roles were played by Ash Williams-Atanacio ‘25 and Lucas Hoffmann ‘27, respectively. Their chemistry was palpable, and they sweetly depicted the adorable nature of first love. Sylvie Hoffmann ‘24 as Black Stache, the reimagining of Captain Hook, was a standout as her menacing wickedness was perfectly balanced with the overly indulgent attitude Sylvie portrayed. She had every young kid in the audience in turn, giggling with delight or waiting with bated breath. Being the only senior in the cast was a remarkable feat, and she expertly played her demanding role. Her leadership among the cast and contributions, such as designing the advertising posters, were just as awe-inspiring as her command of the stage. The remainder of the cast was equally fantastic and exciting to watch. Peter and the Starcatcher features a long list of characters, each with their own distinct personality, movement, and pair of shoes. From the uptight men of the British Navy to the helplessly hilarious orphaned Lost Boys and the flirtatious old nanny, Mrs. Bumbrake, every actor committed themselves wholeheartedly.


Navigating the multi-tiered set in character required an advanced spatial awareness that called for a cast-wide field trip to the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. Everyone engaged in movement exercises and practiced flying sans starstuff. This experience was a far cry from the theater program during the Covid-19 pandemic. Juniors and seniors remember the performances held outside in Felson Common and singing rehearsals conducted while wearing masks. Attendance has improved as more and more students and faculty attended across the three-night run, a welcome change from only the handful of people in attendance for pandemic productions.


The huge influx of freshman and sophomore participation both on stage and behind the scenes is also evidence of a new era. Sammi Smith ‘26 and Carvel Camp ‘26 apprenticed under stage manager Hanan Muaddi ‘24, learning the ropes of stage managing and cue calling. New stage crew members eagerly learned the ins and outs of dangerous power tools, microphones, and lighting. No play could have better emphasized the magical splendor the cast and crew feel ushering in a new era of FCS theater. Stage crew’s contributions to the magic included transforming dish gloves into birds and pool noodles into crocodiles. Tal Loren and Jules Demski joined Astrid Will and Ona Stocovaz (all ‘24) as stage crew captains, and each only added to the splendor of theater behind the scenes. Astrid's sound effects and Jules’ light design were proof of the hard work the crew put in during tech week, sometimes totaling eight hours a day.


Both cast and crew will be putting away the starstuff and the miter saw as they enjoy a couple of weeks of well-deserved rest leading into the winter musical, Ride the Cyclone. If Peter and the Starcatcher is any indication, this next show will surely be top notch.

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