Bloomington turns into Neverland as IU Theatre’s production of Peter and the Starcatcher flies into the Ruth N. Halls Theatre. Peter and the Starcatcher by Rick Elice and Wayne Barker was adapted from the 2006 novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. A wildly imaginative production, Peter and the Starcatcher features ingenious stagecraft, music, and an ensemble of twelve actors portraying over 100 characters.
A prequel to J.M. Barrie’s Peter and Wendy, Peter and the Starcatcher upends the century-old story of how an orphan boy becomes the legendary Peter Pan. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair…and the bonds of friendship, duty and love.
Peter and the Starcatcher is directed by Murray McGibbon, who last directed King Lear, Noises Off and M. Butterfly for IU. Similar to the Broadway production, the design team has worked hard to create the illusion of a spontaneously crafted theatre experience. “We’re using the audience’s imagination… how much can we do with as little as possible?” says McGibbon. “The emphasis is on the actors, and it looks as though it’s being made up as they go along. It’s got that kind of ‘made-in-your-garage’ feel, and that really appeals to me. It’s brilliant bare-bones theatre.”
The Peter and the Starcatcher creative team also includes Ray Fellman (Musical Director), Berklea Going (Choreography), Darrian Brimberry (Lighting Designer), Tony Stoeri (Sound Designer), Reuben Lucas (Projection Designer), Chip Davis (Technical Director), and Jennie Fischer (Props Master). Alana Yurczyk (Scenic Design) and Courtney Foxworthy (Costume Designer) are M.F.A. students who are designing Peter and the Starcatcher for their M.F.A. thesis project.
What: IU Theatre presents Peter and the Starcatcher, by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker.
When: October 27, 28, 31 through November 3 at 7:30 p.m. and November 4 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ruth N. Wells Theatre, Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center, 275 N. Jordan Ave.
Tickets: Regular admission is $20 for adults, $10 for students. 812.855.1103 or theatre.indiana.edu.
For more info and interview requests, please email Amy Osajima at aosajima@indiana.edu.
And clap your hands if you believe in a good deal! Peter and the Starcatcher ticketholders who can’t get enough of pirates, mermaids and starstuff can take their tickets (or ticket stubs) to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater box office and receive 10% off an adult ticket to Cardinal Stage Company’s holiday production of Peter Pan, running December 15th through 30th.
The College of Arts