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FINDING NEVERLAND producer Harvey Weinstein and O&M Public Relations Company press agent Rick Miramontez parted ways in January under less-than-civil circumstances. But now Deadline reveals that Miramontez is back with the musical's team, ready to promote happy thoughts with the best of them.
Miramontez recently praised the show on Twitter, saying, "TRUE MAGIC is making a show work."
And now he's back to help with that magic.
Weinstein Company spokesman Brad Thompson told Deadline Miramontez's first project will be Finding Neverland's original Broadway cast recording, out June 23 via Republic Records.
Thompson also confirmed that Miramontez's replacement, Billy Zavelson, will continue to handle main press for the musical.
Back in January, The New York Times wrote that Weinstein's decision to end his relationship with Miramontez was made after creative differences arose during a planning meeting for the show, which included the musical's press agents and advertising team. Among his concerns were a lack of feature stories in prominent magazines on the show and its stars, Matthew Morrison and Kelsey Grammer.
Despite his displeasure, Weinstein noted, "Rick is the finest on Broadway. We had our creative differences. I'm sure Rick has his own side of the story and he is one of the wittiest people I know, even though those quips will be at our expense. And I'm sure that we will ask him to come back at Tony Awards time."
In an email, Mr. Miramontez addressed the rift, commenting, "Our track record speaks for itself. It would come as no surprise to anyone who has ever worked for him that Harvey's hunger for publicity doesn't always align with the realities of the real world. That said, we still love 'Finding Neverland.' "
Miramontez also shared with the New York Post's Michael Riedel, "I remain a huge fan of Harvey's, and of 'Finding Neverland'. But I get uncomfortable if I'm not the biggest hothead in the room."
FINDING NEVERLAND just opened at Broadway's Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street) on April 15. The musical features a superb cast led by Matthew Morrison ("Glee," South Pacific),Kelsey Grammer ("Frasier," La Cage aux Folles), Laura Michelle Kelly (Mary Poppins) and Carolee Carmello (Parade).
Based on the Academy Award-winning Miramax motion picture by David Magee, and the play The Man Who Was Peter Pan by Allan Knee, Finding Neverland follows the relationship between playwright J. M. Barrie and the family that inspired Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up - one of the most beloved stories of all time.
Directed by Tony-winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Hair) with book by Olivier Award-nominee James Graham, music and lyrics by Gary Barlow(Take That) and Grammy Award-winner Eliot Kennedy, choreography by Emmy Award-winnerMia Michaels ("So You Think You Can Dance," Cirque du Soleil's Delirium), this new musical, packed with mesmerizing visuals, irresistible songs and plenty of laughs, is a timeless story about the power of imagination... and spectacular proof that you never really have to grow up.
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