Interview: Sarah Charles of FINDING NEVERLAND at The Bushnell

It is not often that one gets a peek inside the creation of an iconic piece of art, and even rarer to see that story come to life on stage in a full-fledged Broadway musical. But for fans of the classic tale of Peter Pan, the new musical FINDING NEVERLAND, which is the opening production in The Bushnell's 2017 - 2018 Broadway series, does just that. Based on the Academy Award-winning film by David Magee and the play THE MAN WHO WAS PETER PAN by Allen Knee, FINDING NEVERLAND tells the story of author J.M. Barrie and his relationship with the family that inspired him to write one of the most beloved stories of all time. When FINDING NEVERLAND makes its way to Hartford August 1 - 6, the cast will include Sarah Charles who plays in the ensemble and also understudies the roles of Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and Mary Barrie. I had the pleasure of catching up with Sarah and discussing the life of an understudy and her perspective on bringing this beautiful story to life on stage.

BWW: Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with me today. We are really looking forward to FINDING NEVERLAND in Hartford!

Sarah Charles: Of course!

Can you start by telling us a little bit about how you got started in the theatre?

I am originally from Baltimore, Maryland and had sung my whole life - in church and chorus and in school plays. It wasn't until high school that I decided that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Senior year of high school I started pursuing muscial theater programs at colleges. I found a few schools that I liked and ultimately got accepted at Ithaca College for muscial theatre and spent four years there and loved every single second of it. Two weeks after graduating I moved to New York and was lucky enough to get an agent through my showcase, and the rest is history!

While some people might be familiar with the movie, the musical FINDING NEVERLAND may be new for many. How would you describe it to someone not familiar with the production?

FINDING NEVERLAND is the story of J.M. Barrie, the author of PETER PAN. At the beginning of the play, he is going through some writers block and producing the same material that he has always produced and is a little stuck creatively. He is in the park and meets this woman and her four boys and sees them playing. The woman, Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, speaks her mind and isn't like many other women in 1903 Edwardian London. He realizes, at that moment, that he needs to reconnect with his inner child and is inspired to write the story of PETER PAN.

And in the show, you understudy Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and Mary Barrie, correct?

Yes, I do.

I always enjoy interviewing folks who are understudies, as I really think they are the unsung heroes of a production. What do you enjoy most about the role? What is the most challenging?

This is my first equity production and my first big gig, really. The opportunity to understudy is such a gift for me because I have been able to watch our leading lady Christine Dwyer who is one of the most gracious performers that I have ever worked with. She is incredibly talented. So, being able to watch her and absorb what she brings into the room and how she handles herself is such a gift. I have learned so much by watching the two women I understudy. Obviously it has its challenges because you really have to be the type of person that works well under pressure. There was a moment recently where I almost had to go on mid-performance and that happens. That has been a challenge but something that has been exciting as well. To be able to watch people that are more seasoned and to learn from them is just so special.

Have you ever had to go on suddenly?

I almost did, but I didn't in the end. I think the shortest notice I've been given is about an hour, so not too bad!

How do you approach a role like this differently than if you were playing a role directly?

I was present at all the rehearsals and I do have my own time set aside for the understudies to rehearse. I think it's important that you don't make it completely your own performance out of respect for the other actors that you work with. I would never take the reins in my own way, but as long as the director's (Diane Paulus) intentions and the notes that she gave to the original performers are there, there is a little bit of freedom in that. I am obviously going to say or do things a litle bit differently because I am a different human being. I, personally, love when an understudy goes on because it is a different person - brand new energy, fresh and exciting.

And you have a role in the show as well when you are not understudying?

Yes, I am in the ensemble. It's funny because you really have to categorize your mind when you are onstage. There have definitely been moments where I have said "Wait, who am I playing tonight?" And then you see the swings in your role and say "what is happening?"

FINDING NEVERLAND is an interesting piece because it has two common reference points for audiences, the movie and, of course, PETER PAN. How do you think this impacts audiences and their connection to the show?

I think there is just something about PETER PAN. It was written over a hundred years ago and people are still gravitating to this story. I think it's because there is something so whimsical and magical about those characters and about the journey the siblings go through to Neverland and the mystery of it all. I think when you bring that, it is something that everyone relates to. And when you realize the way, in real life, that the story came about is also so interesting and so beautiful. I think that's what really attracts people to the story of FINDING NEVERLAND. You've got PETER PAN and also this beautiful story of family and creativity and finiding your inspiration and following your dreams, and learning it's ok to be strange or silly or weird in a society that is constantly telling you you should be a certain way. When you bring those themes to the themes of PETER PAN, you've got a winner.

I understand you have a previous connection to the world of PETER PAN, you played Wendy in PETER PAN 360?

I did! It is so interesting. PETER PAN wasn't one of those stories that I latched onto as a child. I discovered it as an adult. When I was cast in PETER PAN 360 I went to The Strand in New York City and bought all these books about J.M. Barrie and re-read his original play. I was discovering the story and completely fell in love and immersed myself into it. I think there is something to say that it is just as relatable to a child as it is to an adult. I am so happy that he wrote this story because I am able to tell it so often!

You have the chance to work with a number of young performers in your show. What's it been like working with the kids?

Oh my gosh, it is incredible to see these boys do what they do. We just got four new boys because our original four left the tour. They are unbelievable. When I was 9 or 10 years old, I could not imagine doing what these kids do. They rehearse and go to school on top of rehearsal and performances. They are doing press all the time. They are such professionals. They each have two roles that they play and they rotate throughout the week. They really blow me away. They are adorable and talented. It is a joy to work with them and tour with them and get to know their families, it is just so special.

What do you look forward to the most before you step out on stage each night?

There is this moment in Act Two in the nursery when the whole company is on stage in Sylvia's nursery with the boys. We are putting on the play for her and her boys. We are all in our costumes - indian costumes, and pirates and the crocodile. There is this beautiful moment where we are all in slow motion and doing the battle scene. I always look over at the family watching us and taking it all in. It is one of my favorite moments in the whole play. We have the whole company on stage and we are all moving as an ensemble. I can even sometimes peek out at the audience and see them watch and it is just so special. It is one of my favorite moments in the entire show and I look forward to it every single night. It is one of those moments when everything just kind of transcends.

So thinking toward the future, do you have a dream role that you would one day like to play?

I don't know. Right now I am with this for the long haul. But I recently went back to New York and I saw NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 and I also saw it previously when it was in this big tent downtown. I just think that show is so incredible and I would love, at some point, to be a part of that production. However, I am just so happy to be a part of the community, it is such a gift, and doesn't always happen, so I am just so grateful for every second that I am with this company.

FINDING NEVERLAND runs at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford, CT August 1 - 6. Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $22.50. Tickets are available online at bushnell.org, by phone at 860-987- 5900, or at The Bushnell box office, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford.

Top Photo: Sarah Charles

Second Photo: Billy Harrigan Tighe and John Davidson in Finding Neverland Photo: Jeremy Daniel

Middle Photo: Christine Dwyer as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies in Finding Neverland Photo: Jeremy Daniel

Bottom Photo: Neverland Tour Photo: Jeremy Daniel