Middle School Students to Perform Peter and the Starcatcher

May 12, 2023

Gryphon Life

GNS

This play written by Rick Elice and based on a novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, Peter and the Starcatcher describes how the Boy became Peter Pan. The play features the protagonists Boy, Molly, Prentis and Ted who are played by Anya Filler ’27, Finnley Shultz ’27, Deborah Yang ’27 and Lorenzo Serpa ’27, respectively. The antagonists, Black Stache, Smee and Fighting Prawn, are played by Hailey Carroll ’27, Xavier Huculak-Payne ’29 and Andrew Cao ’27.

“It’s a wonderful production,” said Kate Pagett, the Director of the Middle School production and drama teacher for over 20 years. “I’m so proud of how well the students have learned how to work together to help one another on stage and off.”

“I always look for shows that have the potential to accommodate a large cast. This is harder than it sounds,” admitted Ms. Pagett. “I also look for shows that tell a great story, appeal to a wide audience and teach something meaningful. I hope that the students in the show will appreciate the shows that they see in the future. It takes a lot of really hard work and dedication to make something look easy and smooth. Whether they see someone playing an instrument or jumping a hurdle, or answering a complicated math problem, these things took work and practice and putting in the time and the effort is necessary if we want to achieve anything. I also want them to learn how talented and wonderful they are. They each have the potential to achieve terrific results when they work diligently together.”

“I am performing the character of Molly Aster, a headstrong 13-year-old girl who is trying to become a starcatcher,” said Finnley Shultz ’27. “Being in MS production for the last three years has been a wonderful experience and it’s been a great way to express my creativity and show my dramatic side, and has made me so much more confident to speak in front of large groups. It’s so much fun getting to know people from other grades, and forming stronger connections with people from my own grade.”

The cast also agreed that acting in the play allows them to have fun and to express themselves creatively. Despite being nervous of what could go wrong, everyone is still looking forward to performing and showing off all of their hard work. They trust that all of their rehearsals have prepared them to overcome potential problems while performing as well as allowing them to “improvise in unexpected situations.”

“This is my favourite play so far,” said Finnley. “I’ve loved getting to take on a bigger role now that I’m in Grade 8. I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together after all these months of rehearsals. Rehearsing the same scenes over and over for months can become a bit tiring, but now that the set and lights and music and costumes are added in, it becomes so much more exciting.”

“I am looking forward to entertaining the audience so much that they feel like they are actually there with us,” said Anya Filler ”27. She plays the character of Boy, who is later known as Peter Pan.

“It is a fun experience talking and working with the cast although it can be tiring sometimes,” said Andrew Cao ’27, who has the role of Fighting Prawn. Reflecting on the backstage work to get the play to be performance-ready he said, “I’m looking forward to the matinee (final) performance because this play will mark all of the hard work I’ve put into this play.”

“I really enjoy being in the MS production. It is a lot of work, but I think it’s super fun and a great way to meet people in other grades,” said Hailey Carrol ’27, who is performing as Black Stache, one of the main villains. Hailey has been part of the Middle School productions for three years but admits that she still gets nervous. “But I am confident that all of our hard work will pay off,” she added.

Lorenzo Serpa ’27, who plays the part of Ted, commented on how the community feeling that he gets from being part of the Middle School production is what motivates him to perform and keep acting.

“I get a sense of an “at home” feeling because everyone is so welcoming and understanding,” said Lorenzo. “I love how if you make a mistake or if you do something good, the people around you congratulate you and support you so you can do better as an actor.”

The cast shares some of their advice for those wanting to pursue acting or try out for the next Middle School play.

Lorenzo said, “Some advice that I would give to future performers is for them to not be afraid of being good or bad and how they act because one of the most important things for me in acting is confidence. If you have confidence and show your character’s feelings and personality despite what everyone says, then you will be one more step closer to becoming a great actor.”

“For anyone wanting to take part in a performance in the future is to just go for it and take the risk,” shared Finnley. “It can be scary at first, but with practice, it becomes less intimidating. And remember to act with abandon, let yourself be free, and just pretend that no one is watching!”

“I absolutely think anyone who is potentially interested in trying out the theatre experience should go for it because you will discover that you constantly have fun and get lost in your imagination. I am very lucky to be part of this year’s production and I can’t wait to share it with you all!” exclaimed Anya.

Andrew admits, “It’s okay to mess up but the audience will not notice if you did.”

“For those who are wanting to perform in Middle School production, go for it,” encouraged Hailey! “It’s super fun, a great way to meet new people and practice your public speaking skills!”

Tickets are available at the door for tonight’s performance at 7 p.m. or tomorrow’s matinee at 2 p.m. for $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Watch the trailer below: