Tomah, Wis. July 13, 2026 – Area Community Theatre (ACT) in Tomah is set to perform the musical, “Peter and the Starcatcher,” a re-telling of the classic play, “Peter Pan” by Rick Elice, opening on July 30 and is directed by Lisa McCormick and assisted by Kaia McCormick.
“Peter and the Starcatcher” is a story within a story. Before the show even begins, several young boys who live in St. Norbert’s Orphanage in London, England, tell each other stories in order to forget the impoverished conditions they live in under the care of Mr. Grempkin (played by Greg Mason). Our play begins with the story of two ships that set sail for the fictional kingdom of Rundoon.
The Wasp, carrying Lord Leonard Aster (played by JD Sydow) and his daughter Molly (played by Amelia Mason), and their nanny, Mrs. Bumbrake (played by Eulalie Foat) and the Neverland, a decrepit vessel run by the cruel first mate William Slank (played by Jamise Vosler), which also carries three orphan boys — Peter (played by Carter Brieske), Prentiss (played by Rumen Southworth), and Ted (played by Cade Divyak).
Each ship has a trunk: the Wasp carries a decoy, while the Neverland holds the real treasure — a mysterious substance called starstuff, magical dust of immense power that must be protected from the evil King Zarboff III. Molly’s father, Leonard Aster, is the Queen’s ambassador to Zarboff and a member of the secret society of Starcatchers, who collect and dispose of starstuff to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
Molly meets Peter, the nameless orphan boy, who is bitter and distrustful of adults. After a stormy night at sea, Peter discovers the trunk and its guardian, Molly, and learns about the Starcatchers’ mission. Meanwhile, the feared pirate Black Stache (played by Scott Southworth) and his first mate Smee (played by Chris Suzda) intercept the Wasp, only to find the decoy trunk. They realize the real treasure is on the Neverland and turn the Wasp around to pursue it.
A violent storm breaks out, and the Neverland is torn apart in the storm. Peter, Molly, and the orphans are washed ashore on an island inhabited by the Mollusks, a group of sea creatures led by Fighting Prawn (played by Greg Mason) and Hawking Clam (played by Jamise Vosler).
The Mollusks plan to feed the children to Mister Grin, a giant crocodile (played by Ala’a
Southworth).
The story sets up Peter’s transformation from an ordinary orphan into a magical, immortal boy, with Molly and the others now part of the Starcatchers’ mission to protect the starstuff and
prevent it from being used for evil.
This show will answer many of the questions you may have had when watching “Peter Pan”
when you were a child! Enjoy a story for all ages!
Additional cast members include Alf (played by Abby Byers), Mack (played by Libby Berry), Sanchez (played by Elise Sauter) and Teacher (played by Rachel von der Ehe).
Come and enjoy some of the best acting that local community theatre has to offer.
Performances will be held on July 30, 31, August 1, 6, 7, & 8 at 7pm and matinees on August 2 & 9 at 1pm at the Area Community Theatre. Tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased at www.tomahact.com.
ACT is proud to announce it’s 2026 season to also include the shows “Moon Over Buffalo” September 17-20 & October 1-4 with audition dates of July 26-28, and “Perfect Wedding” November 5-8 & 12-15 with audition dates of September 13 & 14. Be watching the ACT Facebook page for audition and ticket details.
For more information, call 608-374-7469, visit the Business Office at 901 Kilbourn Avenue Tomah or check out the webpage www.tomahact.com.
About ACT: For over 50 years, the Area Community Theatre in Tomah has been dedicated to providing quality entertainment from the many talents of the Tomah region. All productions are produced, directed and performed by local volunteers. The theatre produces five productions a year in a variety of genres including comedies, dramas and musicals.
