PETER AND THE STARCATCHER: Archbishop MacDonald High School

Read the Top 5 Reviews! All reviews are written by high school students in the Edmonton and surrounding area.

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Before the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up

By Emilia Peters

Holy Trinity Catholic High School

“Pity the child who lives in a fact-based world”, a quote that stuck with me during this thrilling and imaginative theater production. Throughout the show, I was fully engaged, enjoying every moment on that stage, and found myself constantly needing to write things

down, scared that I might forget the amazing moments I witnessed. In the end, I had several

pages filled with the hundreds of things I enjoyed, whether it was the small details, such as the lighting changes on stage, or the humorous moments that made the show relatable, like

references to people like Michael Jackson and the incorporation of “Starbucks.”

The show follows a nameless orphaned boy who travels by ship along with two of his

companions from the orphanage. On the ship, they meet the second lead character, whose name is Molly Aster. Together, the four ambitious characters face obstacles they must overcome, such as the humorous antagonists, quirky side characters, and the troubles that come with growing up, like the decisions you must make not only for yourself but also for the good of other people. The story of their journey puts their loyalties, their courage, and their wits to the test as they explore the many aspects of friendship, creativity, and holding onto imagination in a world that is usually fact-based.

During the show, rather than relying on enormous sets that come with complex details,

they instead rely on simple props, giving the audience's minds a chance to use their imagination to a whole other level. During the pre-show chat I attended, the director told us that she loved this show because it reminded her of playing dress-up with her siblings in her basement, because of how simple the set was, and how much was left up to the imagination. This really resonated with me, and became one of my favourite parts of watching the show. It made me feel like I was a kid again, playing pretend, without a care in the world. The use of costumes was creative and reflected each of the characters in the perfect light, like you always knew that each person was where they were supposed to be. Not only were all the character placements exquisite, but I was very impressed by the lighting skills that were displayed. This might seem a little underwhelming, but it ultimately added to the feel of the show, whether it was a sad, gloomy moment.

Overall, Peter and the Starcatcher was extremely enjoyable, and the show's playful

energy made it an experience that stayed with me past the moments of the final scene. I found myself wishing I could see the show for the first time all over again. It was not only a

heartwarming reminder to me, but to the audience, about how important love is, whether it’s romantic or platonic, because those people will always be around to help you overcome your challenges.

Peter and the Starcatcher Caught More Than Just Stars

By Ella Krezalek

Holy Trinity High School

I can assure you, Archbishop MacDonald’s Peter and the Starcatcher’s milkshake brought all the boys to

the yard. A celebration of childhood, Peter and the Starcatcher embodies the nostalgia of digging in the

dress-up trunk, arguing with your friends on who would play the lead in your show, and performing for an audience of stuffed animals and good-naturedly sighing parents.

Although playful, Peter and the Starcatcher did not lack sophistication, exploring sensitive

themes with an admirable amount of grace and consideration, displaying the thoughtfulness of each scene and the trust amongst cast members: that familial-like trust between actors was especially noticeable. Peter and the Starcatcher’s cast excelled at creating convincing relationships between their characters.

The roguish sibling dynamic between Rei Ramirez as Ted and Samantha Rosario as Prentiss

was particularly masterful; I was thoroughly entertained with their banter, and fully believed they were each other's partner-in-crime. Whenever the pair of them joined together on stage, you could see how much fun they were having, bouncing off one another's chatter in a way that allowed for so much heart, truly emphasising the sibling-like bond.

Alongside the rowdy duo, each Ensemble member did an incredible job of breathing life

into the show. From the narrators and their quips to the rambunctious pirates and the hardworking sailors, Peter and the Starcatcher’s Ensemble was mesmerizing to watch. Each actor responded to the world around them, flowing with the movement of lead characters and building on top of one another’s ardor. You could see the passion from the very back row: from frightened to humorous to serious, the Ensemble laid the foundation for the show, allowing leads and other performers to rebound off their consistent energy.

While everybody on stage shone bright and bold, you could also see the glow of those

backstage, with the lighting crew standing out. With a thoughtful exploration on how to differentiate different locations, those working in lighting did a marvelous job of immersing the audience with an array of colours. There was a stunning range, and from luxurious golds to whimsical blues contrasted by murky greens and popping limes, each setting felt like a dreamscape.

Peter and the Starcatcher caught more than just stars. Full of life, the production showcased a love for the craft of high school theatre in a unique, vivacious way brimming with spirit, catching the audience’s attention and keeping it. I can safely say Queen Victoria would have loved it. God save her.

Peter and the Starcatcher Play Review

By Abrielle Hughes

Morinville Community High School

To have faith is to have wings — and with a pinch of stardust, Archbishop MacDonald’s

production of Peter and the Starcatcher lifted its audience straight into a world of adventure, laughter, and childhood nostalgia. This imaginative prequel to the story of Peter Pan wasn’t just a familiar retelling; these students transformed it, performing a whirlwind of clever wordplay, risky decisions, and heartfelt moments that made the audience feel a part of this theater magic.

Peter and the Starcatcher by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson follows a young orphan, known as Boy, who embarks a journey that transforms him into the legendary Peter Pan. With Molly, a clever and courageous girl, and a group of fellow orphans, Boy must protect a mysterious trunk of magical star-stuff from the feared Black Stache. Together, they face unexpected challenges, discover friendship, and the origins of Neverland.

An impressive element of this production was its clever use of a minimal set. Despite this, the students constructed a magical world using simple materials in incredibly effective ways. Ropes became staircases and crates, small model ships were reimagined as massive vessels, and the ensemble themselves transformed into moving parts of the set. These students proved how theatre doesn’t need extravagance to feel immersive. They succeeded in engaging the audience with only imagination and emotion, which undoubtedly paid off.

The lighting and sound effects only elevated the experience, as the modern world faded away and the audience was pulled into a mesmerizing tale. From the dramatic orchestra by Gabriel Brad Slipetz that heightened suspense, to glowing lights that enhanced moments of wonder, the technical elements worked seamlessly with the actors' performances, making every scene feel alive and magical.

The moment the curtain opened, the students’ energy and chemistry was undeniable. Every

interaction felt genuine, as if the characters were experiencing the story for the first time

alongside the audience. Summer Maybank and Andrea Noga, who portrayed Boy and Molly

Aster, especially shared a remarkable connection. Their playful energy felt effortless, and their clever banter and emotional moments made every scene they shared unforgettable. Despite their sass, it was no match to the menacing Black Stache. Commanding the stage, Jack Ferguson’s comedic timing was precise, delivering dramatic monologues and exaggerated gestures, which kept the audience engaged and deeply entertained, showcasing how the cast’s humor never felt forced, but playful and clever.

The commitment of Archbishop Macdonald never ceased, even with dialect coaching and the loss of rehearsal time for several weeks. Constructively, even moments where excitement caused some lines and accents to rush by, or the music was slightly too loud, the passion of the performers was unmistakable. Their vision was brought to life, and the emotions of accepting ourselves and the reliance of others radiated off the stage, leaving a profound impact on the audience. Following Peter’s iconic bird call concluding the play, it was difficult leaving without the lesson of faith and the importance of being swept away, back to rediscover our young selves and our childhood wonders.

Wonder Before Neverland: Archbishop Macdonald’s stellar interpretation of Peter and the Starcatcher. 

By Anandita Shah

Strathcona High School

Archbishop Macdonald’s interpretation of Peter and the Starcatcher weaves comedic genius with emotional depth. With intertwining character storylines, along with the constant surprises, the story captivated its audience and kept them entranced for the entirety of the performance. 

Peter and the Starcatcher by Rick Elice is a musical play based on the novel Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. As an intriguing prequel to the famous story tale of Peter Pan, the play follows a young, abused orphan and his friends as they embark on a journey to England aboard the Neverland. The other ship headed for England, the Wasp, is overrun by Black Stach (played by Jack Ferguson) and his crew of pirates in search of the treasure aboard the Neverland. The boys meet a precocious girl named Molly Aster (played by Andrea Noga), and fight alongside her to ensure the treasure doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. 

The set was ingenious. By using only incredibly creative techniques they were able to create an invigorating show with a limited amount of stage furniture. The frequently empty stage with few props made perfect sense, as the emotional intensity was more than enough to fill the stage. The costumes, hand-made by students (particularly Melissa Peralta and their team of student costume designers), were exceptional and were a spectacular addition.

This performance combines modern social commentary and references with excellent comedic timing and had the audience in constant fits of laughter. This was particularly enhanced by the ludicrous appearances of Black Stach, an incredibly commendable performance by Jack Ferguson. Their ability to pull the audience into the action made us feel like we were part of the story. 

The most admirable aspect of the play was the actors’ interpretation of their characters. Every action, reaction, and choice aligned with the values of the characters. The dialect added to this, with every person having a distinct intonation that identified their social class. One of the most elegant portrayals of pre-teen angst and torment came from the Boy (played by Summer Maybank). The character’s evolving physicality throughout the play was an extraordinary choice, capturing the fear and vulnerability of being left alone, creating an aching and raw performance which resonated deeply with the audience. The chemistry between Molly and the Boy was also very effective and realistic. The casting for these roles was excellent!

Near the end of Act I, there was a beautiful serenade-like rendition of “Swim On”. The vocals and the choreography were artistic and the emotional tension of the scene gripped the audience. 

And just before the final blackout, the dramatic story was concluded with an unexpected finale that sent a shockwave rippling through the audience. It was the perfect ending to a unique, beautiful, and heart-wrenching performance that truly embodied the power of storytelling. 

Where Imagination Sets Sail

By Rayne Yee

Mother Margaret Mary

With nothing but ropes, crates, and boundless imagination, Archbishop Macdonald High School’s Peter and the Starcatcher transformed the stage into a world of adventure and youthful teasing. Written by Rick Elice and directed by Fiona Williams, this playful prequel to Peter Pan invites audiences into the origin story of a boy who would never grow up. From the very beginning, the production proved extravagant sets were unnecessary - only imagination and a strong ensemble were needed to create grand worlds.

This story follows Peter, played by Summer Maybank, as a miserable orphan who is sent off on a ship with his companions to the kingdom of Rundoon. The plot rises once he meets Molly Aster, played by Andrea Noga, a daughter to a starcatcher, whose only mission is to protect a trunk filled with “starstuff” from falling into the hands of the villainous pirate, Black Stache who is soon to be known as Captain Hook. 

One of the main things that managed to stand out to the audience was the ensemble work. In every scene, they managed to portray something else, from people in the background to interactive props. Their precise timing and unison speaking revealed how much these performers have practiced for the days of the production. The cast used movement, sound, and physicality to fill the stage perfectly, never upstaging the characters and seamlessly supporting the world building. 

As the main focus in the show, Molly Aster performed by Andrea Noga had a grand impact on the audience and the production itself.  Molly Aster, known for her intelligence, bravery, and leadership qualities was clear in Andrea’s confident delivery and grounded performance.With having many lines and blocking in the scenes, it is visible that Andrea worked hard to perfect and portray this character as herself.

Something very noticeable about the overall production is the absence of big props in the scenes. It was enjoyable to see how creative and imaginative it can get with the props or to fill in the scene. In some scenes they have used ensembles to perform as props or set pieces, creating an attracting setting on stage. Many times throughout the performance, the cast has used ropes to serve as a multipurpose prop. For example, a staircase, edge or shape of the ships, and the rapid ocean waves. All led by student leads. It was interesting to see how they can build a scene with so little pieces. 

Through the dedication and talent of every student involved, this production became a powerful and memorable experience. The cast left the audience in many emotions through the scenes, from laughter to shock, and mesmerized to feeling what the characters were feeling. Long after the curtains closed, the wonder of the story remained afloat.