Every fall and winter semester of the school year, BYU–Hawaii’s Theater Program puts on a showstopping production for students and community members. Each performance makes its mark with bright lights, dazzling smiles, and top-notch acting. Their latest showing of Peter and the Starcatcher takes comedy and physical acting to the next level, starting with a bang and leaving the audience laughing as the characters navigate their story. But of course, not without a few swashbuckling bumps along the way that make the performance that much more humorous for the audience.
However, the show is only possible through the program’s hardworking students and faculty. In preparation over the past few months, they were able to pull together an ensemble of not one, but two casts to demonstrate the strength and talent at BYU–Hawaii.
Preparation
Behind the lively humor and fast-paced storytelling of Peter and the Starcatcher lies months of detailed preparation led by director Michael Morris. Originally from upstate New York, Morris has now directed four productions at the university. Despite his experience, he describes this as the most complicated show he has worked on so far.
“The humor and storytelling are very physical,” Morris explained, emphasizing the unique demands of the play. Unlike more traditional productions, the performance relies heavily on movement, timing, and exaggerated physicality to bring its comedy to life.
One of the most distinctive aspects of this production is its double-cast structure. This decision from Morris came about under abnormal circumstances. “The play is written and designed for there to be twelve roles, and when we had about 100 people audition, I didn’t feel good about only giving twelve opportunities,” he explained. The expanded cast also offers opportunities for community members to participate. "We have some younger community members from high school, as well as some older. They both add a lot to us.”
While this choice created more opportunities, it also introduced new challenges. Morris stated, “It takes a lot more work to prepare the cast because we have doubled the people, but still the same amount of time in rehearsals. So, everyone has to learn how to work on and off-stage, but in half the time they usually would.” Over the course of 10-11 weeks, cast members dedicated themselves both during and outside of rehearsals to ensure the production’s success.
For Kierscha Moon, a freshman from Japan majoring in music, who has been involved in theater since the third grade, the double cast has been especially rewarding. “This is my first time doing a double cast, and it’s so fun because you have someone who knows exactly what you’re doing, but can still do it so differently,” Moon said. “You get to have a different point of view and grow together.”
Her passion for theater is rooted in something deeper than performance. “I just—I love theater,” she shared. “There is so much joy in theater, and sharing that joy with others is what draws me in.”
Branching Out
Meanwhile, for other cast members, Peter and the Starcatcher represents more than just another show: it marks the beginning of a new journey.
Keenan Ramanlal, a freshman studying construction and facilities management, is performing in his very first play after initially hesitating to step onto the stage. While working at the Laie Temple, Morris invited him to audition. Ramanlal recalled profusely denying him, but after giving it some thought, he decided to take a chance. Little did he know that he would get one of the main roles.
“I think everyone needs to just give it a shot and try something new,” He reflected. “I totally recommend it for anyone; you don’t get in, then you don’t get in. But if you do, then it’s a great chance to learn and grow.” Ramanlal goes on to commend his castmates and the beauty of being with them through this new experience. “It’s fun being teachable: we all have this kind of mentality, which makes it easier for us to mend and become a great team.”
Kenneth Dadson, from Ghana, majoring in information technology, another cast member and longtime lover of musicals, shared a different perspective as a senior. When he first arrived at BYU–Hawaii and learned about the theater program, he struggled with self-doubt. “I didn’t feel worthy,” Dadson admitted.
However, his experience has helped him embrace what makes him unique. “I have learned to let what makes you ‘weird’ make you shine. There’s a world out there that needs different guys out there like you...so don’t feel lost or that you’re ‘too weird’—let that be part of you and hold on to it, because the Lord has a purpose for you. So, keep moving forward.”
He also emphasized the deeper lessons learned through the production. “The importance of teamwork, the importance of diversity, and the importance of hard work,” he said. “People might think it’s easy, but it requires a lot of energy.”
Message to the Audience
As production continues throughout the week, both the cast and director hope audiences will feel the same joy that has defined the rehearsal process.
“We love telling this story; it is such a fun story,” Morris said. “The students aren’t just pretending, they’re really having fun while on stage, and we hope the audience will have fun too.”
For Ramanlal, the experience has also carried meaningful lessons beyond entertainment. “Come excited, come ready to laugh, and come ready to learn a lesson about leadership,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot about discipleship and becoming like Jesus Christ through this experience, and I’m excited to see what the audience can learn.”
With its blend of humor, heart, and hard work, Peter and the Starcatcher is being shown at 7:30 pm from March 24 to March 27 at the McKay Auditorium. Admission is free and open to everyone.
