Finding Neverland Question

Hi!
I'm seeing Finding Neverland for the first time ever this Saturday, at the 8pm showing. I've been listening to the cast recording and absolutely adore it, but I'm also aware of the fact that now J.M. Barrie is played by Alfie Boe instead of Matthew Morrison.

Hence my question:
Is Boe good and/or better as J.M. Barrie, or do you all feel that Morrison did a better job? And is the current cast better than the original cast in the recording?

I'm sure I'll love the musical no matter what, but I was just wondering what you all think. I saw Wicked, and loved the cast I saw more than the cast recording, and it was the same with Phantom. I was wondering if you all think it's the same case for Finding Neverland.

Updated On: 6/1/16 at 12:32 PM

If anyone was wondering about the injury: https://twitter.com/AlfieBoe/status/738065571623882752

You'll probably see Kevin Kern one of the swings who had been with the show from the beginning and has gone on many many times as Barrie. He does a fabulous job in my opinion and audiences seem to love him. Each Barrie brings his own charm to the production. Kevin's been on practically every show for the last weeks. 

But yes Laura Michelle kelly is the heart and soul of the show and she should be there on Saturday barring any last minute emergencies. 

The kids are all great and many rotate in up to three roles.  The boy who originally played Michael is now one of the Peters. 

I've been a couple times and have another trip at the end of June.  Laura Michelle Kelly really is worth the price of admission.  And the show itself.  I havent seen Alfie yet but I saw Matthew and I saw the second act of Kevin's.  I'm personally hoping to see Kevin go on when I'm there so I can see his whole show.  I thought he was wonderful.  And of course Chris Dean as Elliot is amazing.the entire cast is devoted and energetic.  U will have a great time.  Also looking forward to Mark Kudich as Hook that should be brilliant.

Saw the show last night with the hope of seeing Alfie. I wouldn't have returned to see the show again if I had known he would be out, but c'est la vie. I enjoyed the show anyway. As many problems as there are with the show, I do find it very magical. All 3 times I've seen it I've enjoyed the 2nd act SIGNIFICANTLY more than the 1st act. Sylvia's final scene is still one of the most beautiful pieces of stage-craft I've ever seen. 

Kern is even better than the last time I saw him. Laura Michelle Kelly is still a dazzling gem of perfection. Marc Kudisch doesn't have Kelsey Grammer's stage presence, but does a great job in the role anyway. Christy Cates was on as Mrs. Du Maurier, and did a good job. 

Also, I noticed that the ending of the song "Neverland" has been drastically changed. It was quite gorgeous, but really caught me off guard. Does anyone know when this was changed? 

JBroadway said: "

Also, I noticed that the ending of the song "Neverland" has been drastically changed. It was quite gorgeous, but really caught me off guard. Does anyone know when this was changed? 

 

"

It was changed after Matthew left and it's been slightly different with the different Barries. Both Tony Y and Kevin sing this different version (which may be the same to each other but not sure). Alfie's version has the biggest change as it showcases his voice - but IMO is not my favorite because he sings the end like a solo, as opposed to the duet is actually is. It's like yes we know you sing but it's written for two characters.

There are also some other differences since Matthew left - opening of Act 2 is different and the end scenes are slightly changed as well.

Updated On: 6/2/16 at 12:31 PM

The end of Neverland is how it was with Jordan in Boston - Morrison could not sing it. 

The White House event is shorter and edited so it's hard to tell but it seems the same as it's being done now. The rehearsal footage that I have seen is not the final product.

Tony Y did the best dancing (I mean he IS a dancer)...you can't beat his version of the "What you mean to me" shadow dance with Laura. No one else came close IMO.

Im seeing the show for the first time on the 18th. I hope he's back

Alex10 said: "Teal had already planned to leave on Sunday before closing was announced, and now has other life engagements that make it impossible for her to stay in the show until closing. Her understudy, Dana Costello, is very very likely to be her replacement."

Oh, I hope it's Dana! I have a ticket for the final show and would be awesome to see her in the role.

 

Updated On: 6/2/16 at 05:16 PM

Also, I noticed that the ending of the song "Neverland" has been drastically changed. It was quite gorgeous, but really caught me off guard. Does anyone know when this was changed? 

 

"

Can someone post a link to a video  or something of the changed finale?

Technically Morrison handled more a more  difficult score  in the light in the piazza. I don't see why he couldn't  sing that different arrangement of neverland. I've heard him sing similar sounding songs live and on recordings.

According to this tweet from Finding Neverland, today is also Marc Kudisch's final performance.

https://twitter.com/NeverlandBway/status/739571004209401859

Any word on his replacement? Paul Slade Smith going to finish it out maybe?