TheatreUNCA to stage 'The Winter's Tale'

TheatreUNCA will present two mainstage productions during the spring 2017 season - Shakespeare’s "The Winter’s Tale" and "Peter and the Starcatcher," a prequel to Peter Pan written by Rick Elice.

"The Winter’s Tale" will be staged March 2-5, and "Peter and the Starcatcher," a co-production with Asheville Community Theatre, will be staged over several weekends in March and April. All productions will take place at UNC Asheville’s Carol Belk Theatre.

"The Winter’s Tale," which contains one of Shakespeare’s most famous stage directions (“exit, pursued by a bear”) will feature special guest director Michael MacCauley, who has collaborated with many local theaters, including N.C. Stage Co., Asheville Community Theatre and the Montford Park Players. "The Winter’s Tale" has aspects of comedy, romance and tragedy and explores issues of loyalty, honestly and relationships. Evening performances will take place Thursday-Saturday March 2-4, with curtain at 7:30 p.m. One matinee will be offered, at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 5.

"Peter and the Starcatcher," based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, features a dozen actors portraying more than 100 characters, and explores the swashbuckling world of Peter Pan before he met Wendy. The play will be directed by Chanda Calentine, program director of Asheville Community Theatre. For Asheville Community Theatre, Calentine has directed "Kiss Me, Kate" and "A Chorus Line," in addition to managing the education and volunteer programs. Evening performances will take place March 30, 31, April 1, 6-8, and 13-15 with curtain at 7:30 p.m. There will be two matinees - 2:30 p.m. April 2 and 9.

General admission for "The Winter’s Tale" is $12; for information and tickets, visit drama.unca.edu/theatre-unca or call 251-6610. General admission for "Peter and the Starcatcher" is $22; for information and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org or call 254-1320.