Berkeley Playhouse Presents PETER PAN THE MUSICAL 7/17 Thru 8/23

Berkeley Playhouse closes its highly successful inaugural season with Peter Pan the Musical this summer at the Ashby Stage in Berkeley.

The show runs July 17 thru August 23, with regular Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances throughout the run.

General Manager Jerry R. Foust announced that tickets for the show are on-sale now at The Playhouse website, www.berkeleyplayhouse.org.

Peter Pan is based on the beloved novel by J.M. Barrie, with a musical score by American composer Jule Styne. The Berkeley Playhouse production is directed by Founding Artistic Director Elizabeth McKoy, and musical direction is provided by Phil Gorman.

The story will be told through the perspective of a current-day 11 year-old boy--weaving into the visual presentation elements from the many incarnations of Pan a modern youngster may have heard through the years. From the evocative scenery and costumes to the creative choreography, the piece will be fresh and inventive, while staying true to the classic elements and universal themes of the original story.

And in keeping with The Playhouse's mission of producing 'intelligent, relevant, soul-stirring work,' McKoy promises an interpretation that exposes and explores what she calls "the blueprint of the imagination."

A notable feature of the production will be the use of aerial motivity - an artform that combines dance and trapeze techniques. The cast of professional actors and youth company interns will prepare for their roles with training at Berkeley's Studio 12 aerial studio. The finished product will be a cross between dance, gymnastics, and circus arts - quite different than the usual techniques used in such notable stagings as the Mary Martin and Cathy Rigby versions of the Broadway show.

Peter Pan will be played by Brandy Collazo, who reprises the role for which she won a 2009 Shellie Award (Contra Costa County).

The Ashby Stage is located at 1901 Ashby Avenue in Berkeley, adjacent to the Ashby BART.

Tickets begin at $22 for regular performances, and every Thursday is "Pay What You Can" Night at

Berkeley Playhouse. Tickets available online at www.berkeleyplayhouse.org or 510-665-5565