This year’s fall production of “Peter and the Starcatcher” marks the first show under newly appointed director Ms. Cassie Adelman.

Ahead of Friday’s 7 p.m. final performance, Adelman reflected on the personal and professional journey that led her here.

Adelman steps into the role previously held by longtime director Mrs. Kevin Yale Vernon, whose two-decade leadership shaped the school’s Theatre program.

Vernon’s legacy is indelible—literally—as Community’s theater was named in her honor at the end of the 2024 school year when the veteran English teacher retired.

While some would buckle under the pressure of replacing such a storied director, or shy away from attempting to follow such a legacy, Adelman views it as a foundation to build upon rather than a shadow to step into.

“There’s the expectation of how things usually run… I’m not trying to detract as much,” Adelman said. “She had things organized for a reason.”

Adelman’s veteran cast were students under Vernon and have been instrumental in maintaining many of the program’s established practices and traditions.

“They can remind me of certain processes that I might be unaware of,” Adelman said. Vernon “gave me the toolbox to use for this show, and I’m purely just building off of what she had.”

While her respect for Vernon’s methods is clear, Adelman is also eager to leave her own mark. A Bloomington High School alumna, Adelman’s passion for theater began during her high school years, further honed through studies in dance, film and theater at Illinois State University.

Now, she’s guiding the cast and crew into new territory.

“Peter and the Starcatcher,” the story of Peter Pan’s origin, Adelman explained, is “much more removed from the plays that Vern did before—it’s just a very different style.”

While Adelman finds no fault in Community’s past productions, this show is much more “imaginative” than previous years, filled with “child-like wonder.”

Unlike the program’s typical straight plays, “Peter and the Starcatcher” blends music and performance in what Adelman describes as a half-musical hybrid.

This, she said, introduces a fresh challenge for both the cast and herself.

“It’s kind of been a learning process for all of us,” she said, “to put on a production that requires handling multiple elements at once.”

Set aboard a ship called The Neverland, the play follows the journey of a young Peter Pan and his encounter with magical starstuff. Adelman’s enthusiasm for the story goes beyond the professional—it’s personal.

“I grew up loving the ‘Peter and the Starcatchers’ book series,” Adelman said. The series, which debuted in 2004, “was one of the pivotal stories that made me fall in love with being a storyteller.”

“It is a swashbuckling comedy with pirates, fairies, tropical kings, and a bunch of different stuff going on,” Adelman said.

Seeing the play performed years ago at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival only deepened her connection. “I’ve kind of always known it was one that I wanted to do,” she said.

That personal resonance and passion are traits Adelman hopes don’t go unnoticed by the cast.

Adelman believes that her enthusiasm serves as inspiration for her students—that the cast and crew can “feed off that vibe” as she attempts to “lead by example.”

“I went into teaching theater because theater kids are some of the most passionate kids you will ever meet,” Adelman said. “I love getting to work with kids who love doing what they do.”

Among those passionate students are junior Miguel Patino Diaz, who plays Peter Pan, and senior Josh Waggoner, just two standouts among the cast.

Patino Diaz, Adelman said, has “wonderful comedic timing and genuineness,” traits that allow him to truly “embody” Peter.

Waggoner, the show’s antagonist, is transformative on stage, seemingly becoming the character of Black Stache.

“I swear that ’stash prosthetic has possessed him,” Adelman said.

Waggoner is a different actor with it on, the director said, “because I’ve never seen him act like that on stage until he has it on.”

The success of the show, Adelman emphasized, is the result of a collaborative effort. From Cohen Boyd’s comedic timing to Sophia Hartke’s meticulous care, every cast member has their moment to shine.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Sophie Hartke and Miguel Patino Diaz, veterans of Community's Theatre program, have helped maintain Vernon's vital traditions while embracing Adelman's new approaches. Photo Courtesy of: David Vernon // eScapesPhoto

They’re all so dedicated, Adelman said. “I’ve had multiple moments where I’ve just said, ‘I need a body to do this,’ and like five people will raise their hands.”

For Adelman, “Peter and the Starcatcher” is more than just a production, more than just a pirate tale—it’s a reflection of her own journey.

Adelman sees herself in Peter as the lost boy finds his home in Neverland, as she “found [her] home… teaching here.”

As the lights go down on Friday night, Adelman hopes the audience will feel the magic she and her students have worked so hard to create.

“It is a love letter for not just myself… and my love for storytelling,” Adelman said, but one from the cast and crew.

“The level of care and love that these students have put into it is truly magical.”