For the first time since 2019, Solanco High School (SHS) will open its doors to paid audience members for its fall play. This year's show is the Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation "Peter and the Starcatcher."

Adapted from the best-selling novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, "Peter and the Starcatcher" is a prequel to the classic story "Peter Pan." The play follows an orphan boy with no name and Molly, a Starcatcher-in-training, as they attempt to protect magical "starstuff" from falling into the hands of the pirate Black Stache and his accomplice Smee. Along the way, they must survive a shipwreck, killer natives who speak a culinary language, and a giant ticking crocodile. With original songs written by Wayne Barker and a book by Ric Elise, "Peter and the Starcatcher" is an adventure about the origins of Peter Pan and Captain Hook and is suitable for people of all ages.

An ensemble cast of 18 actors portray over 30 characters, featuring Josh Sharp as Peter, Devon Culberson as Molly, Elliot Spangler as Black Stache, Aden "AJ" Jackson as Smee, Aidan Todd as Lord Aster, and Liz Main as Fighting Prawn. The rest of the cast includes Maria Eden, Jyllian Law, Samantha LaMonaca, David Wild III, C.J. Miller, Anna Fite, Elliot Anderson, Lilia McHugh, Cassie Wright, Quinn Wiley, Kira Brazelton, and Maddie Kut.

All the props and set pieces used on stage are items that students can find in their dad's garage. There will be ropes, hanging pallets, rolling ladders, and more. SHS fall play director John Biles explained that storytelling in the theater means that the whole ensemble works together with those small props and set pieces to create the atmosphere and let the audience imagine what's happening without having to "put page on stage."

"With this show, we're really going to let the audience enjoy the experience and let their imaginations take them wherever they go," said John. John noted that those who are familiar with the story of Peter Pan will pick up on a lot of easter eggs in this production.

"There's a lot of really cool aspects to the show," stated Sharp. "We're going to have a lot of crazy lighting, and you may not expect this from a play, but there are a few songs in the show to enjoy."

In addition to John, SHS faculty and staff members on the production staff include Erin Biles, music director and assistant director; Levi Palmer, technical director; Carol Graybeal, costume designer; and Todd Brown, who, along with his students, will build the set. Students on the production staff include Haleigh Bauer as the student assistant director, Michael Eisenberger as the student stage manager, and Lucia Eden as the student assistant stage manager. SHS senior Lilia McHugh has designed the choreography for the musical numbers in the play.

"We're so thrilled to be able to have audiences," stated John. "We really encourage anyone to come see the play because it will be special for the kids."

Live performances of SHS drama club's "Peter and the Starcatcher" will run from Thursday, Nov. 18, to Saturday, Nov. 20, with shows beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the SHS auditorium, 585 Solanco Road, Quarryville.