Westport Native Joins CT Rep's "Peter and the Starcatcher"

Storrs: Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) continues their Nutmeg Summer Series with a production of Peter and the Starcatcher, the play by Rick Elice, based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, with music by Wayne Barker. The play with music will be the final show directed by CRT Artistic Director Vincent J. Cardinal. Westport resident Ryan Shea, UConn BFA Acting student will play Ted alongside Tony Award-nominee and Norwalk native, Forrest McClendon as Slank/King Prawn and Barrymore Award-winner Michael Doherty as Black Stache. Tickets are currently sale at crt.uconn.edu or 860-486-2113.

Peter and the Starcatcher, a grownup’s prequel to Peter Pan, is a wildly theatrical adaptation of the novel by Pulitizer Prize winning writer Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. It flips the classic story of how an orphan boy became known as Peter Pan. This fun, high-spirited adventure will entertain audiences ages eight to 80.

Shea makes his Nutmeg Summer Series debut after playing multiple comic roles in 2016’s Monty Python’s Spamalot alongside Richard Kline as King Arthur. Shea’s past roles at CRT include William Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and The Band of the Black Hand.

Shea said, “"I am truly grateful to learn from and collaborate with such an incredibly talented group of artists, especially UConn alums Forrest McClendon and Colby Lewis. It has been hilarious fun to be a part of Peter and the Starcatcher, and I'm certain audiences will enjoy it just as much as I have."

Forrest McClendon received a Tony Award nomination for his Broadway debut as Mr. Tambo in The Scottsboro Boys. Post-Broadway, McClendon received a Barrymore Award for reprising the role at the Philadelphia Theatre Company. He is a Lunt-Fontanne Fellow, and notable regional roles include The Foundling Father in The America Play at Zach Scott Theatre for which he received a B. Iden Payne Award as Best Lead Actor in a Play, and Roscoe in Avenue X at 11th Hour Theatre Company, for which he received a Barrymore Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. Most recently, McClendon appeared in the Encores! Cabin in the Sky alongside Chuck Cooper, LaChanze and Norm Lewis at City Center.

Barrymore Award-winner Michael Doherty makes his Connecticut Repertory Theatre debut as the villainous Black Stache. Regional credits include Milwaukee Rep, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Arden Theatre Company and Wilma Theater. Raegan Roberts stars as Molly.

The cast also includes CRT and UConn alum, Colby Lewis of the Broadway-bound Gotta Dance! as Captain Scott, Split Knuckle Theatre members Gregory Webster (Alf/Ensemble) and Jason Bohon (Mrs. Bumbrake/Ensemble), Kalob Martinez (Grempkin/Macks/Sanchez), Jonathan Cobrda (Smee), Aaron Bantum (Prentiss), Ryan Shea (Ted), and Mark Blashford (Lord Aster).

The creative team includes: Vincent J. Cardinal (Director), NDavid Williams (Music Director), Tim Brown (Scenic/Projection Design), Christina Bullard (Costume Design), Michael Chybowski (Lighting Design), Michael Skinner (Sound Design), Victoria Whooper (Production Stage Manager), Jose C. Simbulan (Conductor/Pianist) and McCorkle Casting (New York Casting).

PERFORMANCE AND TICKET INFORMATION

Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Matinee performances start at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Subscription package options range from $30 to $99. Single ticket prices range from $12 to $55.

Children must be at least 4 years old to attend CRT productions. For additional ticket information or to charge tickets by phone, call 860.486.2113. All sales are final; no refunds. Play selections and performance dates are subject to change. Single tickets are now onsale.

Please call 860.486.2113 for tickets and additional information. Please call the box office or visit www.crt.uconn.edu for specific show dates and times because performance schedules vary and are subject to change.