Confirmed!: Kelsey Grammer Returning to FINDING NEVERLAND in 2016; Will Chris Pine Join Him?

Last week, Tony nominee Terrence Mann (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, PIPPIN) stepped into the role of "Charles Frohman" and "Captain Hook" in the new musical Finding Neverland. The Broadway vet took over for Anthony Warlow, who himself took over for Kelsey Grammer, who originated the role last year. It remained uncertain whether Grammer would return to the production in the future.

Today BWW has confirmed with a spokeman for the show that Grammer will indeed return in 2016.

In today's The New York Post, Michael Riedel caught up with Finding Neverland producer Harvey Weinstein who shared that he believes the 2010 Tony Award nominee will help attract adult audience members who loved him in NBC's long-running comedy, CHEERS. "We've been running as a family show," explains Weinstein. "But we have to start crossing over. Adults love this show, and we have to figure out how to get them in on a Tuesday night without their kids."

Weinstein notes that Grammer is indeed part of that strategic plan, but also admits that the production will eventually need to find another "tween" star attraction like GLEE's Matthew Morrison to play J.M. Barrie. Riedel reports that one such candidate being considered for the job is Star Trek's Chris Pine, who proved he has the vocal chops in last year's big screen adaptation of INTO THE WOODS. (check out the clip at left!)

When Riedel suggested Zayn Malik, the recently departed member of One Direction for the role, Weinstein gave the thumbs down, noting, "Don't you think he's too young?"

Read the article in full here.

Grammer made his Broadway musical debut in the role of Georges, in the recent revival of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. The 59-year-old has previously appeared on Broadway in Macbeth and Othello. Grammer's musical credits include the title role in Sweeney Todd at LA's Reprise Series and Henry Higgins in the New York Philharmonic's critically acclaimed My Fair Lady. His Off-Broadway roles include Sunday in the Park with George (Playwrights Horizons), Plenty (Public), A Month in the Country (Roundabout) and Quartermaine's Terms. His regional credits include Lucio in Measure for Measure and the title role of Richard II at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.

An initial six-episode role as Dr. Frasier Crane on "Cheers" developed into the cornerstone of Grammer's career. He continued playing the celebrated character in two additional TV series ("Wings" and "Frasier") over a span of 20 years, tying the record for longest-running television character. For the role, Grammer won four Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes and received an unparalleled 16 Emmy nominations, eight Golden Globe nominations and 16 SAG nominations. Grammer won a fifth Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance for his recurring role of Sideshow Bob on "The Simpsons". He has also lent his voice to the films Toy Story 2, Anastasia and Teacher's Pet and the television series "Father of the Pride," "Gary the Rat" and the Emmy-nominated "Animal Farm".

Grammer's film credits include X-Men: The Last Stand, Fifteen Minutes, Down Periscope, Even Money, Fame and the upcoming Crazy on the Outside and Bunyan and Babe, among others. Grammer starred in and served as executive producer of the ABC comedy, "Hank". Other TV credits include "Back to You," "A Christmas Carol," "Benedict Arnold," "Mr. St. Nick," "Kennedy," and "George Washington". With his TV Production Company, Grammnet, he has produced such hit television shows as the Emmy-winning "Medium" for NBC and "The Game" and "Girlfriends" for CW. He has directed single episodes of "Everybody Hates Chris," "My Ex Life" and "Out of Practice". He also directed several episodes of "Frasier," one of which earned him a DGA nomination.

Chris Pine most recently appeared as Cinderella's Prince in "Into the Woods" (2014). He also has starred in such features as "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" (2014), "Star Trek Into Darkness" (2013), "People Like Us" (2012), "Unstoppable" (2010), "Star Trek" (2009) and "Bottle Shock" (2008). His upcoming films include "Z for Zachariah" and "The Finest Hours."

Finding Neverland follows playwright J.M. Barrie as he summons the courage to become the writer - and the man - he yearns to be. Barrie finds the inspiration he's been missing when he meets the beautiful widow Sylvia and her four young sons: Jack, George, Michael and Peter. Delighted by the boys' hilarious escapades, Barrie conjures the magical world of Neverland and writes a play unlike any the high-society London theatergoers have ever seen. It's a tremendous risk, but as Barrie himself has discovered- when you believe, you can fly. Directed by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Hair),with music and lyrics by Gary Barlow (Take That) and Grammy® winner Eliot Kennedy, book by Olivier Award nominee James Graham, and choreography by Emmy Award®-winner Mia Michaels("So You Think You Can Dance," Cirque du Soleil's Delirium), this new musical, packed with mesmerizing visuals, irresistible songs and plenty of laughs, is a timeless story about the power of imagination... and spectacular proof that you never really have to grow up.

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg

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