Michael Schwartz to Direct Mountain Play Association's PETER PAN in 2015

The Mountain Play - 'A Great Outdoor Theatre Adventure' and the San Francisco Bay Area's most magical outdoor theater experience, will present Broadway's timeless musical Peter Pan directed by Michael Schwartz for its 102nd season in 2015.

"We are delighted to introduce new director Michael Schwartz to our Mountain Play audience for this magical production of Peter Pan in May" said Sara Pearson, Executive Director. "As a native of Marin, Michael brings a unique combination of qualities to our team. His fresh creative vision reflects his New York experience and yet he comes to the project with a deep connection to Mount Tamalpais and a personal love of the Mountain Play."

Based on Sir James M. Barrie's classic tale and featuring an unforgettable score by Morris "Moose" Charlap and Jule Styne with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh and Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Peter Pan is one of the most beloved family favorites of all time. With a sprinkling of pixie dust, Peter, the boy who wouldn't grow up, and his playful sidekick fairy Tinkerbell whisk the Darling family children to the place where dreams are born. During their adventures in Neverland they encounter all the characters one would expect in the magical world of childhood. There are bungling pirates, natives, an infamous ticking crocodile and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook.

"Mt. Tam really was the Neverland of my youth," said Michael Schwartz, 2015 Mountain Play Director. "As anyone who has walked these trails knows, it is a truly special place that evokes majesty, mischief and wonder. Having attended the Mountain Play for years with my own family, I couldn't be more excited to return to Neverland and direct one of the greatest musicals with this incredible organization.
Peter Pan first soared over Broadway in 1954 with Mary Martin in the lead role and starring Cyril Ritchard as Captain Hook. Both actors won Tony awards for their portrayal of the boy who wouldn't grow up and his pirate nemeses. Featuring the iconic songs "I'm Flying," "I've Gotta Crow," "I Won't Grow Up," and "Never Never Land," and a book rich with imagination, warmth and rollicking adventure, Peter Pan is the perfect show for the child in all of us who dreamed of never losing the joy and freedom of childhood. Peter Pan has continued to thrill children young and old through numerous television broadcasts, including a live NBC telecast planned for December of this year, and stage and film adaptations. It is a story that we never want to end.

Peter Pan at the Mountain Play is family entertainment at its best.

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, educated in Los Angeles and London, and based in New York City, Michael Schwartz is an award-winning director of theatre, film, and large-scale events. He has worked on theatrical projects with The Old Vic Theatre, Roundabout Theatre Company, NY Philharmonic, American Conservatory Theatre, The Magic Theatre, Yale University, NAMT, Fringe NYC, among others, and has directed or helped develop productions in such diverse spaces as New World Stages, Skirball Center, The American Museum of Natural History, and The Dallas Cowboys Stadium. He is a California Arts Scholar, and a member of SDC, Lincoln Center Director's Lab, and Old Vic New Voices. www.WhoIsMichaelSchwartz.com

Building on a century of tradition, the Mountain Play Association produces enriching theatrical experiences that stimulate creativity, engage our community, and foster a lifelong enjoyment of the performing arts. Our pinnacle event is a spectacular, outdoor production that also nurtures an appreciation for the unique beauty of Mount Tamalpais. www.mountainplay.org.

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