Jun. 04, 2019
Calling all theatre lovers for a fun, free event! The Tennessee Theatre on June 15 presents “Showbiz Saturday: Behind Finding Neverland,” an in-depth look behind the “never grow up” attitude of Peter Pan and the award-winning Broadway play, showing at the theatre June 14-16.
Directed by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus and based on the critically acclaimed Academy Award-winning film, Finding Neverland tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan.
All fans of the play, movie and timeless story are welcome to learn more about how Peter Pan was created and brought to life at “Showbiz Saturday: Behind Finding Neverland” on Saturday, June 15, at 5 p.m. The free event is open to all ages on a first-come, first-served basis; no tickets or registration are needed. It will take place at the East Tennessee History Center, located at 601 S. Gay St., directly across the street from the Tennessee Theatre.
Dr. Kristin Stultz Pressley, also known as “Dr. Broadway”
The session will be led by Dr. Kristin Stultz Pressley, a teaching artist and musical theatre historian also known as “Dr. Broadway.”
“Peter was born in the mind of British playwright and novelist J.M. Barrie and was first written about in a book,” Tennessee Theatre Executive Director Becky Hancock said. “We’re excited to have Dr. Broadway back to Knoxville to share the story about how our beloved Peter Pan went from the page to the stage and beyond in Finding Neverland. We welcome the community to this special free event.”
Winner of Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, Finding Neverland tells the fascinating story of how Peter became Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever.
“Dr. Pressley will bring the story behind the Finding Neverland story to life,” Hancock said. “Please mark your calendars to join us for an evening celebrating behind-the-scenes and make-believe.”
For more information about the Showbiz Saturday event, visit tennesseetheatre.com/showbizsaturday. To learn more about the Tennessee Theatre and purchase tickets to Finding Neverland and other plays, visit tennesseetheatre.com.
About the Tennessee Theatre
Located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee Theatre opened in 1928 as a movie palace. The Tennessee Theatre is the Official State Theatre of Tennessee and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Tennessee Theatre is the region’s leading performing arts facility with advanced technology, staging and lighting that draws top entertainment to the Knoxville area. The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation is a nonprofit organization tasked with maintaining and preserving the historic theatre and ensuring diverse arts and cultural entertainment remains in downtown Knoxville. For more information, visit www.tennesseetheatre.com.
