‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ opens Wright State Theatre’s 2019–20 season

Wright State Theatre’s production of the Tony Award-winning fantasy story “Peter and the Starcatcher” runs Sept. 26 to Oct. 6 in the Festival Playhouse in the Creative Arts Center. (Photos by Erin Pence)

Wright State University Theatre opens its 2019–20 season with the family-friendly fantasy story “Peter and the Starcatcher” Sept. 26 to Oct. 6 in the Festival Playhouse in the Creative Arts Center.

Performances are Sept. 26, Oct. 2 and 3 at 7 p.m.; Sept. 27, 28, Oct. 4 and 8 at 8 p.m.; and Sept. 29, Oct. 5 and 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and $15 for students.

For tickets and theatre information call the Box Office at 937-775-2500 or purchase tickets online.

Based on the 2004 novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, “Peter and the Starcatcher” was adapted for the stage by Rick Elice. It tells the tale of how a miserable orphan became Peter Pan while also providing backstories for Mrs. Darling, Tinker Bell and Captain Hook.

The production premiered in San Diego in 2009 and opened on Broadway in 2012. It received 11 nominations Tony Award, winning five.

“Peter and the Starcatcher” features a dozen actors portraying more than 100 unforgettable characters. Peter will be portrayed by Will Graber, with Lauren Kampman (Molly), Julie Deye (Ted), Dean McKenzie (Prentiss), Kaitlyn Campbell (Mrs. Bumbrake/Teacher), Louis Kurtzman (Lord Aster), Christopher Wells (Scott), Sophie Kirk (Alf), Kenneth Erard (Slank/Hawking Clam), Ethan Evans (Grempkin/Fighting Prawn), Jake Jones (Smee) and Josh McCabe, assistant professor of acting (Black Stache).

“Peter and the Starcatcher” is directed by Bruce Cromer, professor of acting (“Boston Marriage,” “Macbeth”), assistant directed by Jeremy Farley (2019 Wright State acting graduate), with musical direction by Matthew Ebright (ArtsGala) and dialect coaching by Deborah Thomas, associate professor of theatre. Sets are designed by Pam Lavarnway, lighting by Autumn Light, costumes by Michelle Sampson and Victoria Gifford, and sound by Lara Sagraves.

The Dayton Power and Light Foundation is the presenting sponsor for “Peter and the Starcatcher.”

2019–20 theatre season

The Wright State Theatre season continues with the hit musical “The Addams Family” Oct. 31 to Nov. 17 in the Festival Playhouse. The season also includes: