Feature: Top 10 Reasons to see FINDING NEVERLAND at the Dr. Phillips Center

This week FINDING NEVERLAND takes the stage as the final show in the 2016 - 2017 FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando season. It's been a great season and next year's promises to be even better. FINDING NEVERLAND started touring in October 2016 after a decent Broadway run. Here are my top ten reasons to check out FINDING NEVERLAND:

1. If you love Peter Pan, then you'll love FINDING NEVERLAND. The plot revolves around J.M. Barrie who is the author Peter Pan. As a failing playwright, Barrie comes up with the story after meeting four Young Brothers and watching their make-believe adventures. Together they leave the old world behind for Neverland - where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever.

2. FINDING NEVERLAND the musical is based on the 2004 movie of the same title. The film, starred Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet and was nominated for a few Academy Awards. From what I understand the movie and the musical are close. It makes good preparation to watch the movie prior to seeing the show to make it all the more enjoyable.

3. One thing that Peter Pan, Finding Neverland the movie, and FINDING NEVERLAND the musical all have in common are some great characters. While the premise of the story is discovering childhood wonder, both the leading man and woman actually come into their own throughout the show. Billy Harrigan Tighe as J.M. Barrie and Christine Dwyer as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies serve as the leads. Both Tighe and Dwyer have a decent amount of Broadway credits and should be very good in their roles.

4. Perhaps the biggest difference between the movie and the musical is the actual music. With music and lyrics by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy, the songs are quite enjoyable. Though nothing stands out as truly memorable, I do not dislike anything from the cast album. In Act I, Barrie performs "Believe" which was the most publicized song during the Broadway run. Act II also has some great numbers including duet, "What you mean to me." Pan fans will find a few recognizable lines in this song.

5. Costumes by Suttirat Anne Larlarb are stunningly detailed period pieces. Costumes along with set design truly transport an audience. In this case, we're transported to London in the early 1900s. During this time the Edwardian era dresses featured high waistlines and long jewel toned dresses.

6. As with any story that involves Peter Pan there is a certain amount of whimsy. FINDING NEVERLAND is an overall feel-good show. It shows how one can be inspired by children and a good reminder that one should never stop imagining. Towards the end of Act II, there is a play-within-a-play that brings the Peter Pan story to life.

7. Last month we had a wide variety of child actors in MATILDA, this production also features child actors. Six boys rotate playing Peter, George, Michael, and Jack. While most are making their professional debut, they all appear to have many regional theater credits. I suspect these boys will be quite impressive.

8. Dog actor. I say no more. It hasn't been since the rat in CURIOUS INCIDENT that we've seen an "acting animal" on-stage. I'm so excited to see a real dog used onstage. The Broadway production also used a real dog and it is so great that they decided to keep this character on tour.

9. Choreography by Mia Michaels who is best known as a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance" and for the movie version of "Rock of Ages." Michaels is best known for jazz, lyrical and contemporary choreography. I imagine that her pieces here will have high energy, polished dance moves, and innovation.

10. While there are some adult themes, the show is relatively family friendly. To be clear, this is not Peter Pan and it would be remiss to tell you to dress up your little darling in green tights or as tinker bell and take them to the matinee. The plot is slightly more complex and is more about the journey to creating Neverland, than actually being there. It combines great theater with music and writing that makes for an overall enjoyable production.

It's still not too late to get tickets for FINDING NEVERLAND, though you're best bet is during weekdays. There's even student rush and online lottery (which closes today) opportunities to see the show at a discounted rate. FINDING NEVERLAND runs from June 6 to June 11th in the Walt Disney Theater. For tickets and more information visit www.drphillipscenter.org.

Photo credits Carol Rosegg

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