PETER AND THE STARCATCHER Begins Tonight at Weston Playhouse

The Weston Playhouse Theatre Company has done it again -- landing one of Broadway's hottest new plays for its Vermont premiere! PETER AND THE STARCATCHER opens tonight, JULY 16, bringing a new take on a classic story to area audiences.

New York Magazine calls STARCATCHER a miniature classic. Based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, this prequel to Peter Pan tells a "cheeky, irreverent, anachronistic, and modern" tale as it unravels the mystery of one of popular culture's most endearing and beloved icons. A company of a dozen actors play more than one hundred unforgettable characters on a quest to discover how Peter Pan became the Boy Who Never Grew Up.

Winner of five 2012 Tony Awards and named one of New York Times Top 10 shows of the year, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER opens on Weston's MainStage next week with a cast that includes top talent from Broadway, and from the country's major regional theatres. Rose Hemingway (How to Succeed in Business..., Mama Mia) stars as Molly, Matthew Wilkas (Broadway's Spider Man: Turn off the Dark) as Black Stache/Captain Hook, and Adam Shonkwiler as the Boy Who Would Become Peter Pan. Shonkwiler's recent roles include an acclaimed performance as Mordred in Camelot at Goodspeed Theatre, and Theatre Under the Stars.

The production is directed and choreographed by Tony-nominee Michael Berresse, returning for a third time to Weston. With B'way credits that include major productions such as A Chorus Line, Chicago, and Guys and Dolls, Berresse says he loves PETER AND THE STARCATCHER for its requisite ingenuity and design achievement. "Nearly all of the locations, details, and myriad characters are created entirely with props, light, and sound. I love this kind of show that requires the kind of wonder and imagination that only theatre magic can provide."

Weston's all-star creative team includes Music Director Max Grossman, Scenic Designer Timothy R. Mackabee, Lighting Designer Seth Reiser, and Costume Designer Leon Dobkowski. Mackabee recently made his Broadway debut with a revival of The Elephant Man starring Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper, while Grossman is fresh from PETER AND THE STARCATCHER's national tour. Dobkowski's resume includes assistant design credits on the B'way production of The Little Mermaid and Shrek, so he's got the "fantastical" covered. As the production sets out to prove imagination is the most captivating place in the world, Weston audiences should be prepared for a flight of fancy that appeals to all.

Sponsored in part by the Orvis Company, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER runs July 16 - July 25 at the Weston Playhouse on the Village Green (12 Park Street in Weston.) Show Times are Tuesday - Saturday at 7:30 pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 2 pm, and Sunday at 3 pm. It runs two hours and twenty minutes including intermission. At the break, theatre goers will have an opportunity to view the work of contemporary artist Jane Davies, on display throughout the lobby.

Pre-show dinner is available at the newly opened West Town Eatery, located downstairs from the playhouse. Post-show cabaret is well worth the $12 admission, Yankee Magazine's 2014 Editor's Choice for "Best Place for a Nightcap." Tickets can be purchased by calling 802-824-5288 or by visiting westonplayhouse.org.

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