New adaptation of ‘Peter Pan’ at the School of Drama

As its next production, the Yale School of Drama will bring to life a new adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s famed masterpiece “Peter Pan.”

The play will run Dec. 13-19 at the University Theatre, 222 York St.

The adaptation by third-year M.F.A. student Dustin Wills is based on Barrie’s earliest, unpublished manuscripts, and features a group of real “lost boys” who bring their Peter Pan to life, dramatizing the question: Will they — and their unbridled imaginations — survive the tick-tocking crocodile of time?

Wills’ School of Drama credits include Shakespeare’s “King Richard 2,” Mary Laws’ “Blueberry Toast,” Martyna Majok’s “ReWilding,” and an original adaptation of Mikhail Bulgakov’s “The Fatal Eggs.” He served as artistic director for the 2013 Yale Summer Cabaret, where he directed “Tartuffe,” “The Shoemaker’s Prodigious Wife,” “Heart’s Desire,” and “Drunk Enough To Say I Love You.” After graduating from the University of Texas in 2006, Wills split his time between Austin, Texas, and Rome, Italy, director for the English Theatre of Rome, Salvage Vanguard Theater, Texas Performing Arts, and Tutto Theatre Company. While in Rome, he also worked as a tour guide for the Vatican Museums. In Austin, he founded the company Paper Chairs, where he directed two original musicals, among other works. He is the 2013 recipient of the Princess Grace Foundation Lynn Wyatt Theatre Award. For the National Endowment for the Arts-recognized organization Creative Action, Wills developed educational touring shows for youth and created and directed numerous city-wide outreach projects.

The cast for “Peter Pan” includes Chris Bannow, Aaron Bartz, Prema Cruz, Hugh Farrell, Maura Hooper, Gabe Levey, Matthew McCollum, Michelle McGregor, Mariko Nakasone, Tom Pecinka, Aaron Luis Profumo, Mickey Theis, and Sophie von Haselberg.

The production features compositions by Dan Schlosberg, scenic design by Mariana Sanchez Hernandez, costume design by Grier Coleman, lighting design by Joey Moro, sound design by Tyler Kieffer, dramaturgy by Dana Tanner-Kennedy, and stage management by Anita Shastri.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13-Thursday, Dec. 19 (no show on Sunday, Dec. 15). Tickets are $10-$25, and are available online, by phone at 203-432-1234, and in person at the box office, 1120 Chapel St.

“Peter Pan” may not be suitable for all children. Contact the box office with questions about themes or content.