The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
On-the-other-job training
Responsibilities as dance captain of ‘Pippin’ production prepared performer to be associated choreographer of ‘Finding Neverland’
Camden Loeser’s journey becoming the associate choreographer for the national tour of “Finding Neverland,” which comes through Northeast Ohio March 5 and 6 at E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron as part of the Broadway in Akron series, oddly enough began with a touring production of “Pippin.”
“I was the dance captain on ‘Pippin,’” said Loeser, calling from New York City. “While the choreographer sets the show, once it goes out on the road, the dance captain takes over as the eyes and ears for the director.
“The dance captain’s job is to learn all of the tracks, to learn the entire show and to watch the show once in a while, give notes to maintain the integrity and work with a company.”
When the same creative team behind “Pippin” was involved in creating “Finding Neverland,” it was suggested to choreographer Mia Michaels of “So You Think You Can Dance” fame that Loeser would be a good fit as tour choreographer.
Loeser said even though “Pippin” and “Finding Neverland” are completely different productions, stylistically speaking the dancing styles of the former’s choreographer, Bob Fosse, and Michaels’ are similar in tone and delivery.
“There’s a quality about the essence of the movement that makes ‘Finding Neverland’ so special,” Loeser said. “It’s such a dance-heavy show. Michaels is so well known for having this sort of capability.
“There’s a theatricality about her style of movement. Even though she’s known for ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ I think that musical theater is a perfect realm for her movement because it’s so detailed, musical and theatrical in its quality.”
Furthering that idea, Loeser pointed to the role of Peter Pan, which obviously is youthful in nature. He said Michaels takes an approach that can be described as “interpretive flying” and is unique, regardless of whether the character is being lifted off the stage by other performers or using a rig.
“The movement is so genuine, so real,” he said. “It’s not a cartoon Peter Pan. It’s such an honest interpretation of flying.”
“Finding Neverland” is based on the 2004 Academy Award-winning film, which starred Johnny Depp.
The narrative revolves around playwright J.M. Barrie as he conceives his career-defining work, “Peter Pan.” The writer befriends widow Sylvia and her four young sons — Jack, George, Michael and Peter — who inspire him to go against early 20thcentury theater convention and create a fantastical play about the mischievous boy who refuses to grow up.
“The message of the show is to not get so caught up in what the outside world wants you to be, but (instead) really listening to your inner child,” Loeser said.
“The children really teach Barrie to enjoy his life, which is like a little bird jumping out of its nest for the first time and trying to fly.”