Before Neverland, There Was an Adventure: Kodiak Shakesbears Present Peter and the Starcatcher
Six-time state champion theatre program brings a five-time Tony Award-winning Broadway hit to Kodiak, October 23–25. Elementary students get free admission!
Before Peter Pan could fly, before Captain Hook had his hook, and before Neverland became the stuff of legend, there was a boy without a name and an extraordinary adventure waiting to happen.
The Kodiak High School Shakesbears are bringing that adventure to life with Peter and the Starcatcher, playing October 23–25 at the Gerald C. Wilson Auditorium.
Based on the bestselling novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, the play tells the wildly imaginative origin story of Peter Pan. A mysterious trunk, a fearless young girl, a band of hapless pirates, and a boy who dreams of a better life collide in a hilarious and surprisingly moving adventure about friendship, courage, and the power of imagination.
The Broadway production won five Tony Awards in 2012, earning acclaim for its inventive storytelling and theatrical ingenuity. Rather than relying on elaborate special effects, Peter and the Starcatcher creates entire worlds through the imagination and ingenuity of its performers. The result is a whirlwind of comedy, adventure, and theatrical magic.
For the Shakesbears, who have captured six Alaska state Division I Drama championships and multiple national competition bids, the production offers an opportunity to showcase the ensemble’s remarkable talents.
“We’re asking the audience to imagine an entire world alongside our actors,” said Shakesbears director Jared Griffin. “It’s fast, funny, and sometimes completely ridiculous, but underneath all that silliness is a beautiful story about how to grow up and find belonging.”
And the Shakesbears have a special invitation for Kodiak’s youngest theatre fans.
Elementary school students who wear their school spirit gear to the show will be admitted FREE. Whether it’s a school T-shirt, sweatshirt, or other school apparel, students can show their school pride and enjoy an evening of live theatre on the Shakesbears. Even homeschooled students can wear something that represents their own learning adventures: a favorite book character or even a hand-drawn badge.
“We want younger kids to come see what their older peers are creating,” Griffin said. “Somewhere out there is a future Shakesbear who hasn’t discovered theatre or their voice yet. Maybe this is the show that changes that.”
Peter and the Starcatcher promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for Kodiak audiences. It’s a show that reminds us that growing up is inevitable, but losing our sense of wonder doesn’t have to be.
Performances take place October 23–25 at the Gerald C. Wilson Auditorium. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, with free admission for elementary school students wearing their school spirit gear. Tickets and additional information are available at https://kodiakshakesbears.ludus.com.
Peter and the Starcatcher is written by Rick Elice, based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, with music by Wayne Barker. The production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).