PETER AND THE STARCATCHER to Open September 22 at Berkeley Playhouse
Berkeley Playhouse opens up their 9th season at the historic Julia Morgan theater with Peter and the Starcatcher, the Tony Award-winning prequel to Peter Pan. Based on the acclaimed 2006 novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, the thrilling stage adaptation by Rick Elice, whose Broadway credits include The Addams Family and Jersey Boys, takes flight September 22, 2016 with performances running through October 16, 2016.
Before Peter Pan met the Darling family, Captain Hook, or had a merry band of followers, he was just a boy-and a distrustful one at that. In this ingenious prequel to one of modern literatures greatest stories, Peter and the Starcatcheris a swashbuckling, imaginative, music-infused adventure that proves that if you believe, imagination can give you wings, and hope can make you fly.
Tickets (ranging from $22--$40) are available by calling (510) 845-8542 x351 or by visiting online at www.berkeleyplayhouse.org. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.
"When I first saw Peter and the Starcatcher on Broadway, I felt like I was seeing the future of storytelling for multigenerational audiences, and I knew we had to produce it at Berkeley Playhouse," says Founding Artistic Director Elizabeth McKoy. "The story grabbed me from the start, and kept up a pace that energized and transported me through a magical-and inventively musical- adventure! I found myself laughing out loud, and caring about characters that we've known for generations in the most surprising ways. I was desperate for it not to end, and I am thrilled to be opening up our season with one of the great new plays of the decade."
Adds Producing Artistic Director Kimberly Dooley, "What makes Peter and the Starcatchersuch a fulfilling piece for this moment at Berkeley Playhouse is how it utilizes the art of ensemble acting and innovation, reminding us that the imagination is still the most powerful tool in the theater. The thrilling creativity of this ensemble as they bring this story to life is truly inspiring and strongly connects with one of our core goals of igniting the imagination of our actors, designers, conservatory students and audience members."
Winner of five Tony Awards in 2012, Berkeley Playhouse's Peter and the Starcatcher will be helmed by Bay Area director Michael Moran (co-Artistic Director at Berkeley's Ubuntu Theater Project) and music directed by Michael Patrick Wiles. The ensemble cast includeFrancisco Arcila, Michael Birr, Scott Dilorenzo, Justin Howard, J Jha, Aubri Kahalekulu, Brittney Monroe, Kevin Rebultan, Joel Roster, Cecily Schmidt, Kevin Singer, And Matt Standley.
ABOUT BERKELEY PLAYHOUSE: Founded in 2007 by professional theatre actor, director, and teacher for over 25 years, Elizabeth McKoy, Berkeley Playhouse's mission is to create theatre and programs that engage, ignite, and celebrate diverse Bay Area audiences through a thriving conservatory, a professional main stage season, educational outreach, and a commitment to the development of new family musicals. In support of our mission, we maintain and enhance the historic Julia Morgan Theater. A commitment to community, diversity, inclusion, and empowerment is at the heart of our work.
