So many things can be associated with J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. There have been over 10 different films and over 20 different novels based on the story. Not to mention the Peter Pan complex and syndrome that refer to men who refuse to grow up, or those who avoid responsibilities or who would rather live in their head than the real world.
In 2004 the film Finding Neverland, starring Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet and Freddie Highmore (Bates Motel) and based on the play The Man Who Was Peter Pan was released to rave reviews. It was also nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor.
In 2011 the film was then turned into a musical having its premiere in the U.K. with its eventual Broadway opening in 2015 starring Mathew Morrison and Kelsey Grammer.
April 4 the first National Tour of Finding Neverland will make a stop here in San Diego at the Civic Theatre for one week.
Finding Neverland tells the story of J.M. Barrie’s friendship with Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and his close relationship with her four sons. It also shows his journey in the creation of his well-known story Peter Pan and how the Llewelyn Davies boys were instrumental in the creation of those unforgettable characters.
Billy Harrigan Tighe, National Tour, West End and Broadway performer will play novelist J.M. Barrie and Christine Dwyer will play Sylvia Llewelyn Davies.
Tighe and Dwyer both share similar stories regarding their road to performing on stage. Tighe found his way to the stage being a singer first.
“As a child I was always in the choir at church and school,” Tighe admitted. “Performing wasn’t something I really ever thought about. When I was 13 I was in a county wide honor chorus and our conductor was the head of a performing arts high school. He approached me at the end of the event and introduced me to the director of the high school. Together they talked to me about the school and the options I might have if I were to attend and I immediately decided it was something I wanted to do. Once I attended the school I discovered performing. There I saw my first musical, performed in my first musical and truly discovered my passion.”
Dwyer, on the other hand, did perform when she was younger, but it wasn’t until later that she realized it was truly what she wanted to do.
“I always did the school plays growing up,” Dwyer said. “But it wasn’t until high school, and thinking about going to college, that I really realized I was going to try to make this my career. My parents have always inspired me to follow my dreams. Even though it’s a hard path, they’ve always supported my dream and helped me out when I’ve needed it.”
Another thing that Dwyer and Tighe agree on is what version of the Peter Pan story they have an affinity for.
“I really fell in love with the story of Peter Pan through the movie Hook,” Dwyer said. “It’s similar to our story [Finding Neverland] in that it deals with an adult trying to find his way back to that hopeful heart he once had as a child. In our story, [J.M.] Barrie is going through this same struggle which I think is why I connected so much to this musical.”
Tighe is also a Hook fan, but has a more personal connection to why it’s his favorite version of the story.
“I was obsessed with the movie Hook when I was a kid,” Tighe shared. “I still think a lot of my desire to get into performing, dance and gymnastics are because I had always wanted to be one of the lost boys in that film.”
Tighe may not have gotten the chance to be a lost boy, but playing Barrie has given him a chance to work on something that he’s never done before, being a parent.
“As an actor I’m always drawn to pieces of theater that are going to stretch my skills in a new direction,” Tighe said. “Finding Neverland offers me the opportunity to dive into a character that’s a bit unconventional and explore what its like to be a parent/guardian for four boys.”
It’s clear that Tighe enjoys all that encompasses being a musical theater performer, but it’s clear that being a singer is something Tighe connects with and feels strongly about.
“I love that Finding Neverland is a contemporary musical twist on a classic story,” Tighe said. “Musicals allow characters to explore their thoughts and journey through song and Neverland is all about rediscovering life and inner voice. I love that this production allows us to dive into these characters imaginations and move their journeys forward through song.”
As with most plays and musicals, their transformation from page to stage, can be what makes or breaks a show. Finding Neverland may have had its debut in the U.K. back in 2011, but it took four years to get the show to where it was when it eventually opened on Broadway in 2015. Many shows are set in stone after an opening in the Big Apple, but Dwyer admits that there have been some changes to the script and score for the current National Tour.
We’ve changed a couple things with this production to make the relationships between the characters even stronger,” Dwyer confessed. “A new opening number which introduces my character right away which I think is important. And a new song that delves more into Barrie’s mindset right at the top. I think the changes are great and they were really fun to be able to build with this new cast and a new take on the characters.”
The story of Peter Pan, whatever version it may be, has always struck a sentimental chord with many people. Who doesn’t, in some ways, wish they didn’t have to grow up, or wish that they could fly with a happy thought and a sprinkle of pixie dust?
In this production, Tighe finds the magic of the piece for him is when he gets to share and experience the show with his cast mates.
“My favorite part of the production is the last 10 minutes of the show,” Tighe admitted. “It’s one of the few times the entire company is on stage and also when most of the Peter Pan elements come to life. After spending two hours working together it’s magical to have a moment of quiet where we see the story of Peter Pan we all know come to life.”
With the state of the country these days, finding anything that will take us away from facing that uncertainty for even a few hours is what all of us needs. That being said Dwyer seems to nail what it is about Finding Neverland that will find its way into the hearts of its audience … hope.
“I love the hopefulness this story brings to its audience, Dwyer said. “Although we deal with tragedy in this piece, we really deal with pulling yourself up and out of despair in difficult situations and living your life to the fullest.”
Finding Neverland opens April 4 and runs until April 9. Tickets can be purchased at Broadwaysd.com or at the Civic Theatre box office, 1100 Third Ave. (619) 570-1100.
Billy Tighe is the full full full package. So damn handsome, great actor and dancer and sings like an angel.