In the Loop
Friends and Giving : Mar 26, 2015

UF School of Theatre + Dance and Hippodrome Theatre announce a producing partnership for Peter and the Starcatcher, opening September 4, 2015

The Hippodrome Theatre and the University of Florida School of Theatre + Dance today announce a co-production of Peter and the Starcatcher, the Tony award-winning play by Rick Elice, directed by Lauren Caldwell on stage at the Hippodrome Theatre September 4-27, 2015.

Peter and the Starcatcher won nearly every honor that theatre has to offer - including 5 TONY Awards, the Lortel Award, the Tina Award, and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Play. It also was nominated for Best New Play in the very first year of the Off-Broadway Alliance Awards. Peter and the Starcatcher is an adventurous tale of madcap comedy and adventure - a swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan will have you hooked from the moment you let your imagination take flight. 

Peter and the Starcatcher by Rick Elice, music by Wayne Barker, is based on the 2004 children’s novel of a similar name, co-written by humorist Dave Barry and suspense writer Ridley Pearson. The book and play are an origin story for the character of Peter Pan and a prologue to the events in J.M. Barrie’s Peter and Wendy. 

Director of the University of Florida School of Theatre and Dance Dr. Jerry Dickey said, “The School of Theatre and Dance is thrilled to be presenting such a fantastic play with our partner the Hippodrome. Peter and the Starcatcher is filled with music, laughter, and an unforgettable story that audiences of all ages will find delightful. Our partnership with The Hipp on Avenue Q and Clybourne Park have started a wonderful tradition for our two institutions, and we are delighted to be working on our third production together.”

Hippodrome Artistic Director Lauren Caldwell said, “The Hippodrome is delighted to venture into our third partnership with the University of Florida School of Theatre and Dance, and we are so proud to open the Hipp’s 43rd season with an absolutely stunning musical adventure - Peter and the Starcatcher.”

About the Hippodrome Theatre
As a cornerstone of Gainesville’s robust cultural life, the Hippodrome has a legacy of providing the very best in artistic excellence through programming on the mainstage, cinema, special events, and its award-winning education program. The Hippodrome serves hundreds of thousands of audience members each year, and is proud to provide educational and entertainment opportunities to thousands of young people annually. The committment of the community to the Hippodrome’s artists, designers, educators, adminstrators, and interns shows through the longstanding relationship that the Hippodrome holds with the people of Gainesville and beyond.

About the School of Theatre + Dance
The School of Theatre + Dance is one of the University of Florida College of the Arts’ institutionally-accredited schools. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting, dance, musical theatre, theatre production—including costume design, lighting design and scenic design—or a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance studies or general theatre. Minors are also offered in dance and theatre as well as certificates in arts in medicine and dance in healthcare. Student organizations, showcase programs and other intensives provide students with invaluable professional experiences. UF is home to three School of Theatre + Dance performance venues, including the Constans Theatre, Black Box Theatre and G-6 Studio. To learn more about the School of Theatre + Dance, including upcoming performance dates and ticket information, visit www.arts.ufl.edu/theatreanddance.

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Media Contact
Leah Craig, Public Relations and Marketing Manager
University of Florida College of the Arts
Office: 352.273.1489 | Cell: 904.419.3346 
lcraig@arts.ufl.edu