Finding Neverland Books the Lunt-Fontanne for April 8th Opening!

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Updated On: 9/29/14 at 10:08 AM

Any idea of a first preview date?

"Let's hope they do serious re-writes-audiences may have loved it in Boston, where they don't get much in the way of decent theater..."

If they make changes hoping to appeal to that kind of parochial view, it is indeed doomed to failure. Frankly, I think Weinstein knows exactly who he has to appeal to in order to make money, and the show has been crafted for that audience. The Boston audience is not unlike a tourist audience, and it was generally well received. He knows where the money is.

Wow this might make it to Labor Day.

Its fine the Boston public endorsing this so widly, but Ben Brantley thought this was a total stinker as did the British press when it opened in Leicester.

Surprised that the Nederlander group found room for this, especially in one of their biggest houses. Don't expect this to last long.

Brantley's non review was little more than a summary of why he hates all things Weinstein, with very little to say about the show itself. The show that was reviewed by the British press was not the same show.

I was hoping this would go into the Atkinson. The Lunt seems too large.

I agree. Maybe the Richard Rodgers?

I am a long-term New Yorker, living in Cape Cod in the summer. I consider myself an experienced theatre goer with good taste. I thought Finding Neverland was great, although still in need of some work, and I am tired of the people who keep bashing it and Diane Paulus, many without having even seen it.

It is a magical show with an excellent book, a number of very good songs (have to admit that I appreciated the score more on second viewing, which is typical for me), OUTSTANDING direction -- there are two scenes in the show that are among my all-time favorites, both of which are due primarily to the directorial concept for the scenes -- the end of Act one (although ironically, I thought the song could be better) and (spoiler) Sylvia's death scene. Both are pure magic.

Does it need work...yes. But, I don't think a lot. A few songs could be improved...the furniture song still does not work for me although I understand its objective; the kid's number needs work (replace it?) and the adult cast members popping theirs heads over the fence is too cute (dare I say twee) for comfort. In fact, the adults should not be allowed on the stage during that number...it should be a show stopper for the kids, which it is not today. I also think we need to learn about Sylvia's illness in the first act, perhaps via a song in which she worries about the kids. A few well placed coughs or signs of fatigue would also work wonders, particularly in the pub scene.

I really hope that Harvey Weinstein uses his promotional magic on this one to give it time to build an audience if the reviews re mixed. Finally, in this era of sickeningly regular standing ovations, the fact that it got one is meaningless. The smiling faces in the audience and the heavy applause during the show are a good sign to me.

I have to admit, finally, that Cyrano (Christopher Plummer) and Darling of the Day are two cherished shows in a lifetime of viewing and they managed about 110 performances between the two of them. On the other hand, I hated CATS and was actually a little bored the second time I saw Book of Mormon and The Lion King, so...who knows.

In any event, the Lunt Fontanne seems a little too big to me.

Updated On: 9/29/14 at 04:01 PM

This absolutely needs a smaller theatre.... Can't believe Weinsteins top choice for this show was the st. james the show would have drowned in their. Very excited to see what 11 million dollars will do to this show.

Routing for this show. I throughly enjoyed it. Pure fun and some incredible theatrical moments. Plus the score which I liked a lot...way better than some acclaimed more recent musicals

To the artists and production team involved, we've got you, this is gonna be a hit

This proves one thing: Harvey Weinstein has more money than Berry Gordy.

and how exactly is this a sinking ship?