Based on the 2004 movie
Finding Neverland, which was in turn based on the 1998 play
The Man Who Would be Peter Pan, the 2015 Broadway musical
Finding Neverland,
now playing at the Orpheum Theatre, is not what one would call an original musical. Although based on the life
J.M. Barrie, the author and playwright who created Peter Pan, the characters and plotlines are not particularly original either, with cliched relationships and predictable plot turns. But don't worry, there's a but. Even if it's not the most original musical you'll see, it's still quite delightful in execution. I had never heard the score before, and found parts of it quite lovely. The design is magical, the movement and choreography is innovative and interesting, and this touring cast (including children and a dog) is wonderful. As long as you're not expecting anything too deep or original,
Finding Neverland is sure to delight, at least in some moments, and has an inspiring message about the power of imagination, which is what theater is all about.
