Disney's PETER PAN Prequel Musical to Play NYTW, Possibly

According to Variety, Off-Broadway's New York Theater Workshop may be the home of Disney's "Peter Pan" prequel, PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS during the 2011 season.

Although New York Theater Workshop and Disney Theatrical Productions both declined to confirm the reports, insiders says that the two groups are in talks for a production of PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS at the Off-Broadway theater.

Although it's been said that the Disney organization would not be given credit as a producer of the show, the company has developed several versions of the piece.

In 2009, the show received a developmental staging by La Jolla Playhouse as a part of the theater's "Page to Stage" program. Critics were not allowed to review the show, but word surrounding it was positive.

"Peter" is different than Disney's usual grand and large-scale shows such as BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE LION KING, and MARY POPPINS, and would be better to begin in an Off-Broadway house.

Word is that the creative team that was with the show at La Jolla Playhouse remains intact, but this could also not be confirmed. At La Jolla, the script was by Rick Elice (JERSEY BOYS, The Addams Family), direction was by Roger Rees and Alex Timbers, music was by Wayne Barker, and lyrics were by Rick Elice.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS goes back in time and follows the stories of J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan." The show is based on the 2004 book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson with the same name.

While the agreements and plays between NYTW and Disney Theatrical are unclear, it would appear that if the show were to transfer after a successful run at NYTW, Disney would be involved.

The New York Theater Workshop will also be producing a currently untitled new musical by "South Park" creators Trey Park and Matt Stone sometime in August.

 

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