A charming though perplexing adaptation of the 2004 film, FINDING NEVERLAND jets into too many erratic directions at any given moment and doesn't gel completely as a whole. And for all its gorgeous, visual splendor, it is surprisingly lacking in honest-to-goodness stage magic. The touring version of the 2015 Broadway stage musical adaptation continues at OC's Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa through April 2, 2017.
To say that the musical version of Finding Neverland is a real charmer is an understatement. The book by James Graham retains all of the sweetness of the 2004 film and adds on a delightful theatricality for the stage that just will not quit. One surprising element is the musical score by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy that includes some wonderfully poignant and moving ballads. With sweeping direction by Diane Paulus and a dynamite cast this national touring production is bound to please just about everyone, the young and the young at heart. It plays at the Hollywood Pantages through March 12.
Lord, save us from pop songwriters who think they can write musical theater. Sure, some transition successfully but this would not be the case for Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy who have given us the completely unmemorable "Finding Neverland", currently playing at the Paramount Theatre. And if the lackluster music weren't enough, the show is also weighed down by a book from James Graham and direction from Diane Paulus who it seems had no idea what story they wanted to tell as there seemed to be two distinct shows happening and neither of them were very good.
Finding Neverland is based off the Oscar winning film starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. It tells the story of J.M. Barrie (Kevin Kern), a playwright who is seeking inspiration to write his next play. The problem, there are no ideas flowing. One day, in a park in London, Barrie sees four boys playing and they spark his interest. He has forgotten to use his imagination to write. The boys introduce Barrie to their mother Sylvia (Christine Dwyer), and as Barrie's marriage starts to fall to pieces, he grows romantic feelings for Sylvia. All the while, Barrie gets the inspiration to write his next big hit - "Peter Pan."
As previously announced, Tony-Award-nominated actress, Emily Skinner, will head up an all star cast for a newly conceptualized production of Into The Woods at Theatre Under The Stars this holiday season. The production, which is being directed and choreographed by Tony Award Nominee Robert Longbottom, will run in Houston from December 6 - 18, 2016 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. TUTS has just announced complete casting for the production.
Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) is pleased to announce that three-time Tony Award nominee Terrence Mann will return to CRT as the Artistic Director of the theatre's popular Nutmeg Summer Series.
As previously announced, Tony-Award-nominated actress, Emily Skinner, will head up an all star cast for a newly conceptualized production of Into The Woods at Theatre Under The Stars this holiday season. The production, which is being directed and choreographed by Tony Award Nominee Robert Longbottom, will run in Houston from December 6 - 18, 2016 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. TUTS has just announced complete casting for the production.
Peter Pan has had quite a life. Since his conception by J. M. Barrie, the boy who refused to grow up has been associated with books, plays, films, costumes, art work, a television series, and music, as well as having his name given to a race horse, a food product, a bus line, an emergency health rescue service, a psychological syndrome, and a rock band.
As BroadwayWorld previously reported, after a year and a half of performances, Broadway's FINDING NEVERLAND will play its final performance at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater today, August 21, 2016. The production will have played 33 previews and 565 performances and will transfer to London's West End to open in the spring of 2017.
As previously announced, Broadway's Finding Neverland, the magical story of how Peter became Pan, will soon be leaving the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 46th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue), sailing off August 21, 2016 for a First National U.S. Tour and forthcoming 2017 West End production.
Tony Yazbeck stopped by this morning's 'Today' to announce the news that he will be returning to the role of author 'J.M. Barrie' in Broadway's FINDING NEVERLAND, beginning this Friday, June 10th.
TUCK EVERLASTING, the new musical based on Natalie Babbitt's beloved best-selling novel of the same name, with direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (Something Rotten!, Aladdin, The Book of Mormon), officially opens tonight, April 26, 2016 at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street). Scroll down to learn more about the company, plus watch highlights from the show!
Tony-nominated Broadway favorite Marc Kudisch will step into the duo roles of Charles Frohman and Captain James Hook in the hit Broadway musical Finding Neverland, the story of how Peter became Pan, beginning Tuesday, April 12. As previously announced, ensemble member Paul Slade Smith will play both roles until Kudisch steps into role. For tickets and more information, please visit www.FindingNeverlandThe Musical.com.
As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Emmy and Golden Globe award winner Kelsey Grammer recently took his final bow as Charles Frohman/Hook in Broadway's Finding Neverland on April 3rd. Grammer returned to the role on January 19th of this year after a brief hiatus. Paul Slade Smith will take over the role temporarily beginning this week.
Sources have told us that Broadway favorite Marc Kusdisch will take on the role next, officially joining the company on April 12.
Emmy and Golden Globe award winner Kelsey Grammer is taking his final bow as Charles Frohman/Hook in Broadway's FINDING NEVERLAND today, April 3rd. Grammer returned to the role on January 19th of this year after a brief hiatus. He originated the role when the production opened on Broadway in March of last year and garnered wide acclaim.
Musicals Tonight! continues its ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys, Understudies and Alternates with its next edition of AT THIS PERFORMANCE... to be held on Monday, March 28th, at The Lion Theatre, 410 West 42nd Street at 7 PM. On this evening, a milestone is reached over 800 different performers will have participated in the series to date.
BroadwayWorld has just learned that Paul Slade Smith, who originated the role of Mr. Henshaw in Broadway's Finding Neverland, will succeed Kelsey Grammer in the role of Charles Frohman/Captain Hook starting April 5th.
