Set sail to Neverland in 'Peter and the Starcatcher'

Pirates, heroes, villains and a little bit of “starstuff” are coming to the Clark State Performing Arts Center as the Clark State Theatre Arts Program and Springfield Arts Council present the Tony Award-winning play “Peter and the Starcatcher,” Oct. 30-Nov. 8.

Based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson and written for the stage by Rick Elice, the play follows Molly Aster and an orphan known only as “Boy” as they encounter a group of pirates and embark on an adventure that ultimately leads to the origins of Peter Pan.

Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Oct. 30 and 31 and Nov. 6 and 7, with 2 p.m. matinees Nov. 1 and 8 at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, 300 S. Fountain Ave. in Springfield.

Tickets are $18 with student and senior tickets available for $15. Clark State students with a college ID can receive one free ticket. Tickets are on sale now through the Clark State Performing Arts Center Ticket Office at 300 S. Fountain Ave., by phone at 937-328-3874 or online at go.clarkstate.edu/peterATS

“This production has been such a joy because of the way the cast and crew have embraced imagination and play,” said Anthony Reed, Clark State’s admissions and career services specialist and co-director of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” “We wanted to create a world where ordinary objects can become extraordinary through the power of imagination. This cast and production team have worked tirelessly to bring that world to life and we can’t wait to share it with our audience.”

Reed is co-directing the production with Krissy Hartman, executive director of the Springfield Arts Council. Maggie Cooper, house operations manager at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, is serving as producer.

“At its heart, I think ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ is a story about community,” Cooper said. “Peter and his friends discover that even in the most difficult circumstances, having someone beside you can give you the courage to keep going. We hope audiences leave inspired to cherish the people who stand beside them and never stop having hope.”

More than 18 Clark State students and employees are involved in the production, bringing their talents to the stage and behind the scenes in roles ranging from acting and stage management to set design, costume, lighting, sound and props.

The production features local actors Adrian Moran as Boy/Peter, Illa Kearns as Molly Aster, Jeremy Moeller as Black Stache, Lewis Emerson as Lord Leonard Aster, Nathan Adkins as Smee and Adison Daniels as Prentiss.

Clark State’s Theatre Arts Program provides students with opportunities to develop skills in performance, production and arts management while gaining hands-on experience through productions and events at the Performing Arts Center. The program includes a theater transfer pathway and an arts administration certificate, with training in areas such as stagecraft, production technology, acting and directing.

For more information about the Theatre Arts Program or “Peter and the Starcatcher,” visit clarkstate.edu.