Cast members include, from left, Ethan Spencer (Smee), Elle Brouwer (Black Stache), Shannon Smith (Molly), Deaglan Gardner (Peter), Hailey Hershberger (Prentiss), and Emma Ferguson (Ted). Photos provided.

By Shari Benyousky
Correspondent

 WARSAW — “Peter and the Starcatcher” is an irresistibly joyful and witty spectacle.

That’s what I learned today when I stopped in at the Warsaw Community High School to watch a rehearsal. If you’ve ever wondered how Peter Pan got his name, how Captain Hook lost his hook, or where Neverland came from, this is the show for you.

The 23 members of the cast use everyday things to create the magic. For example, they are collecting water bottles to make a water wall (they could use A LOT more if you have any). They repurpose a few long lengths of blue cloth to create the illusion of waves.

The show arrives at the beginning of November, but the cast is busy blocking their positions on stage, learning their lines, and fighting the awesome static hair they get from crawling under fabric waves. They have impressive faith in one another – I watched them practice some spine-tingling backward faith falls, trusting each other’s network of arms. They rehearse after school every day until 5:30 pm, and they’re good, really good.

Come to the show and you’ll see a lost orphan boy turn into Peter Pan, and a hapless but hysterically funny pirate named Stache morph into Captain Hook. You’ll see mermaids, angry mollusks chanting about Italian foods, and a naval battle. What more could a viewer want?

There is more. A viewer might want to help, and you can. You or your business could help by donating blocks of tickets so other high school students who might not have the cash can still come. Purchasing the rights to the shows is expensive, often running several thousands of dollars per show. The theatre wants every student interested to have the opportunity. Student tickets are $10 each. A business could sponsor blocks of 20, 100, or the whole weekend of shows by sponsoring 300.

Not your bag? Bring in a bag of empty water bottles. Or, purchase a ticket for yourself and come laugh. Put the show on your calendar now. It runs from Nov. 11-13. Adult tickets are $15 and student tickets are $10. Contact Director Melany Morris if you’d like to help with anything above: [email protected]. 

A view of a rehearsal.