On & Off Broadway

'Finding Neverland'

A Review by Elyse Trevers

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It’s award time for Broadway, and while some shows have received multiple nominations, others were snubbed by the critics. Surprisingly, Finding Neverland was totally ignored by the nominators. Despite mediocre reviews, the show is one of the few doing a brisk box office business. Based on the true account of J.M. Barrie’s friendship with Sylvia Llewellyn-Davies and her four sons, Finding Neverland purports to be the story behind the story — the inspiration for Barrie’s Peter Pan.

Matthew Morrison
portrays the noted writer whose plays had grown stale. Morrison, who became a household name as Will Schuster in TV’s “Glee,” has returned to his theater roots after several years. As Barrie, he dons a beard and a Scottish accent. Most of the time he either acts earnest or concerned. Finding Neverland is a terrific showcase for Morrison, who is in fine voice here.

Kelsey Grammer
plays the American producer Charles Frohman with genial charm. Frohman provides the humor of the play and Grammer is a polished comedian. “I don’t have an inner child; I have an ulcer.” He also sings but struggles hitting the notes. Frohman urges Barrie to write another play, asking for something new. “New does not necessarily mean different.”

As the widowed Sylvia, Laura Michelle Kelly sings beautifully. Despite everyone’s disapproval, Barrie and the widow are drawn to one another. The play expands on the 2004 Johnny Depp movie to include some entertaining scenes about Frohman’s theater company and the actors. But the show really belongs to the four boys who play her sons.

Like many other shows, Finding Neverland goes on too long and has some dark moments. Despite it all, the show is bound to be a tourist favorite this season. It’s colorful and fanciful with talented performers and pleasant music that is repeated often enough for the audience to hum as it leaves. Stunning costumes by Suttirat Anne Larlarb and scenery by Scott Pask will delight the eye.

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