Tabor College students to perform Peter Pan prequel

By KAITLYN ALANIS

Staff writer

Fans of Peter Pan can experience the classic tale’s prequel at Tabor College’s theater production of “Peter and the Starcatcher” during homecoming week, Oct. 18-21.

The show tells the story of how Peter became the boy who could fly with an enchanted island he could call home. He meets the Starcatcher, Molly Aster, in training, who then helps him and the orphans protect a trunk filled with magical Starstuff from Black Stache and his crew of pirates.

“Sword fights, shipwrecks, and a giant crocodile ensue, with, of course, the occasional mermaid,” said Tabor’s director of theater, Laurel Koerner.

She is directing 14 cast members and a crew of eight students, including many students who are theater majors or minors, but also students who are studying other disciplines.

“Directing a show is an around-the-clock endeavor once rehearsals have begun, with plenty of leg work in the months leading up to it,” Koerner said. “Students rehearse 15 hours a week together with me, with additional time invested in memorizing lines as well as practicing their British dialects, sword fights, music, choreography, and other character development work.”

Koerner said bringing the show together in a professional manner takes the work of many.

“By the time rehearsals start, the set design is complete so that student crews can begin work immediately under the leadership of our technical director, Ethan Koerner,” she said. “Wonderful costume designs by Lily Arthur take shape early in the process, leaving room for creativity along the way and special extra touches that bring a professional finish to the look and feel of the show. Dr. Brad Vogel provides music direction, helping the students get to know the music and then leading the orchestra.”

However, the time, effort, and hard work pays off, Koerner said, when they perform in front of their community.

“We make theater for our community, with you all in mind, so it energizes us to know people are enjoying what they see,” she said.

The cast will perform at 7:30 p.m. each night of homecoming week, Oct 18-21. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students. Tickets can be purchased by calling Tabor’s Student Life Office at (620) 947-3121 or by going online at https://tabor.edu/homecoming/homecoming-theatre-registration.