PETER AND THE STARCATCHER Opens At The Long Beach Playhouse

Peter and the Starcatcher is based on the 2004 novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. It was adapted for the stage in 2011 by Rick Elice and provides a backstory for the characters of Peter Pan. In various reviews the play is described as literate, clever, enchanting and an extraordinary coming of age story. It's a play that transcends time and one that is equally at home in Victorian times as in the 21st Century. The show premiered in California then moved to Broadway where it was nominated for several awards including a Tony for best play.

Executive Director, Madison Mooney is enthusiastic about the play itself and the whimsy of the story that gives the Playhouse the chance to show off its expertise. "The set is simple yet endlessly amazing. The show is filled with music and yet isn't a musical. It's unique and everyone is raising the sparkle to new heights. Audiences are going to love every minute of it."

"From the first show I worked on at the Playhouse I knew it never settled for less than the best in any production. Peter and the Starcatcher is one that truly lets us showcase our skills. The costumes are amazing. Donna Fritsche's talent is on full display. From the mermaids to the schoolmarm, every costume helps tell the character's story. I don't want to give too much away but let me just say that Donna hasn't missed a single chance to totally delight the eye," said Sean Gray, Artistic Director for the Playhouse.

Gray's praise doesn't stop with the costumes. "Larry Mura is our technical director. His artistry is on full display in the set. It would be easy for him to use pre-fab materials available in any lumber yard but instead he lovingly creates pieces that would be right at home in any Victorian-era theater."

Director Gregory Cohen is tasked with inspiring the actors to bring the characters to life and the audience into the action, humor, and emotions inherent in the story. Cohen said, "It's a show that relies on the actors' skills along with the audience's imagination. It's a balance to have the technical aspects support but not overwhelm the characters."

Cohen relishes the way the production moves between the Victorian and the modern, observing "Our set and costumes recreate the personnel and backstage of a turn-of-the-twentieth-Century Theatre, but our lights and sound get to transport us out of that space and into the fantastical realms as Peter and the crew go on their adventures."

The cast of 12 actors 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. Kysa Cohen serves as the musical director. Show designers are Spencer Richardson, Jesse Bosworth, Jeremiah Whitman and Allison Mamann.

In summary, Gray said, "It's an ensemble from beginning to end. There isn't a single piece that doesn't work in harmony. I'm thrilled with it and know the audiences will be as well."

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 $14.00Saturday 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. 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.

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