Peter and the Star Catchers: new Disney musical?

Variety reports that Walt Disney Theatrical productions are holding talks with Off-Broadway's New York Theater Workshop about the company producing Peter and the Starcatchers, a page to stage adaptation of Dave Barry's and Ridley Pearson's childrens' novel, Peter and the Starcatchers, which is a prequel to J. M. Barrie's novel 'Peter and Wendy' - more famously known as 'Peter Pan.'

The story of Peter and the Starcatchers explains Peter Pan's origins. Peter, and his group of orphan boys, is being held captive on a vessel known as "The Never Land," and is to be left stranded on the dangerous island of 'Rundoon.' Traveling on the ship is a girl named Molly and a magical trunk - that contains 'star stuff.' In his attempt to help Molly and lead his gang of orphan boys to safety, Peter is exposed to the 'starstuff' which results in him gaining the ability to fly and becoming the boy who will never have to grow up.

The show had a 'closed' developmental staging in 2009 at the La Jolla Playhouse in which critics were not invited. The comments of those within the theatre industry who saw the developmental staging were said to be favourable.

Variety reports that the creative team involved in the La Jolla Playhouse developmental reading: Roger Rees and Alex Timbers (directors), Rick Elice (script and lyrics) and Wayne Barker (music); remains in tact - though this has still to be confirmed.

If the production by New York Theater Workshop goes ahead - and receives good notices and a successful run at the Off-Broadway venue - then a Broadway outing with a full commercial production by Walt Disney Theatrical productions may be in the works.