On Friday, March 20th, the drama department took a trip to where theater thrives, New York City. We took a stroll through Central Park, pointing out the different spots we recognized from films such as the bridge from Enchanted, the tunnel from Home Alone 2, the boathouse from 27 Dresses, and the boat pond from Stuart Little. We walked to Strawberry Fields and the John Lennon Imagine memorial where a homeless man played Beatles tunes on his guitar. We then took a Broadway class with a member of the current production of On the Town, where we learned a portion of the number, “New York, New York.”

Later that evening we arrived at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater, where we had tickets the see Finding Neverland. In its third week of performances, and recently hitting $1 million at the box office, Finding Neverland is here to stay.

Much like the Academy-award winning film Finding Neverland, the show follows the story of J.M. Barrie and how he came to write the beloved tale of Peter Pan. Barrie, played by Glee’s Matthew Morrison, is on a mission to write a play like no other before. One day he befriends the widowed Sylvia, played by Laura Michelle Kelly,  and her four sons: Jack, George, Michael, and, of course, Peter. These boys bring out the inner child in Barrie and inspire him to create the timeless classic, Peter Pan.

While waiting for the show to begin I couldn’t help but notice the eclectic curtain guarding the stage. In bright hues of purple, orange, yellow and green, the paisley esque curtain was definitely a statement piece. Once the lights went down in the theater, a fairy of light descended from the mezzanine and onward through the curtain. In her Broadway debut, Season 8 winner of So You Think You Can Dance, Melanie Moore, opened the show as Peter Pan, jumping and giggling about the stage. And though Peter Pan is not the focus of this show, Moore set the mood for the entire show.

Another So You Think You Can Dance alum, Mia Michaels, joined the cast as the choreographer. Michaels’ prop work is absolutely phenomenal. Actors were dancing on benches, beds, and lamp posts. One dance involved three door frames on wheels, while another took used clocks and poles. Every dance is innovative. As a dancer myself, I was blown away by the choreography.

Special effects is another strength of this production. From shadow effects, to wind tunnels of  glitter, to the erection of a full blown ship on stage, I found myself in awe multiple times throughout the show. Computer-generated backgrounds provide a sky with twinkling stars, moving clouds, and a glowing moon. The sets are whimsical yet realistic at the same time.

When Finding Neverland came to a close there was not a dry eye in the theater. I was in tears multiple times throughout the performance.  One of these tender moments is when Morrison delivers the famous line, “Young boys should never be sent to bed… they always wake up a day older,” which lead into a beautiful musical number in which the children take a trip to Neverland.

The cast and crew of this show take viewers on a journey in which we all find Neverland. It was a magical experience that I wished would never end. I have a feeling this show will be running for a very long time.

This sort of magic is created on stages across the globe. As part of the magic that is LHS Drama, I am so grateful for these experiences, which provide a helpful look into professional theater.