I attended Finding Neverland at this weekend's Saturday and Sunday's matinee. I believe Diane Paulus was sitting near me today.
I was impressed by how well the show works in early previews. The book is strong, though several of the scenes are taken directly from the film. The world of the theater has been expanded for this production and adds a lot of dimension to the show.
The cast is splendid. Jeremy Jordan may be a little young for the part but this role is perfect for him. He and Laura Michelle Kelly have lovely chemistry together. Both sounded just wonderful in all their songs. Michael McGrath has a juicy part playing two parts - the producer and Hook. And Carolee Carmello is well cast as Mrs. du Maurier. All the actors from the boys to the players to the dancers are fine in their roles.
I liked a lot of the score and some of the show reminded me of older British musicals, in a good way. However there is a love ballad for Barrie and Sylvia, What You Mean to Me, which is much too pop and doesn't belong in the show. But All That Matters, Sylvia's Lullaby, Neverland, Hook, Stronger, Play, We're All Made of Stars, and When Your Feet Don't Touch the Ground are all memorable numbers.
Sylvia's last scene is magically staged.
I had a problem with some of the cutesy choreography, particularly during the first song, Better and We're All Made of Stars. During Better, there are actually actors dressed as bees. In We're All Made of Stars, the four boys don't need a jaunty chorus joining wearing inexplicable costumes.
I am curious what changes will be made to the show. Perhaps some songs will be altered or dropped.
I connected emotionally throughout the entire show and cried at both performances. I hope the show cast makes it to Broadway and it would be a shame of Jordan were replaced by Matthew Morrison, who is very talented. But Jordan brings something special to this show.
I think this show would do well on Broadway and regionally.
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