Junior Abby Landes is taking on her first lead role as Peter in our fall play: “Peter and the Starcatcher.” The 2-act production is set to illuminate the Valley stage on Nov. 15.
Landes has been active in theater since her days in middle school, most of her roles being supporting, and of some variant, comedic relief.
In the 23-24 senior play, “Pygmalion,” Landes was casted as the lead with Eliza. Due to health issues that sprang up days before opening night, however, Landes forfeited from the show entirely.
Landing the role of Peter was a redeeming step in her acting journey, as she describes her time being cut short in “Pygmalion” as a very sad time.
“And then when I got Peter, it was like: Oh my gosh, redemption round!”
“Peter and the Starcatcher” being Valley’s Cappies show heightened her excitement.
Paired with Landes’ excitement, lots of pressure comes with landing her first lead role, in a Cappies show nonetheless.
“I’m trying to be the best that I can be, because I wanna see if we can go far with the cappies show.”
Landes recalled last year’s Cappies Gala, in which Valley won a creativity award for “Our Town.”
“I want us to get more awards,” she said. “Usually a lot of schools at the Cappies Gala get a lot of awards and we’re just sitting there. Last year we did get one, and it was such a big moment for us.”
Aside from “Peter and the Starcatcher,” Landes is balancing a multitude of things such as junior year, her first year taking IB courses, and her part time job scare acting for Madhaunter’s Madhouse in Purcellville.
“Peter and the Starcatcher” is based off of the beloved Peter Pan, with the main character, Peter, exploring many complex emotions in an overall comedic play.
“I wanted a more comedic character, to be honest. I love being silly, and Peter is very much like: I’m such a depressed, angsty teen,” Landes said.
Nonetheless, Landes is beyond pleased with playing Peter, even with the unfamiliar territories being met with the emotional range of this character.
