Highlands High School's PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
- Cincinnati Cappies
- Nov 6
- 9 min read
Updated: Nov 7
Review by Ellie Mark, Conner High School Critic Team
Desperate orphans, swashbuckling pirates, and magical starstuff showcased the enchanting storyline of Peter and the Starcatcher. Highlands High School navigated precarious waters and brought to life a mesmerizing island of eccentric characters, immersing the audience in Peter Pan's origin.
Written by Rick Elice and based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, Peter and the Starcatcher captivates the audience by offering insight into the events leading up to the fan-favorite movie, Peter Pan. The prequel begins with an unnamed orphan and Molly, a young Starcatcher in training, forming a bond. The show follows how the castaway orphan became the iconic boy who wouldn't grow up, infused with uproarious comedy.
Highlands High School masterfully maintained the storyline of the original show, imbuing each character with memorable flair. Though minimal, the set and technical aspects added depth. Ensemble members portrayed doors, walls, ocean waters, and mirror reflections. Almost entirely guided by student assistant director Noah Varland, the production showcased precise lighting, inventive costumes, and organized stage management, drawing the audience further into Peter Pan's unfolding adventure. Expressive actors with distinct articulation commanded the stage in their signature ways.
In the starring role of Peter, Henry Weghorst epitomized the mischief and bitterness of the boy's early years, skillfully capturing the essence of the character. Weghorst's initially acrimonious temperament gradually developed into an optimistic and uplifted boy with a transformed disposition. Piper Lang, in the role of Molly Aster, elegantly portrayed a young apprentice determined to prevent the starstuff from falling into evil hands. Her professional yet headstrong demeanor advanced her interactions with other characters. The undeniable chemistry between these two leads continued to grow adorably throughout the show.
The role that most clearly had the audience laughing was Black Stache, played by Jake Hagerty. His dramatic delivery of one-liners and references to outside material admirably held the plot together while providing comedic moments. Other notable performances included Sid Jani and Nellie Albritton in the roles of Prentiss and Ted. Both cast members created distinct personalities for their characters and vividly portrayed their ambitions. The pirate ensemble deserves recognition for their theatrical interactions with the leads and each other. Their fear of Captain Black Stache, accompanied by flashing lights, added a humorous twist to the narrative. Every role skillfully brought value to the production, making it a captivating experience.
To accompany the vivacious acting, the technical components elevated this show from impressive to phenomenal. Each lighting cue, led by Gabriel McDermott, precisely advanced the storyline through new environments, highlighted roles, and enhanced electrifying sequences, whether climactic or humorous. The costumes, coordinated by Barrett Becker and Alaina Wagner and created by Highlands students from recycled materials, greatly contributed to each character's story. Stage manager Charlotte Weghorst ensured smooth transitions with precise lighting cues, moved set pieces efficiently, and provided blocking notes. The stage crew maintained skillful execution throughout.
Through treacherous ships, uncharted islands, and a newfound home for Peter Pan, Highlands High School brilliantly delivered "Peter and the Starcatcher." It was an organized, well-staged performance that fully immersed the audience in the magical world.
Review by Parker Roland, Larry A. Ryle High School Critic Team
Audiences at Highlands High School's production of Peter and the Starcatcher were taken on a nautical journey on The Wasp and The Neverland as the dedicated cast, creative crews, and wonderful student direction collaborated to make this show one to remember.
Peter and the Starcatcher was a 2004 novel, later adapted into a play by Rick Elice, that details the events of Peter Pan before Wendy visited Neverland and before Captain Hook lost his hand. It follows a young orphan, Peter, and a mysterious "Starcatcher's Apprentice" as they build a relationship in a sea of mixed-up treasure, mischievous pirates, and eccentric island natives.
Highlands High School, specifically, did a marvelous job bringing this story to life. Hilarious and touching performances, stellar light utilization, and creative student directing worked together to make this show an absolute delight.
The titular character, Boy (Peter), was played sensitively by Henry Weghorst. Weghorst did an excellent job highlighting the intricacies of his character and giving a performance worthy of sympathy, taking great care in accentuating each point in his character arc. In addition, his chemistry with his co-star, Piper Lang, was a definite highlight of the show. Lang's performance as Molly Aster was incredibly eye-catching; it was clear that she explored the details of Aster's character and did a great job in fully immersing herself in the story.
While not being at the forefront of the story, Jake Hagerty's uproariously funny portrayal of Black Stache was perhaps the most memorable part of the show. Hagerty's incredible physical comedy and witty line deliveries were always perfectly timed and absolutely hilarious. Black Stache has always been a standout element of Peter and the Starcatcher, but Jake Hagerty's over-the-top performance, particularly, made him stand out even more. Equally riotous was Mrs. Bumbrake, played humorously by Logan Szymanski. Playing a role of the opposite gender is a big challenge in theatre, but Szymanski pulled it off with grace and elegance. Not to mention, Szymanski's vocal performances were delightful.
A show is only as good as the sum of its parts, and the behind-the-scenes elements of Peter and the Starcatcher were a huge part in making it as great as it was. A majority of this show was blocked and directed by Noah Varland, who served as assistant director for the show. Not only did Varland direct and block most of the show, but he did it very creatively as well. Given the show's minimal set, Varland had to get creative and even used actors as "walls" to create two separate rooms in a scene. Varland did a great job at conveying location through a minimal set, but this role was done equally well by the lighting team. Spearheaded by Gabriel McDermott, the lights in the show were essential in conveying location, from the ambient jungle lighting to the chaotic Black Stache red, the lighting department tied the whole show together.
Highlands High School's production of Peter and the Starcatcher was simultaneously heartfelt and hilarious, with the cast and crew working together to make sure that each scene evoked both laughter and tears.
Review by Adelaide Linser, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team
Tick Tock goes the Croc! Highlands High School's production flew the audience through every corner of Neverland in their whimsical production of Peter and the Starcatcher.
Conceived in 2011 by playwright Rick Elice, Peter and the Starcatcher follows Molly Aster, a young apprentice Starcatcher on a mission with her father to dispose of a chest full of a mysterious celestial substance. Along the way, Molly is separated from her father and stumbles upon a trio of orphans crammed in the lower deck of the ship. Among these three, Molly takes note of a nameless boy who longs for a home and to never grow up. After a cataclysmic battle sinks the Neverland ship, the four find themselves embarking on the adventure of a lifetime as they encounter thieving pirates, mystical mermaids, and a clan of irate Italians.
Highlands High School took a minimal set and turned it into an immersive world of wonder through innovative staging and choreography. The fast-paced nature of the show did not allow for extensive set changes, so the company used a range of maneuvers to create each pirate ship and ticking crocodile. From lifts to flips to using people as doors, the physicality of the actors brought life to the adventurous storybook tale.
Of course, no fairy tale is complete without the hero. Henry Weghorst masterfully brought nuance and depth to the lost boy, Peter Pan. Weghorst used a strong sense of physicality and diction to portray both the shy orphan and the resilient hero. Beside Weghorst was Piper Lang, playing the role of Molly Aster. Lang brilliantly captured the witty and tenacious heart of Molly. With a prowess for comedic timing and genuine emotional chemistry, the two captured both the playfulness of bickering children and the warmth of youthful admiration.
Supporting the leading cast was the comedic duo of Mrs. Bumbrake and Alf, played by Logan Szymanski and Evie Henkenberns. Szymanski skillfully navigated the falsetto range of the matronly Bumbrake. Additionally, Henkenberns used a wide range of physicalities to transition between the cruel ship crew member and the timid lover-boy. Together, Szymanski and Henkenberns gave a commendable performance that uniquely blended both romance and comedy.
Behind the scenes, the Marketing and House work, conceived by Alecia Cogsville and Eva Smith, conveyed the fairytale nature of the show onto various social media campaigns and the original poster and program design. The program utilized specific motifs from the show to accurately place the fantastical work onstage into the hands of the audience. Cogsville's original and encapsulating photography matched the ambiance of the Instagram campaign. This photography was artistically enhanced by the work of the lighting team, led by Gabriel McDermott. Through varied textures, colors, and cue timings, the lighting dazzlingly distinguished one setting from another while maintaining a cohesive visual identity.
With sparkling tech, insightful performances, and a little Starstuff, Highlands High School adroitly captured the magic of youth and friendship. Brimming with nostalgia, Highlands High School's Peter and the Starcatcher reminds audiences of the importance of imagination and the power of found family.
Excerpts From Other Top Reviews
"Single-handedly stealing the show was Jake Hagerty as the fearsome Captain Black Stache. Complete with phenomenal stage presence and physical comedy skills, Hagerty's comedic timing was nothing short of astounding, handling his character's intentions and comical bits tactfully. Accompanying Peter throughout his voyage were Nellie Albritton and Sid Jani as Ted and Prentiss. Albritton and Jani consistently had hilarious banter, playing off each other incredibly well and creating a charming dynamic between themselves and Peter."
-Caroline Lovelace, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team
"The marketing from Alecia Cogsville and Eva Smith was clean, professional, and progressive. Their dedication to promoting the show while simultaneously serving their community solidified Highlands as a theater with compassion and drive. During the show, the lighting by Gabriel McDermott, Evan Hart, and Penelope Kolb stood out for both its presentation and execution. Each cue was thoughtful and well-timed. Every beautiful blend of colors skillfully displayed chaos and panic as well as love and longing. Whether depicting a lightning storm or the deep bowels of a ship, it enhanced every brutal punch or soft kiss."
-Chloe Call, Milford High School Critic Team
"A very impressive part of the production was the way the cast used the set in an expressive and creative way. Specifically, the ensemble of pirates and ship crew members worked with the minimalistic set of wooden structures and told the story through their acting and use of props. This was very impressive and eye-catching, and showed their dedication. Another notable part of the production was the lighting. The lighting, led and designed by Gabriel McDermott, played a large role in the emotion of each scene, and one that stood out the most was the flashing red lights when Black Stache was acknowledged. It was very controlled and precise, which really added to the drama."
-Ava Clifton, Conner High School Critic Team
"As the character of Peter developed through the show, Henry Weghorst wonderfully displayed a wide range of emotions, from a fearful, lonely boy to a strong, confident one. He embodied the mischievous and curious energy of a child, making him a captivating center of attention. Alongside Weghorst, Piper Lang (Molly) showcased the courageous leader that her character demanded. Lang commendably characterized the clever child, showing Molly's serious, mature manner along with her soft and loving side."
-Anna Parsons, Mercy McAuley High School Critic Team
"Peter and the Starcatcher is a demanding show in terms of the creativity of its light crew. Highlands High School's light crew lead, Gabriel McDermott, filled those big shoes by fabricating the illusion of a setting through beautifully coordinated color choices and through sensational transition timing. Not only did the lights crew do an astonishing job of constructing the fanciful setting of this production, but so did the props crew, with Hannah Nieporte as the lead. With flashlights, fairies, miniature boats, and more, this crew played a critical role in intricately building the beauty that is this show."
-Grace Siener, Mercy McAuley High School Critic Team
"Jake Hagerty completely swabbed the deck with his portrayal of the fearsome pirate Black Stache. His comedic choices and timing elevated the acting aspects of the performance by delivering punchlines and jokes that consistently landed well with the audience, a primary cause of the resonating gasps and chuckles throughout the house. Smee, played by Natalie Lorenz, notably assisted in adding humor to the show as she made her way through the audience, all while in a hilarious costume with the play's featured song 'Ukulele Smee.' This comically presented the dire situation she and Black Stache were in."
-Naomi Madaris, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team
"Highland High School executed a wonderful performance of the play Peter and the Starcatcher, which deserved all of the laughter and every bit of applause it received. The cast and crew of this play gave the audience an outstanding and memorable performance of the origin story of Peter Pan."
-Claire Goulait, Mariemont High School Critic Team