Review: Remarkable FINDING NEVERLAND at The FOX

If you're looking for spectacular entertainment that fills you with wonder then look no further; FINDING NEVERLAND is the show for you. This would be a very good show based solely on the book (James Graham) and music (music and lyrics by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy) that it features, but it goes far beyond that in conjuring up an absolutely remarkable theatrical experience. Based on THE MAN WHO WAS PETER PAN, by Allan Knee, as well as the eponymous motion picture, this is a marvelously cast, tune-filled excursion into the imagination of J.M. Barrie. It's really a must-see show, so catch it while you can!

The story reveals how playwright J. M. Barrie stumbled upon the idea of his iconic work, PETER PAN. Trapped in a loveless marriage, and with his latest work failing at the box office, Barrie seeks refuge in the park where he is accosted by a group of brothers playing pirates. He becomes taken with their mother, Sylvia, and as his playtime with the children grows, so do his affections.

Kevin Kern is wonderfully likable as J.M. Barrie. It's through him that we view the world in front of us, and he gets the opportunity to live out his dreams in the process, sort of like Walter Mitty in a way. Christine Dwyer does lovely work as the ailing and amiable Sylvia. She draws our sympathy as a widower with a gaggle of fun-loving boys, but she wins our attention with her engaging performance. Crystal Kellogg is good as Barrie's society-driven wife, and Noah Plomgren is amusing as her would-be paramour, the ridiculous Lord Cannan . Joanna Glushak is determined to save Sylvia from scandal as Mrs. Du Maurier, and Tom Hewitt is hilarious as Barrie's blustery American producer, and even better as the villainous Captain James Hook, who comes alive in Barrie's fantasies. Corey Rives is splendidly over the top as Albert, and Adrianne Chu adorable as the acting troupe's Wendy.

Ben Krieger is delightful as Peter, the introverted boy that Barrie teaches to harness his imagination and become a kid again. Finn Faulconer is also quite good as George, Mitchell Wray is a delight as Jack, and Jordan Cole rounds out the group of cute and playful boys that inspire Barrie. There is a rotation for the boys so you may also see: Eli Tokash, Colin Wheeler, and Tyler Patrick Hennessy essaying the roles.

The technical aspects of this show run the gamut, and start with the expert direction of Diane Paulus, who displays a crystal clear vision throughout. Mia Michaels' nicely executed choreography lends considerable originality to the proceedings. Scott Pask has created an eye-catching and awesomely rendered scenic design that's beautifully lit by Kenneth Posner. Jon Driscoll (Projections), Paul Kieve (Illusions), Daniel Wurtzel (Air Sculptor), the Production Resource Group (Flying Effects), and Suttitrat Anne Larlarb (Costumes), add the icing to this scrumptious confection.

Go see FINDING NEVERLAND! It plays through December 18, 2016 at The Fabulous Fox Theatre.

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