I received tickets to FINDING NEVERLAND at the Seattle Paramount Theatre to facilitate this review; however, all opinions are my own.
FINDING NEVERLAND: Dates & Ticket Info
FINDING NEVERLAND: The Story
The musical “Finding Neverland” is based on both “The Man Who Was Peter Pan,” the 1998 semi-biographical play by Allan Knee, about J.M. Barrie’s life and relationship with the Llewelyn Davies family, as well as the feature film of the same name. Finding Neverland is based on the real people and events that inspired “Peter Pan.” We follow Barrie, a relatively famous stage writer, whose most recent production has fallen on hard times. Barrie’s backer, Charles Frohman, tells Barrie he must produce a hit, as the theater company is nearing bankruptcy.
Whilst trying to write in Kensington Park on an unusually warm London afternoon, Barrie runs into Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and her four boys, Michael, Jack, George, and Peter. As it turns out, Sylvia is a fan of Barrie’s writing and is excited to hear about his new work. She points out to him that this new piece is nothing more than a derivative of all his other works. Barrie agrees and tears the manuscript apart. The children remind Barrie that the reason he became a writer was because he found writing fun, but as he tells Sylvia, he’s been writing for work for a long time.
Taking inspiration from the boys he participates in all their playtime adventures including imaginative play including wild west characters, pirates, and cops and robbers. Barrie begins to formulate a play based around a boy who never grows up. But Barrie receives a lot of pushback from his employer, Mr. Frohman, whom Barrie imagines as Captain Hook. Eventually, Barrie is able to convince Frohman and the cast to produce his play, which he has decided to call, “Peter Pan,” after Sylvia’s son, Peter.
FINDING NEVERLAND: The Production
This North American touring production of “Finding Neverland” is a beautiful and imaginative evening of entertainment complete with lots of laughs and a lot of heart. The stage is set with bright, vivid colors, greens, purples, and blues providing a magical experience. This enchanting musical is a family-friendly production, but one that won’t leave parents bored, as the music and performances are top notch. It’s wonderful to see a stage production that reminds you so well of your youth, and makes you think, “why can’t I still play?” It’s a great reminder not to take life too seriously, even when your world has gotten turned upside down.
I really enjoyed this whimsical production and would see it again. I hope you’ll check it out!
The production runs January 10th-15th at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre. Tickets are available at https://www.stgpresents.org/
Looks like a great play! I wish it would migrate to Atlanta soon!
I could watch musicals every day of the week. What and exciting take on an old favorite!
This would be such a great show to see live I bet. I would love to see it myself, I’ve never seen a show like this! So very cool.
I bet this is a lot of fun to see live. If it rolls around my way, I might try to check it out.
We love taking the family to live performances. My daughter loves Peter Pan and I bet she would love the pre story as well. If it comes to my area, I will definitely be getting us tickets to the show!
I hope to see them perform in Canada! This would be an awesome show to watch with my nephews, nieces and granddaughter. Who would not love a play about Peter Pan?
I had no idea there was a pre story for Peter Pan! I couldn’t tell you the last time I saw a play, this would be the perfect time.
Oh my goodness, my daughter would go crazy for this show. These tickets would make the perfect surprise for her.
This sounds like a cute production. I love seeing plays like this
Finding Neverland looks like a great production! I believe it will be making a stop here in Las Vegas, so I need to look into purchasing tickets.
That sounds like such a great show. I hope it comes to Boston!