PETER AND THE STARCATCHER Comes to the Long Beach Playhouse

Peter and the Starcatcher is a play based on the 2004 novel Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. The book was adapted for the stage in 2011 by Rick Elice and provides a backstory for the characters of Peter Pan, Mrs. Darling, Tinker Bell and Captain Hook. The story centers around a trunk filled with a mysterious substance known as "starstuff that has the ability to shape the destinies of all who encounter it".

"It's a very imaginative story," said Executive Director, Madison Mooney. "The orphan boy Peter encounters Molly the Starcatcher-in-Training and they join forces to thwart the fearsome pirate, Black Stache. The play is whimsical enough to be enjoyed by children for the antics and action and adults will enjoy the clever word play and the inspirational story that urges us all to be forever young."

The play premiered in California then moved on to Broadway where it was nominated for several awards including a Tony for best play. It's literate and eccentric and it brings the audience along on a journey of adventure, comedy and music.

"Although it includes music, it's not a traditional musical. Its charm is that it doesn't fit neatly in any box," said Sean Gray, Artistic Director for the Playhouse. "It's very cleverly written. I'd say it's a show that invites, inspires and rewards the imagination of the audience."

It's a cast of 12 actors who portray more than 100 characters. Those making their Playhouse debuts are Adriano Brown, Mia Battaglia, Dakota Sioux, Raphael Buenaventura, and Chase Evans. Returning actors are: Alexa Cueva, Jazzy Jones, Robert Amber, William Ardelean, Steve Shane, 'Phie Mura and Lisa J. Salas.

Gregory Cohen was selected as the director for his ability to bring out the best in actors and in every nuance of the spoken word. Because Cohen is an adept actor with more than 30 years' experience in all aspects of the theater he brings a holistic approach to the show. His joy in the storyline brings a sparkle to the entire production.

Kysa Cohen serves as the musical director. Show designers are Spencer Richardson (set), Jesse Bosworth (lighting), Jeremiah Whitman (sound) and Donna Fritsche (costumes).

The show opens April 7 and runs through May 5.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

Pay what you can Dress Rehearsal Thursday April 5 - community can see this production for whatever they can afford

Two for One Preview Friday April 6 - Tickets are $10.00

Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on April 7 - Tickets are $27.00

Ticket Pricing:

Friday: Adults are $20.00, Seniors $18.00, and Students $14.00

Saturday and Sunday: Adults are $24.00, Seniors $21.00, and Students $14.00.

Tickets are available at www.lbplayhouse.org, or by calling 562-494-1014, option 1.

Long Beach Playhouse is located at 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA, 90804, right across from the Long Beach Recreation golf course. The Playhouse is community-supported theatre with programs and events that cut across age, gender, ethnic, and cultural boundaries.

Performances are 8 p.m. Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The box office is open Wednesday-Saturday from 3:00-8:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00-2:00 pm on scheduled matinees.

Promotional Design: Daisy Ramirez

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