The CHSS Theater Program’s newest production debuts December 1-3
The Cape Hatteras Secondary School’s (CHSS) Drama Club will unveil its newest production this weekend, with the opening night of Peter and the Starcatcher scheduled for Friday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m.
This is the third community production hosted by the drama club since it was revitalized by CHSS alumni Blake Taft, alongside co-directors Jordan Tomberlin and Michelle Reider O’Brien, in the fall of 2022.
Prior to last year, the drama club had been in limbo due to the aftereffects of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, followed by the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021, when many extracurricular activities were put on hold.
But 2022 ushered in a new beginning for the program, and in 12 short months, the enthusiasm and support surrounding the CHSS Drama Club has exceeded all expectations.
“We’ve had amazing community support,” said Taft in an earlier interview. “I’ve never seen a community like this one – really engaging with us, and supporting us in every aspect. It makes doing theater here easier, because everyone is so helpful.”
Peter and the Starcatcher may be a lesser-known production, but the hit Boadway play based on a children’s novel tells a familiar story.
Concentrating on the origins of Peter Pan, as well as Captain Hook and other famous characters from the Peter Pan world, the play features musical numbers, sword fighting, a thunderstorm, and other surprises along the way.
“It’s not an everyday high school play,” said Taft. “We took a lot of time to create a world, and we spent a lot of energy on production quality. My goal is that people will watch it and won’t realize that there are kids on stage… and our kids are so talented, and so good, that you will definitely forget it’s a high school production.”
“We want everyone to come out. It’s not just for the parents, or the kids – it’s for everyone. If you’re here for the week and want something fun to do, come to the theater. It’s open to the public for a reason – We want everyone to experience it.”
How to catch the show
- Tickets are $10 each and are currently for sale at the front office of CHSS, the United Bank in Buxton, and The Froggy Dog Restaurant in Avon. Proceeds go to support the CHSS Drama Club.
- Peter and the Starcatcher will be performed on Friday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 2 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets may be available at the door, but advanced purchase is recommended.
- For more information on the story behind the show, click here.
