Rainbow Company Youth Theatre to Stage Tony-Winning ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’
The Tony Award-winning play reimagines the origin story of Peter Pan at the Charleston Heights Arts Center.
Rainbow Company Youth Theatre is set to present 'Peter and the Starcatcher' at the Charleston Heights Arts Center in Las Vegas. Written by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker and directed by Robert Acosta and J.R. Coley, the Tony Award-winning play reimagines the origin story of how a miserable orphan becomes the boy who would not grow up — better known as Peter Pan.
About the Production
The play upends the century-old story of Peter Pan, exploring themes of greed, despair, friendship, duty and love. Set in Victorian England, a young orphan and his companions are sent to a distant island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. During the voyage, the boys encounter Molly, a precocious young girl training to become a starcatcher.
When pirates led by the fearsome Black Stache seize the ship, the journey turns into what the production describes as a fast-paced and thrilling adventure. The show is directed by Robert Acosta and J.R. Coley, with the script written by Rick Elice and music composed by Wayne Barker.
Charleston Heights Arts Center Expands Programming
The Charleston Heights Arts Center, also known as CHAC, serves as the home venue for Rainbow Company Youth Theatre and is expanding its programming offerings in the coming years. The center has announced that watercolor visual arts classes are coming in Fall 2026, with adult classes in dance, improv, poetry and playwriting set to begin in the 2026–27 academic year.
CHAC also hosts ticketed community events and performances in its theatre, auditorium and ballroom. The center is currently seeking experienced dance instructors for part-time positions, with opportunities including daytime dance classes for adults across all styles and musical theater choreography for Rainbow Company Youth Theatre productions.
Youth Summer Camps at Rainbow Company
Rainbow Company is also offering its 15 Hour Theatre Project Camp, in which students take on the roles of playwrights, directors and performers to create an original production from scratch. Through storytelling, improvisation and theatre games, participants write a script, build scenes, develop characters and present a performance on the final day of camp.
Campers learn acting fundamentals including voice, movement, teamwork and stage presence while building confidence and creativity, according to the program description. A performance for family and friends is held at the end of the week.
What we know
- Rainbow Company Youth Theatre is presenting 'Peter and the Starcatcher' at the Charleston Heights Arts Center in Las Vegas.
- The play was written by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker and is directed by Robert Acosta and J.R. Coley.
- 'Peter and the Starcatcher' is a Tony Award-winning play that reimagines the origin story of Peter Pan.
- The story follows a young orphan and his companions who are sent from Victorian England to a distant island ruled by the evil King Zarboff, where they encounter a girl named Molly and pirates led by Black Stache.
- Charleston Heights Arts Center is seeking experienced dance instructors for part-time positions, including for musical theater choreography for Rainbow Company productions.
- CHAC has announced watercolor visual arts classes coming in Fall 2026 and adult classes in dance, improv, poetry and playwriting beginning in the 2026–27 academic year.
- Rainbow Company's 15 Hour Theatre Project Camp has students create an original production from scratch, culminating in a performance on the last day of camp.
Why it matters
Rainbow Company Youth Theatre has long served as a cornerstone of arts education and live performance for young people in Las Vegas. The staging of a Tony Award-winning production like 'Peter and the Starcatcher' highlights the caliber of programming the company brings to the community. Combined with CHAC's expanding adult and youth class offerings — including new dance, improv, poetry and playwriting programs — the center is positioning itself as a growing hub for arts and culture on the west side of Las Vegas.
What’s next
Charleston Heights Arts Center has announced watercolor visual arts classes arriving in Fall 2026, with adult programming in dance, improv, poetry and playwriting set to launch in the 2026–27 academic year. The center is currently accepting applications from experienced dance instructors for part-time positions. Residents can sign up for CHAC and Rainbow Company newsletters for updates on upcoming performances, classes and summer camps.
Frequently asked questions
What is 'Peter and the Starcatcher' about?
The Tony Award-winning play reimagines the origin story of Peter Pan, following a young orphan sent from Victorian England to a distant island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. The story explores themes of greed, despair, friendship, duty and love.
Who is directing 'Peter and the Starcatcher' in Las Vegas?
The production is directed by Robert Acosta and J.R. Coley, with the script written by Rick Elice and music by Wayne Barker.
Where is Rainbow Company Youth Theatre located?
Rainbow Company Youth Theatre is based at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, also known as CHAC, in Las Vegas.
What summer camps does Rainbow Company offer?
Rainbow Company offers a 15 Hour Theatre Project Camp in which students write a script, build scenes, develop characters and perform an original production on the last day of camp.
What new classes is Charleston Heights Arts Center adding?
CHAC has announced watercolor visual arts classes coming in Fall 2026 and adult classes in dance, improv, poetry and playwriting beginning in the 2026–27 academic year.