Lakeside School

After we were swept away by Lakeside’s contemporary production of "Much Ado About Nothing" last year, we can only wonder what will be in store this time around. Well, we could wonder, that is. As November approaches, the fall play production only draws closer, and with that comes the tangible reality of the theatre department’s newest project. This year around, we are once again presented with a timeless classic. However, expect a change of scenery: Lakeside students (despite being nowhere near any body of water, as the name would suggest) will be transported smack dab into the middle of the nautical adventure that is "Peter and the Starcatcher."

Equal parts contemplative and funny, "Peter and the Starcatcher" is the prequel to the classic story of "Peter Pan" written by playwright Rick Elice. Through heart and humor, the play explores the backstory behind the relationship between the titular character and the pirate Captain Hook — referred to as “Black Stache” — as well as the origins of Neverland.

Unlike your traditional play, "Peter and the Starcatcher" incorporates elements of dance and song into its performance. “We like to say it’s a play with music,” says US drama teacher and fall play director Alban Dennis, although it is not to be confused with a musical. “A musical tends to mean that the songs further the plot… [our songs] are an entertainment device within the play,” he elaborates.

Music directing will be handled by alum Julia Christensen as well as Lucy T. ’27, who will be playing the piano onstage during the performance. This is not the first time Lucy has provided musical accompaniment to theatre performances; in our conversation, she mentions using the piano to create “atmospheric composition[s]” for her poetry unit in drama class, and even performed in" R-E-G-G-I-E," a play featured in last year’s Circus production about “a guy who is going to college who has played piano his entire life.” For "Peter and the Starcatcher," Lucy comments on merging the dual layers of performance as both an actor and a musician: “I’m honestly happy to do whatever reaction or comedy things I can do while sitting there… If part of my reactions and acting is being able to laugh at funny parts and being engaged in the scene in that way, that will be a much easier time than trying to be like, ‘Oh, I’ve got to only play with no facial reactions.’” . . . 

Set design is another avenue through which the production is being brought to life. Alban and Lucy described how the play uses “ordinary-ish” pieces to suggest locations, rather than relying on elaborate sets. “I’m definitely excited to see how our stage will look,” Lucy says. “We’ve got a lot of plans in our works for things involving ropes and big, billowy, fabrics — things that can remind you of ships, rigging, or a magical island.”

While the play is lighthearted and fun, it also touches on important themes; the play largely finds its humor in satirizing English colonialism. That being said, some references in earlier versions were insensitive, and the production team has updated the language to ensure the story is welcoming to all audiences, while keeping the overall anti-colonialist message of the play itself.

Ultimately, Alban hopes the play will bring joy to both performers and audiences. “I want viewers to feel the joy of being young, or to reconnect with that sense of wonder,” he says. “It’s about storytelling, imagination, and sharing that experience as an ensemble.” . . . 


Rehearsals are in full swing, with the cast and crew experimenting in all sorts of ways to bring "Peter and the Starcatcher" to life. So, keep your eyes out for tickets. Catch you in Neverland!