Finding Neverland

It is good to have Matthew Morrison back on Broadway. Last seen on Broadway in 2008's South Pacific, the musical theatre star has been occupied by the hit FOX show "Glee" for the past several years. But now, playing J.M. Barrie in Finding Neverland, Morrison is back onstage and proving himself an invaluable leading man.The musical adaptation of the movie of the same name, Finding Neverland tells the story of how Barrie first created the story of Peter Pan and the family that influenced him. Facing professional and personal struggles, Barrie rediscovers childhood when befriending the four Davies boys, especially the somber Peter who is mourning the loss of his father. While at times the sentiment of youth feels a bit overstretched, the heartfelt performances of the cast elevate it above too much emotion.Directed by Diane Paulus, the cast is packed with talent. Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, the mother of the sons and Barrie's love interest, is played by Laura Michelle Kelly in a lovely and heartfelt performance. Kelsey Grammer is clearly having a fine time as Barrie's producer Charles M. Frohman and later as Captain Hook. Teal Wicks plays his long-ignored wife, while the always excellent Carolee Carmello steals every scene she is in as Sylvia's mother.With music and lyrics by Gary Barlow of “Take That” and Eliot Kennedy and a book by James Graham, Finding Neverland features engaging visuals that will entertain both the children and the adults in the audience, thanks to scenic designer Scott Pask, lighting designer Kenneth Posner, sound man Jonathan Deans, projectionist Jon Driscoll and choreographer Mia Michaels.