Catch Peter and the Starcatcher
A Footlights Theatre student production at All An Act
PREMIERING FRIDAY, MAR. 24
Though they may not have planned it, the timing of the Footlights Theatre production of Peter and the Starcatcher is impeccable. That's because in late April, Disney+ is releasing its full-length feature film Peter Pan and Wendy. So before you settle in with your family for a movie night, consider catching Peter and the Starcatcher — the origin story of the Peter Pan universe — which runs subsequent weekends beginning March 24 until April 2.
The play, which is based on a 2004 novel of essentially the same name, follows the story of starcatcher-in-training Molly Aster and an orphan known only as Boy, who will — through a series of adventures involving Captain Black Stache (before he was Hook) and Smee — become Peter Pan.
"This has honestly been a great rehearsal process so far. This group of students has met the material head on and handled it all easily," said KC McCloskey, director and co-owner of Footlights Theatre Performing Arts Center, and the director of this play. "Peter and the Starcatcher is such a fun show. It was a perfect fit for us because it allowed for a good-sized cast and provided lots of opportunities for students to play multiple roles and stretch their acting muscles."
The importance of getting children involved in community theater cannot be understated. McCloskey emphasizes, "I would hope … with this show the students are coming away from it with a stronger sense of self, are more self-confident, and know that they are capable of rising to any challenge."
Who knows? Peter and the Starcatcher might be one child's origin story: their start on the stage and the jumping off point which ignites a lifelong interest and love of theater.
Fridays and Saturdays from Mar. 24 through Apr. 1 at 7:30 p.m., Sundays through Apr. 2nd at 3 p.m. // All An Act Theatre, 652 W. 17th St. // $5 - $18 // For more info: allanact.net or footlightspac.com