Matthew Morrison Talks FINDING NEVERLAND: ' I Wanted My Broadway Return to Be Special'

In an all-new interview with Newsday, GLEE star Matthew Morrison talks about returning to the Broadway stage in the new musical Finding Neverland, based on the Academy Award-winning film by David Magee, and the play The Man Who Was Peter Pan by Allan Knee.

On performing eight shows a week:

"I haven't done that in seven years. And I'm doing 12 numbers -- which I've never done before. I've always played supporting roles, never the lead. But I couldn't have asked for a better show. I really wanted my Broadway return to be special -- this is my favorite community, the people I love and respect more than anyone else. So I want to do right by everyone."

On working with Kelsey Grammer:

"He's so funny. Tonight, actually -- this has never happened -- but in his big number, "Play," he forgot the words at the opening. So he just went up to the music director and said, "Uhhh, let's just stop and start over." Kelsey can get away with that. It's interesting -- he's such a softie. In the finale, we're holding these beautiful notes and I can hear him behind me, choking up. This show I think is very personal to him. He has two young kids -- and his daughter's name is Faith. And there's this line in the song, "Faith will give you wings," and he chokes up every time. He's incredible . . . a great, great man. I've been a fan of his for a long time and knowing that someone you respect like that is so giving onstage is . . . it's just . . . I dunno. It's so different in TV. In theater, you're connected to the people around you -- because if you mess up onstage, you have to work together to figure your way out. You can't just call cut. [He laughs.] Well, unless you're Kelsey."

On working with four young kids in the show:

"The show is about finding the child inside yourself. [He flashes a mischievous smile.] Sometimes I like to switch it up a little, surprise them, do something a little stupid to make the boys laugh a little. That's what Barrie would've done. I try to be spontaneous. [He chuckles.] Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't."

Read the interview in full here

Based on the Academy Award-winning Miramax motion picture by David Magee, and the play The Man Who Was Peter Pan byAllan 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 byGary Barlow(Take That) and Grammy Award®-winnerEliot 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.

Tickets to Finding Neverland can be purchased online atwww.FindingNeverlandTheMusical.comby calling Ticketmaster at (877) 250-2929, or at the Lunt-Fontanne box office, located at 205 West 46th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenues.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos