Alluvion joins Academy of Fine Arts for ‘Peter Pan’ prequel

Continuing its stage collaboration with the Academy of Fine Arts, Liberty University’s Alluvion Stage Company will perform yet another Central Virginia regional debut, featuring 14 performances of “Peter & the Starcatcher” at the Academy’s Warehouse Theatre, Jan. 15-25.

Hailed by the New York Times as “The most exhilarating storytelling on Broadway in decades,” “Peter & the Starcatcher” is the winner of five Tony Awards and is suitable for adults, families, and young audiences over the age of 10. This swashbuckling prequel to “Peter Pan” is based on the novel co-written by Dave Barry and uses a dozen actors playing more than 100 unforgettable characters, all on a journey to answer the century-old question: How did Peter Pan become The Boy Who Never Grew Up?

“I remember watching the Broadway production and thinking that it would be a perfect show for Lynchburg. When it became available, I jumped on it because I wanted everyone in Lynchburg to experience the magic of the story,” said Alluvion Stage Company Artistic Director Linda Nell Cooper.

Cooper added that partnering with the Academy was a perfect fit for this particular show.

“The Academy has been a great partner because they enthusiastically support new and innovative work.  Plus, the space is completely conducive to such an inventive show as this one.”

“Peter and the Starcatcher” marks the second time that the Academy and Alluvion Stage Company have collaborated. Their first project together, “Kindertransport,” was staged in January 2013.

“We’re extremely excited to have the Alluvion team back at the Academy. The first experience we had hosting them last year, with their production of ‘Kindertransport,’ was nothing short of jaw dropping. It was as good as anything I’ve seen off-Broadway in the last ten years. In fact, I know of one executive director who was in tears in the second act,” said Academy of Fine Arts Executive Director David Jenkins.

Media outlets have praised “Peter & the Starcatcher.” The Philadelphia Inquirer describes it as “fantastical and enchanting” and Entertainment Weekly calls it “absurdly funny.”

• “Peter & the Starcatcher” will be performed Jan. 15-25 at the Academy of Fine Arts in Historic Downtown Lynchburg. Tickets are available now at www.AlluvionStage.com or by calling (434) 582-SEAT (7328).