On the stage, the concept of time seems a little less relevant. That phenomenon can create an environment where performers live in the moment and seize the moment.

These elements of timing, imagination and urgency will all be in play when Manheim Township High School (MTHS) presents "Peter and the Starcatcher" as its fall play on the weekend before Thanksgiving.

"Performing is its own challenge, both physically and mentally," said Kristel Kennedy, the play's director. "There's something really magical that happens when the audience laughs for the first time. The kind of audience makes the show. It can make it so fun to be on stage. Kids come running off the stage (saying), 'Did you hear that?' So there are these great moments, and there's always a lot of sadnesses when the cast takes their bows on the final day."

A Peter Pan origin story, "Peter and the Starcatcher" will be staged inside the MTHS auditorium, 115 Blue Streak Blvd., Lancaster, on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets for the show can be purchased by searching for "Manheim Township" at http://www.cur8.com or at the auditorium box office an hour before each presentation.

The two-hour performance includes a 10-minute intermission between its two acts.

"All the stuff you know about Peter Pan comes to pass in this play, and you find out how it all happened," said Kennedy. "Some of the students had heard of it before and seen it. In general, they really like it. It has so many different characters. (The student cast members) go in and out of parts and in and out of characters. A lot of people play multiple characters."

"If you know Peter Pan, you're able to follow along in our play to see how each element came to be," said R.J. Scacalossi, who plays Boy/Peter Pan. "My favorite part about this play has been the appearance of dance and song. Even though it's technically not a musical, it's fun to have those aspects. The behind-the-scenes process is also a fun and collaborative project where I feel the cast has gotten very close."

In addition to R.J., "Peter and the Starcatcher" features Tim Cruz as Black Stache, Alex Othmer as Molly, Maya Hartz as Grempkin and Sanchez, Danny Sensenig as Mrs. Bumbrake and teacher, Lily Reaser as Bill Slank and Hawking Clam, Ky Miller as Smee, Ever Burton as Prentiss, Ella Suydam as Ted and Jayden Gonzalez as Alf. A total of more than 80 students are involved with the production, including 19 cast members, three stage managers and nearly 60 crew members.

The cast and crew began their work on the fall play on Sept. 3 with auditions. Since then, they have been putting in three-hour rehearsal sessions about five times a week.

"It's about the kids. They're doing a great job," said Kennedy. "I want them to feel a huge sense of accomplishment. I focus on us being a team. I find that sometimes theater is a place for people who don't fit into other places. In this show, we have a lot of room for quirky, and it's so fun."

"My favorite part of being Molly is her gumption," said Alex. "She'll be about to go down on a sinking ship or be eaten by a crocodile and she'll still be focused on her mission. The play tackles concepts like the meaning of family and the pain of goodbyes, as well as the struggle of being a girl in a man's world. The audience also gets to see the complicated relationship with growing up and developing romantic feelings."

"My favorite part of being in this show has been the opportunity to play characters outside my comfort zone," said Lily. "Throughout this show I have not only been able to broaden my acting capabilities but also gain confidence in my skill and work. And I could not have done it without the support of my wonderful directors, cast and crew members."