You must imagine the broom as a spear. The plunger is a sword. The line of pirates forms the walls of a sailing ship. This type of interpretive imagination is what makes Peter and the Starcatcher so unique and captivating.

Peter and the Starcatcher is a prequel story to the classic Peter Pan and tells the story of how Peter first got to Neverland.

Guest director Stephen John has been directing professional theater productions for 20 years, and said that it was difficult to transition from professional productions to high school shows.

“I want to give them a professional experience because I want it to be the best show possible but I often have to remember that they’re students and they’re learning,” said John.

Before the story, set, and actors came together, John had to read the script hundreds of times, decide how to attack the piece and develop a rehearsal schedule.

Since September, the cast rehearsed for 3 and a half hours every Monday through Thursday since the beginning of September.

John observes every scene looking for things to tweak. He focuses on how each scene transitions making sure that the play tells a story.

“Telling the story is one of the most important reasons why we’re here we have to look at relationships between characters. We have to look at character goals and what they want to achieve,” said John.

John said that the production has become like a family. The more they connect, the easier it is to communicate.

“It’s been amazing because watching them grow and learn has been inspiring,” said John. There has been moments of difficulty but there has also been moments of great reward.”

Daniel Chaderjian, junior, plays Bill Slank, captain of The Never Land. He has performed in past productions such as Annie Get Your Gun and Sweeney Todd, but this is his first time in a comedy play.

“With a comedy you get a lot more energy. It’s not just you sitting there. They’re laughing and interacting with the play. It’s a give and take. It’s more intimate,” said Chaderjian.

In most shows the actors never talk to the audience, while in this production, the actors talk to the audience right from the opening moment. This is called breaking the “4th wall” between the audience and the stage.

“There is a general give and take,” said Chaderjian, “When you say something funny, they laugh, and that’s really important in theatre. But what’s awkward is when no one connects back.”

The show had a successful opening weekend and hopes for a full house this weekend.

“Just have a good time with us,” said John. “If you as an audience just want to be told a fun story and you don’t fight it, then you will get a great experience out of the show,” said John.

Watch Peter and the Starcatcher Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7:00 pm, Friday, Nov. 11 at 7:00 pm, and Saturday, Nov. 12 at 1:00 pm. Tickets are $10 at showtix4u.com. At the door tickets are $12. Tickets to Peter and the Starcatcher are almost sold out.