‘Finding Neverland’ flashes between hope, heartbreak

As soon as the lights go down, we know we have found Neverland. A shimmering, dancing beacon — the universal representation of Tinker Bell — shines through the ornate curtain on the Benedum Center stage.

The curtain goes up to reveal a colorful scene straight out of “Peter Pan,” but wait — it’s too soon. Writer J.M. “James” Barrie stops the action to remind us that this is “Finding Neverland,” about the tragic twists and inspirational turns in his life that led to the writing of “Peter Pan.”

The musical version of the 2004 movie “Finding Neverland” has embarked on its first national tour. It arrives in Pittsburgh with an intriguing background: a high-profile producer and adoring fans at odds with dismissive critics and Tony snubs, providing enough drama to fill a new show.

The tour, making its second stop in Pittsburgh after opening in Buffalo Oct. 7, is big on spectacle and boasts a cast of thrilling voices. Kevin Kern as Barrie reprises a role he understudied for Matthew Morrison on Broadway and is matched with Christine Dwyer as the widowed Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, the object of Barrie’s affection. The indomitable Tom Hewitt employs his towering presence and booming voice to great effect as both the theater impresario Charles Frohman and Captain Hook.

The actors playing the four Davies children on opening night in Pittsburgh managed the feat of seeming like any playful, unruly kids on the one hand and like old pros when the scenes turned dark.

Therein lies the rub when it comes to “Finding Neverland” as family entertainment. Death and darkness in a fairy tale are often palatable because “once upon a time” ends in “happily ever after.” This is a musical that wants to be about the curative properties of imagination — clap now if you believe in fairies. It also tries but

doesn’t always succeed in putting a hopeful spin on death and loss.

The story of doomed love is based on playwright Barrie’s life, in which his marriage falls apart when his head is turned by a recent widow and mother of four boys. Barrie is inspired to use his imagination to ease their grief and, in doing so, finds his inner child bursting to be free of the adult tyrannies of marriage, job and society.

From these circumstances emerges Peter Pan, the boy who won’t grow up and who has been taking us to Neverland since he found his way to the London stage in 1904.

There’s lots of razzle-dazzle in “Finding Neverland” — even the fairy dust is glittery — and elaborate dance numbers choreographed by Mia Michaels. Less obvious but satisfying moments of ingenuity and movement include characters taking flight in balletic lifts that render wire work unnecessary.

James Graham’s book also allows for comedic moments and provides the framework for pleasing pop songs by UK recording artist Gary Barlow and Grammy winner Eliot Kennedy, all first-timers at musical theater.

The end of the long first act features the gigantic production number “Stronger” — Barrie’s “Defying Gravity” moment as the writer releases his inner pirate. It’s a splashy display from the minds of set designer Scott Pask and Diane Paulus, who revived “Pippin” with the circus as inspiration and won a Tony for it.

Here, the sharper, sadder second act includes the duet “When Your Feet Don’t Touch the Ground,” impactful for its simplicity and showcasing the impressive voices of Mr. Kern and 12year-old Ben Krieger. Ms. Dwyer, who has played “Wicked’s” Elphaba on Broadway, has a lovely voice and presence, and she and Mr. Kern have an undeniable onstage chemistry as they play out their relationship to its heartbreaking conclusion.

Characters from Frohman’s skeptical acting troupe, as they try to comprehend Barrie’s newfangled notions of family entertainment, and indignant servants provide the comic relief. There also is a welltrained dog — the inspiration for the Darling children’s Nana in “Peter Pan” — to elicit many well-earned awwws.

For all the glitter and flash of “Finding Neverland,” what shines through is a top-to-bottom talented cast and the spirit of imagination in overdrive.