'Peter Pan' Prequel Brings Hope And Healing To Lindenhurst Stage

LINDENHURST, NY — Long Island’s Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company doesn't just aim to entertain. It was founded "to use the transformative power of theatre to help make an impact in the local community."

On Friday, LRTC is hitting the stage to accomplish that mission with its debut production of the Tony Award-winning play, "Peter and the Starcatcher," which runs through Sunday, June 2, at the Manes Studio Theatre in Lindenhurst.

As a prequel to "Peter Pan," it shares the origin stories of Peter, Wendy, Hook, Smee and Tinkerbell.

While it's a familiar cast of characters, LRTC didn't choose the story just to draw crowds.

The play benefits Kids Need More, a local non-profit that helps families coping with childhood cancer and illness and the storyline shares an empowering message that children facing adversity can identify with.

“In this case, Peter and the Starcatcher is about orphan boys who are different from everyone else and have to overcome their unfortunate circumstances, to get to be what they want to be—kids,” LRTC co-founder Kami Crary told Patch. “Kids Need More similarly helps these kids live a normal childhood by providing them with experiences and support, so they can just be a kid even though they're dealing with this horrible illness. So when the children from Kids Need More come to see the play, they will see themselves up there dealing with and overcoming their circumstances.”

Although the play addresses life challenges, it also delivers a “playful and profound exploration of reality, friendship, duty and love,” said Crary, who founded LRTC with Tony Chiofalo, both a U.S. Army and theater veteran.

For Crary, the storyline—and the choice of non-profit—resonates deeply with her.

“Growing up, I watched my brother face countless surgeries and hospital stays, a journey filled with fear and uncertainty. An organization like Kids Need More would have meant the world to us, providing a chance for him—and for me—to feel like kids amidst the chaos,” Crary explained.

By collaborating with Kids Need More, Crary and crew find comfort in knowing that the funds raised directly support neighbors and families facing hardship in the Long Island community.

“By using our platform to partner with impactful charities, we are not just creating art, we are fostering hope and healing,” Crary added. “I am committed to continuing this mission, making a tangible difference through every performance and every partnership."

The crew at LRTC also hopes to see the arts finally make a post-Covid comeback. Crary said that since the pandemic came and went, theaters have struggled with attendance rates of only 50 to 70 percent.

But LRTC team has hope and is dedicated to sharing it with the Long Island community.

"This is theatre that truly, truly, benefits the community,” said Stephen Anastasia, aka Peter. “This is the first show for Lighthouse Repertory theatre company, and for anyone who has ever had a dream and wished on a star (catcher), you know it takes a village."

"Peter and the Starcatcher" will be live on stage Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Manes Studio Theatre at 141 S Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst. Tickets are $30 and are available here.