Peter Pan Book Review: Finding Neverland

Peter Pan is a well-known story held in the hearts of many. The narrative of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and the Darling child elicits fond childhood memories of flying children, pirates, crocodiles, and fairies. Finding Neverland takes a step beyond this story and focuses instead on the man who first brought the tale to life and his inspirations for the iconic fantasy. The musical telling of J.M. Barrie’s life no doubt but’s a romantic and comedic spin on an otherwise tragic story based on disease, death, and orphans. The play even manages to portray the death of Sylvia in a manner that is no less compelling and magical as the story of Peter Pan himself. Overall, the play was wonderfully performed with beautiful costumes, breathtaking song and dance numbers, and a compelling plot. However, there are five moments in particular that truly stood out as memorable moments and helped to make the play a success. The musical begins with Mr. Barrie going to the park to

Finding Neverland managed to approach this subject in a way that was clear, impactful, and no less magical than the story of Peter Pan. As the impromptu performance of Peter Pan at the Davies’ house draws to a close, Peter Pan reaches out a hand to Sylvia. Sylvia has progressively gotten sicker throughout the course of the play, and the audience knows her time is drawing near. As the magic of Neverland is brought to life all around them, a small spotlight is focused on Sylvia. A sudden wind begins to pick up and swirl around her, Sylvia is then surrounded by a whirlwind of glitter. She releases her white housecoat which is quickly picked up by the vortex. Finally, she walks hand and hand with Peter Pan out the window towards her own Neverland. Overall, this moment creates a visually stunning image and is extremely moving with its