Finding Neverland (musical)

Finding Neverland is a musical with music and lyrics by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy and a book by James Graham adapted from the 1998 play The Man Who Was Peter Pan by Allan Knee and its 2004 film version Finding Neverland. An early version of the musical made its world premiere at the Curve Theatre in Leicester in 2012 with a book by Allan Knee, music by Scott Frankel and lyrics by Michael Korie. A reworked version with the current writing team making its world premiere in 2014 at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts.[1] Following completion of its Cambridge run, the production transferred to Broadway in March 2015.

Finding Neverland
Broadway Playbill cover
MusicScott Frankel (Leicester production)
Gary Barlow (Revised edition)
Eliot Kennedy (Revised edition)
LyricsMichael Korie (Leicester production)
Gary Barlow (Revised edition)
Elliott Kennedy (Revised edition)
BookAllan Knee(Leicester production)
James Graham (Revised edition)
BasisThe Man Who Was Peter Pan
by Allan Knee
and Finding Neverland
by David Magee
Productions2012 Leicester
2014 Cambridge
2015 Broadway
2016 US Tour

After a 17-month Broadway run, Finding Neverland closed on 21 August 2016, and began a U.S. national tour the following month.

Background

On 6 February 2011, La Jolla Playhouse, California, announced that they would produce a new stage musical based on the film with the book by Allan Knee, score by Scott Frankel (music) and Michael Korie (lyrics), and directed and choreographed by Rob Ashford.[2] A planned production at La Jolla Playhouse was not held.[3] A developmental reading was held in New York on 31 March 2011, with Julian Ovenden, Kelli O'Hara, Tony Roberts, Mary Beth Peil, Michael Cumpsty, and Meredith Patterson, directed by Ashford.[4] The adaptation had its world premiere on 22 September 2012 at Curve in Leicester.[5] Directed by Rob Ashford, it starred Julian Ovenden as J.M Barrie and West End actress Rosalie Craig as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies.

On 4 September 2013, it was announced that producer Harvey Weinstein had hired Barry Weissler as executive producer. They planned on opening a revised version of the musical at the American Repertory Theater (ART), Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2014. The revised musical had a new creative team, with Diane Paulus as director, a new book by James Graham, and 22 songs by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy,[6] with a few songs from the original composers. A private reading was held in September 2013 with Brian d’Arcy James as Barrie and Jason Alexander as the "nagging theater producer".[7] On 27 February 2014, a further developmental workshop was announced for March with Matthew Morrison as Barrie.[8]

Productions

The revised production ran at the ART from 23 July 2014 to 28 September 2014, with songs by six-time Ivor Novello Award winner Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy, the book by James Graham and choreography by Mia Michaels; ART artistic director Diane Paulus is the director.[9] The full cast and creative team was announced on 2 June 2014, with Jeremy Jordan as Barrie and Laura Michelle Kelly as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies featured. The cast also includes Michael McGrath as Charles Frohman, Carolee Carmello as Madame du Maurier, Jeanna de Waal as Mary Barrie, Aidan Gemme as Peter, Alex Dreier as Michael, Sawyer Nunes as George and Hayden Signoretti as Jack.[10] Roger Bart who was originally announced for the character of Charles Frohman was replaced by Michael McGrath.[11]

Jennifer Hudson debuted the song "Neverland", from the musical, at the 68th Tony Awards on 8 June 2014.[12]

The ART production directed by Diane Paulus moved to Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in March 2015.[13] On 10 November 2014, it was announced that Matthew Morrison would take Jordan's place in the portrayal of J. M. Barrie in the Broadway production.[14] Kelsey Grammer starred as Charles Frohman and Laura Michelle Kelly reprised the role of Sylvia Llewelyn Davies.[15] Previews began 15 March 2015, with the official opening on 15 April.[16][17] The production did not receive any Tony Award nominations. The Broadway production closed on 21 August 2016 after 565 performances.[18][19] In 2017, as an offshoot of investigations into and reporting about Weinstein's many sexual abuse allegations, several news sources also reported that a significant amount of money that Weinstein ostensibly raised for the AIDS charity amfAR was instead allegedly funneled into the American Repertory Theater and the production budget for Finding Neverland.[20][21][22][23]

In early 2016 it was announced that Finding Neverland would open in London in 2017, starring Alfie Boe as J.M. Barrie. The rest of the cast has not been announced.[24] On 15 May 2016, Gary Barlow performed the song "Something About This Night" from the musical for the Queen's 90th birthday celebration, hosted by Ant & Dec. Guest starring was Katherine Jenkins and Dame Shirley Bassey.

The US national tour began in Buffalo, New York on 7 October 2016, prior to the official opening on 11 October. The tour was directed by Diane Paulus and featured Kevin Kern as J.M. Barrie, Christine Dwyer as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, Tom Hewitt as Frohman/Hook, Crystal Kellogg, Joanna Glushak, Jordan Cole, Finn Faulconer, Tyler Patrick Hennessy, Ben Krieger, Eli Tokash and Mitchell Wray.[25][26]

Characters
  • J. M. Barrie: The creator of Peter Pan, a Scottish playwright who still has a child inside of him.
  • Sylvia Llewelyn Davies: a widow with four children whose family inspires Barrie to write Peter Pan.
  • Mary Barrie: James' unhappy wife.
  • Mrs. du Maurier: Sylvia's strict mother who despises Barrie.
  • Charles Frohman: Barrie's friend and the director/producer of the Acting Company that Barrie writes for.
  • Captain James Hook: The classic villain from Peter Pan, comes to Barrie in a vision to convince him to add a villain to his show. Played by the same actor as Frohman.
  • Peter Llewelyn Davies: One of Sylvia's sons. Loves reading and develops a strong relationship with Barrie.
  • Michael Llewelyn Davies: One of Sylvia's sons.
  • Jack Llewelyn Davies: One of Sylvia's sons.
  • George Llewelyn Davies: One of Sylvia's sons.
  • Lord Canaan: A wealthy and pompous man who Frohman tries to get as a fellow producer for the play, ends up with Mary.
  • Mr. Cromer: A grumpy yet lovable member of the acting troupe. Plays Michael in Peter Pan.
  • Mr. Henshaw: A vain yet friendly member of the acting troupe. Plays Nana in Peter Pan.
  • Elliott: Frohman's eager assistant.
  • Miss Basset: A member of the acting troupe. Plays Nibs in Peter Pan.
  • Miss Jones: A member of the acting troupe. Plays Tootles in Peter Pan.
  • Mr. Turpin: A member of the acting troupe. Plays Captain Hook in Peter Pan.
  • Peter Pan: The titular character of the play, takes Sylvia to Neverland towards the end of the show.
  • Wendy (Acting Troupe): The eldest Darling child in the show within a show.
  • Albert: Mary's butler.
  • Emily: Mary's head maid.
  • Porthos: Barrie's dog.
  • The Acting Troupe, Servants, Londoners, Pirates, Indians, Lost Boys

Casts

Note: Below are the principal casts of all professional major productions. some roles are portrayed by the same actors.

Role Original Leicester Cast
2012		 Original A.R.T. Cast
2014		 Original Broadway Cast
2015		 U.S. National Tour Cast
2016
J. M. Barrie Julian Ovenden Jeremy Jordan Matthew Morrison Kevin Kern
Sylvia Llewelyn Davies Rosalie Craig Laura Michelle Kelly Christine Dwyer
Charles Frohman / James Hook Oliver Boot Michael McGrath Kelsey Grammer Tom Hewitt
Mary Barrie Clare Foster Jeanna de Waal Teal Wicks Crystal Kellogg
Mrs. du Maurier Liz Robertson Carolee Carmello Joanna Glushak
Michael Llewelyn Davies Worrall Courtney
Jon Joe Flynn
Morgan Heath
Jamieson Hughes		 Alex Dreier Alex Dreier
Hayden Signoretti
Noah Hinsdale		 Jordan Cole
Mitchell Wray
Tyler Patrick Hennessy
Jack Llewelyn Davies Connor Fitzgerald
Harrisson Slater
Garrett Tennant		 Hayden Signoretti Hayden Signoretti
Christopher Paul Richards
Alex Dreier		 Mitchell Wray
Eli Tokash
Tyler Patrick Hennessy
George Llewelyn Davies Connor Phillips
Josh Swinney
Corey Wickenden		 Sawyer Nunes Sawyer Nunes
Casey Butler
Jackson Demott Hill
Christopher Paul Richards		 Finn Faulconer
Ben Krieger
Eli Tokash
Peter Llewelyn Davies Theo Fewell
Luke James
Harry Folden		 Aidan Gemme Aidan Gemme
Jackson Demott Hill
Christopher Paul Richards		 Ben Krieger
Mitchell Wray
Eli Tokash
Lord Cannan† Edward Lewisd French Tyley Ross Noah Plomgren
Mr. Cromer does not appear Josh Lamon Matt Wolpe
Mr. Henshaw does not appear Paul Slade Smith Dwelvan David
Elliot does not appear Stuart Neal Chris Dwan Thomas Miller
Miss Jones does not appear Courtney Balan Lael Van Keuren
Mr. Turpin/Captain Hook (Acting Troupe) Matt Wilman Rory Donovan Cameron Bond
Miss Bassett does not appear Gaelen Gilliland Jessica Vosk Victoria Huston-Elem
Peter Pan Michelle Francis Melanie Moore Dee Tomasetta
Wendy does not appear Emma Pfaeffle Adrianne Chu

Notes
  • In the Leicester production, Lord Cannan was called Lord Griffin and Charles Blount was called Maximilian Blunt. Cut characters include PG Wodehouse (Norman Bowman), Mermaid (Ashley Hale), Scheherazade (Frankie Jenna), Mother (Julia Jupp), Arthur Conan Doyle (Martin Ledwith), Sally (Zoe Rainey), GK Chesterton (Gary Watson), Jerome K. Jerome (Stephen Webb), and David (James Scudamore).

Notable Broadway replacements

Musical numbers

Cambridge

Broadway

National Tour

Recordings

On 9 June 2015 Finding Neverland The Album (Songs From The Broadway Musical) was released, featuring covers of the musical's songs by popular artists such as Zendaya, Kiesza, Nick Jonas, Ellie Goulding, Paloma Faith, Jennifer Lopez, Trey Songz, Christina Aguilera, Jon Bon Jovi, Pentatonix, John Legend, Christina Perri, and Goo Goo Dolls.[39] It debuted at number 114 on the US Billboard 200 and number one on the Billboard Cast Albums chart.[40]

The original Broadway cast recording of Finding Neverland was released on 23 June 2015.[41] It debuted at number 84 on the US Billboard 200 and number one on the Billboard Cast Albums chart.[42][43]

Awards and nominations

Original Broadway production
Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Result
2015 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Actor in a Musical Matthew Morrison Nominated
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Carolee Carmello Nominated
Drama League Award Distinguished Production of a Musical Nominated
Distinguished Performance Matthew Morrison Nominated
Kelsey Grammer Nominated
Astaire Award Best Choreographer Mia Michaels Nominated
Best Female Dancer in a Broadway Show Melanie Moore Nominated

References
  1. Brown, Joel (15 August 2014). "Standout performances elevate ART's 'Finding Neverland'". Boston Globe. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  2. Staff. "'Finding Neverland' Musical by GREY Gardens Team Ashford Directs Choeographs". BroadwayWorld.com. 2011-02-06. Retrieved 2012-01-27.
  3. Jones, Kenneth. " 'Finding Neverland', With Score by Michael Korie & Scott Frankel, Gets London Presentation; Julian Ovenden Stars" playbill.com, 12 December 2011
  4. Jones, Kenneth. "'Finding Neverland, the Musical', Gets NYC Presentation With Kelli O'Hara and Julian Ovenden". Playbill.com. 2011-03-31. Retrieved 2012-01-27.
  5. "Finding Neverland Musical, Starring Julian Ovenden and Rosalie Craig, Premieres in U.K. Sept. 22". playbill.com. Playbill. 22 September 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  6. "Episode 4". The Sound of Musicals. Season 1. 3 December 2013.
  7. Healy, Patrick. "Weinstein Lands a Big-Name Executive Producer for ‘Finding Neverland’ " The New York Times (artsbeat.blogs), 4 September 2013
  8. Healy, Patrick (27 February 2014). "Matthew Morrison to Star in Weinstein's 'Finding Neverland'". The New York Times.
  9. Hetrick, Adam. "Revised 'Finding Neverland' Musical Will Premiere as Part of American Repertory Theater's 2014-15 Season" playbill.com, 27 March 2014
  10. "Breaking News: Jeremy Jordan and Laura Michelle Kelly to Lead 'Finding Neverland' Cast; Plus Bart, Carmello & More - Full Cast and Creative Team Announced" broadwayworld.com, Retrieved 4 June 2014
  11. Bowgen, Philippe. "Tony Winner Swap: Michael McGrath To Replace Roger Bart in A.R.T.'s 'Finding Neverland' Opening July 23" playbill.com, 12 June 2014
  12. "Jennifer Hudson Will Perform Song from 'Finding Neverland' at the Tony Awards!" broadwayworld.com, Retrieved 4 June 2014
  13. "'Finding Neverland' Will Fly to Broadway's Lunt-Fontanne Theatre" playbill.com, Retrieved 13 November 2014
  14. "Official: Matthew Morrison Will Return to Broadway in Finding Neverland!" Broadway World, Retrieved 13 November 2014
  15. "Breaking News: Kelsey Grammer Joins 'Finding Neverland'; Laura Michelle Kelly to Reprise Role on Broadway!" Broadway World, Retrieved 13 November 2014
  16. Gioia, Michael. "Teal Wicks, Josh Lamon, Jessica Vosk and More Complete Cast of 'Finding Neverland', Starring Matthew Morrison" playbill.com, 2 February 2015
  17. Gioia, Michael. "Matthew Morrison Is 'Finding Neverland'; Broadway Performances Begin Tonight" playbill.com, 15 March 2015
  18. Hetrick, Adam. "Broadway’s Finding Neverland to Close — Film Adaptation Planned", Playbill, 5 May 2016
  19. Gans, Andrew; Hetrick, Adam. " 'Finding Neverland' Ends Broadway Run Today" Playbill, 21 August 2016
  20. Twohey, Megan. "Tumult After AIDS Fund-Raiser Supports Harvey Weinstein Production". New York Times. 2017-09-23. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
  21. Cohan, William D. "'Nothing About this Deal Feels Right to Me': Inside Harvey Weinstein’s Other Nightmare". Vanity Fair. 2017-12-22. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
  22. Musbach, Julie. "Upset Over AIDS Fundraiser with Weinstein Directed Funds Towards FINDING NEVERLAND". BroadwayWorld. 2017-09-24. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
  23. Siegel, Ed. "Questions Raised About Harvey Weinstein And 'Finding Neverland' Funding For A.R.T.". wbur.org. 2017-10-17. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
  24. Finding Neverland londontheatre.co.uk
  25. Gans, Andrew. "Casting Complete for 'Finding Neverland' National Tour" Playbill, 12 September 2016
  26. Szablewski, John. "Theatre Review: “Finding Neverland” at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre" Archived 1 May 2017 at the Wayback Machine nytheatreguide.com, 12 October 2016
  27. Lloyd Webber, Imogen (10 July 2015). "Anthony Warlow Takes Over For Kelsey Grammer in Finding Neverland on Broadway". Broadway.com. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  28. Lloyd Webber, Imogen (8 September 2015). "Kelsey Grammer Delays Return to Finding Neverland; Anthony Warlow Extends". Broadway.com. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  29. Lloyd Webber, Imogen (18 September 2015). "Three-Time Tony Nominee Terrence Mann In, Kelsey Grammer Out, in Finding Neverland on Broadway". Broadway.com. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  30. Lloyd Webber, Imogen (19 November 2015). "Kelsey Grammer Sets Return Date to Finding Neverland, Starring Matthew Morrison, on Broadway". Broadway.com. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  31. Broadway.com Staff (20 January 2016). "Finding Neverland Hooks Kelsey Grammer for a Little Bit Longer". Broadway.com. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  32. Dominick, Nora. "Paul Slade Smith Replaced Kelsey Grammer in FINDING NEVERLAND". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  33. "Marc Kudisch Begins Performances in Finding Neverland on Broadway". Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  34. Lloyd Webber, Imogen (7 January 2016). "Believe! Tony Yazbeck Will Replace Matthew Morrison in Finding Neverland on Broadway". Broadway.com. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  35. McPhee, Ryan (18 February 2016). "Finding Neverland Will Soar Back to London in 2017". Broadway.com. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  36. Lloyd Webber, Imogen (21 February 2016). "Alfie Boe Will Replace Tony Yazbeck in Finding Neverland; Sally Ann Triplett Steps In for Sandy Duncan". Broadway.com. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  37. Lloyd Webber, Imogen (12 February 2016). "A Lovely, Wonderful Thought: Sandy Duncan Begins Performances in Finding Neverland on Broadway". Broadway.com. Archived from the original on 18 March 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
  38. Lloyd Webber, Imogen (17 February 2016). "Sandy Duncan Has Made Premature Exit From Finding Neverland on Broadway". Broadway.com. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  39. "Finding Neverland the Album on Amazon". Retrieved 26 June 2019.
  40. "Billboard 200 - August 8, 2015". Billboard. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  41. Blank, Matthew; Viagas, Robert. "Finding Neverland Original Cast Album Sets Release Date". Playbill. Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  42. "Billboard 200 - August 8, 2015". Billboard. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  43. "Cast Albums Chart - August 8, 2015". Billboard. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
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