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Never growing up
Pitt State to present a retelling of classic Peter Pan
Hayley Schoeling, as Molly Aster, holds hands with Jaxx Polomsky, as Boy, during the second act of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” - photo by Antjea Wolff, Morning Sun Staff

PITTSBURG, Kan. — This weekend, Pitt State Theatre is inviting grown-ups to believe in magic once again during its production of “Peter and the Starcatcher.”

This two-act play is a reimagining of the story of Peter Pan, providing background of the classic characters and Neverland. “Peter and the Starcatcher” is based on a young adult book series.

April Polomsky, as Black Stache, left, and Sydney Patterson, as Smee, cower in fear as a giant crocodile approaches them. - photo by Antjea Wolff, Morning Sun Staff

The cast of 15 includes a mixture of both Pitt State students and community members who each play multiple roles with no specific gender assigned to characters.

Director Megan Westhoff said she loved working with the cast and crew to implement the imaginative play into the show.

“We really envisioned it as what you would do as a kid without any technology and playing make believe and a stick becomes a sword, it becomes a tree and it becomes anything you can imagine,” she said. “It’s super fun to see how adults can be kids again. So, I really like the nostalgia part of it.”

Mermaids dance and sing during the second act of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” - photo by Antjea Wolff, Morning Sun Staff

The inventiveness of the whole production shines in every scene, allowing the audience to be swept up in the story. Each humorous moment was amplified by the actors’ timely deliveries and tones. The play is full of laugh-out-loud moments that are genuinely hilarious. Many scenes are silly, but also relatable, and no movements or lines feel forced.

Matthew Blunt, as Mrs. Bumbrake, left, makes a face as Hayley Schoeling, playing Molly Aster, cuddles a cat on the ship called the Never Land. - photo by Antjea Wolff, Morning Sun Staff

When I wasn’t chuckling or smiling during the performance, my heart swelled during touching moments of bonding and self-discovery. Even now, thinking about the conclusion of the play, I get misty-eyed. No one could have prepared me for the overwhelming nostalgia and connection I felt with the character of Peter.

Jaxx Polomsky, as Boy, recounts the mistreatment at the orphanage during the first act of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” - photo by Antjea Wolff, Morning Sun Staff

Jaxx Polomsky, who plays Peter, conveyed the perfect mix of adolescence, stubbornness, playfulness and defiance. Jaxx used these characteristics, along with Peter’s origin story, to make Peter more relatable, rather than just a boy who didn’t want to grow up.

The whole cast carries the constant motion of the play incredibly well, and transitions seem seamless.

April Polomsky, who plays Black Stache, the pirate and villain, was meant to play this type of role as she effortlessly has a commanding presence on stage without entirely stealing the show.

Pirates aboard the Wasp prepare for order in the first act of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” Each cast member plays multiple roles in the production. - photo by Antjea Wolff, Morning Sun Staff

“It’s a big collaborative effort to make this show, and really cool and really imaginative,” April said. “Because it is a college show, it feels like every role was picked for people to challenge the actors and everything is to give them something to work on to learn from to act off of and that extends to the people from the community too.”

April said she loved working with the next generation of actors and encouraging each of them to play with their roles and have fun with every aspect of the production.

Hayley Schoeling, as Molly Aster, left, talks in dodo language with Stephen Filby, as Lord Leonard Aster, her father, about the star stuff. - photo by Antjea Wolff, Morning Sun Staff

For Wyatt Knoll, his role as Sanchez is the first time he has acted on stage. Prior to “Peter and the Starcatcher,” Knoll typically assisted with productions behind the scenes. Knoll said he has enjoyed the community and learning from Westhoff and all the talented people involved.

“It’s truly fun and I really recommend people come see the show. If you like Peter Pan, you will see little glimpses of how it connects. And you’ll get to see us bond and all the hard work that has gone into it,” he said.

“Peter and the Starcatcher” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 through 24 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 24 and 25 at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, 1711 S. Homer Street.

April Polomsky, as Black Stache, captures Eli Aikman, as Ted, and takes him hostage. - photo by Antjea Wolff, Morning Sun Staff

The show is family friendly and recommended for children ages 11 and up. Tickets are $18 for the general public, $13 for under 17 or over 64, and are free to Pitt State students, faculty or staff with a valid Pitt State ID. Tickets may be purchased at the University Ticket Office, 306 N. Broadway, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by calling 620-235-4796 during those hours.

Pitt State Theatre is raising money to support the Spread the Loaf program, an initiative to help feed families in Southeast Kansas. The program was started by TOAST and Pittsburg Bread Company. Pitt State Theatre will accept cash, check or digital forms of donations for the cause during the shows.

This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews.

Bailey Danner, as the Fighting Prawn, holds Jaxx Polomsky, as Boy, captive on Mollusk Island. - photo by Antjea Wolff, Morning Sun Staff