'Peter and the Starcatcher' debuts at Dobama Theatre

The five-time Tony Award-winning play “Peter and the Starcatcher,” makes its Cleveland debut at Dobama Theatre this month. “Starcatcher,” a prequel to Peter Pan, is based on the young adult series of novels by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. It explores Peter’s origins while telling the story of Molly Aster and her attempts to return a special trunk of “starstuff” to her father.  

“Peter and the Starcatcher” is Dobama Theatre’s third mainstage production of its 2015-16 season, promising to continue a strong line-up. The play is directed by Nathan Motta, Dobama’s artistic director, and features music by Wayne Barker. Scenic design is by Aaron Benson, with lighting by Marcus Dana, sound by Richard Ingraham, costume design by Tesia Dugan Benson and music directed by Jordan Cooper.

Motta applauded Dobama’s creative team, saying, “Our incredible design team has been working for nearly eight months straight to bring this innovative story of magic stardust, mermaids, pirates and Peter Pan to life onstage through music and imagination. There will be surprises around every corner in what will be a truly memorable, intimate and unique experience of entertainment!”

The play features a talented cast of 13 actors with strong ties to Greater Cleveland: Kyle Adam, Christopher Bohan, Robert Ellis, Andrew Gorell, Molly Israel, Tim Keo, Jason Leupold, Joe Pine, James Rankin, Eugene Sumlin, Ryan Thurman, Luke Wehner and Ryan Zarecki. They will be playing more than 100 characters using the limitless possibilities of imagination.

According to Motta, “The show will be a magical theater experience for adults and families alike. This play brought storytelling-style theater back to the big stage when it hit Broadway three years ago. Now major theaters all over the country are bringing it to their communities, and we’re honored and grateful that Dobama is presenting it to Northeast Ohio.”

The production runs from Dec. 4 through Jan. 3, with five performances each week, including added Saturday matinees, and special performance times around the holidays. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.dobama.org or call the box office at 216-932-3396. Dobama Theatre is located at 2340 Lee Road, in Cleveland Heights.