By Melissa Wagoner
“We don’t do good shows, we do great shows,” is the motto of the Silverton High School Theater Department.
“The reputation of the program has been one of high quality and entertainment,” instructor and director Doug Ousterhout, explained. “We have high expectations and strive to make our shows the best they can be.”
In keeping with this longstanding tradition, the Silverton Thespians will open their next great show on Feb. 15. Peter and the Starcatcher, a play written by Rick Elice, is a prequel to the well-known Peter Pan story, explaining the backstory of how Peter acquired his name, what brought him to Neverland and how he learned to fly.
“I personally was very excited to do this show from the first time I read it,” Ousterhout said. “It is full of characters that come alive right before your eyes. Peter and the Starcatcher is full of the theater magic that I enjoy so much – great characters, a great story and a great chance to thrill an audience with action and adventure.
“The story comes alive so well that you can’t help but to be part of the story yourself. From the first moment the actors speak to their last exit you are transported to another world – a world where anything can happen.”
The play – with a cast of 34 students and more than 20 backstage crewmembers – is an excellent showcase of just what the theater department is capable of, according to Ousterhout.
“It has great characters for the SHS actors to have fun with and a great story that is sure to entertain any audience, but also the challenge of this show is something I felt our department could not pass up. The set requirements far exceed the normal, as does the other technical aspects. We at the SHS Theater department have always enjoyed a challenge and always rise to
the occasion.”
Full of the mischief of swashbuckling pirates searching for treasure, sword fights and two young people on an adventure to find magic and themselves, Peter and the Starcatcher is a show for the whole family, according to the cast.
“It’s an extremely diverse show,” actor Ben Koch – who plays Peter – said. “It’s appropriate to all age groups. It’s a comedy, it’s a drama – it’s everything.”
“Come see the show and bring your friends,” Summer Schiewe – who plays Pirate Sanchez – encouraged.
And Ousterhout firmly agrees.
“I began the year with the thought of how to get more people to see what I see in these wonderfully talented young people,” Ousterhout said. “We need to get more people to come to the shows. Silverton is a great and supportive community. So I would like the community to ask itself, ‘When was the last time you saw a high school play?’ Now is the time and this is the show.”
Peter and the Starcatcher
Silverton High School Theater Department, SHS Auditorium
1456 Pine St,, Silverton
• Friday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m.
• Thursday February 21 at 7 p.m.
• Friday February 22 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday February 23 at 7 p.m.
Adults: $10, children: $5.
Tickets are available at the door 30 minutes prior to curtain call or by reservation at 503-873-6331
