Finding Neverland

School is taking away all of my time again, so I apologize that my posts are few and far between. But fear not, another awesome blog post is coming your way right now.

Towards the end of May, my family went on a brief vacation to New York City! So unique! To see some (iconic) shots, go to my Back From Vacation post (will fix that up with a link later, sorry). P.S. I did take those photos, and others, those just seemed like the most recognizable ones to share with you all.

Anyways, while we were there, we had to go see a Broadway musical. It would be a travesty not to. So unlike my post on Once (will also attach this link later) this one is about the musical that came from the movie, rather than the movie that inspired the musical. We chose Finding Neverland because we knew it would be a good story, and we'd heard great reviews. Plus, as fans of Glee my sister and I were excited to see Matthew Morrison on the stage, where his career began. And our parents, having watched Cheers, were interested in seeing Kelsey Grammer.

Finding Neverland is the story of author and playwright J. M. Barrie and the inspiration behind his play/novel Peter Pan. He meets and befriends the Llewlyn-Davies family, Sylvia and her boys George, Jack, Peter, and Michael.

Sylvia is a widow, and Barrie is a writer who is stuck in a rut, but that changes when he meets the boys. He is inspired by their imagination and is able to get in touch with his inner child, which never really left him. He also feels a deep connection to young Peter, who, ironically, grew up far too quickly after his father's passing. Barrie teaches him to use his imagination and begin to write.

Of course, as you can guess, Peter is the inspiration for the famous Pan, while Michael is the name of the youngest Darling boy. However, as Peter (L-D) points out, Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, is really Barrie.

I feel that I should now point out that James is Barrie's first name. This is important because James Hook is a manifestation of James' fears and his darker side.

Further, the relationship between Wendy and Peter appears to be inspired by his relationship with Sylvia.

But I've gotten ahead of myself. So Barrie's wife, Mary (yes, it's a somewhat unfortunate name...Mary Barrie) does not approve of his childishness or his relationship to the family. His boss is worried that this play is going to flop, and the actors aren't very happy either. Sylvia's mother, a rather powerful woman, does not approve of Barrie being with the family so much either.

As this is based on history, I believe there is no such thing as a spoiler. So, read this at your own discretion. Sylvia gets sick, and lives just long enough to have the final play presented to her at home. She then makes her mother and James co-guardians of her boys.

This play had an awesome atmosphere of love, imagination, childhood innocence and glee (haha, see what I did there?). The music is very catchy and powerful, and it adds so well to the storyline. The visual effects were simple but effective. And I have to say, it is a marvellous cast. Unfortunately, they have now recast Kelsey Grammer's role, although I'm sure it's still great. Matthew Morrison is, of course, fantastic! And Laura Michelle Kelly is brilliant. I have to give a shoutout to Aidan Gemme, who was a marvellous Peter. He had a great maturity to the way he played the character, while still displaying his adorable kidiness (yes, I stand by that word choice).

I think I've said more than enough about this, and I know I could say so much more. If this musical ever came to town, I would absolutely go see it again. And I recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to see it. It's an emotional and magical experience that stuck with me for weeks.

One last thought before I go. As we waited in line to get the tickets, one of the guys handing out flyers asked what we were going to see (these guys get to watch all the musicals free so they can recommend them to you). When we told him, he said, "All I can say is GLITTER. You'll get it when you see it." So if you watch it, just remember, GLITTER. You'll get it.

P.S. If you have any questions about this musical, I'd love to tell you more so drop some questions in the comments for me.