'Finding Neverland' coming to Eisenhower Auditorium on Jan. 23

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — “Finding Neverland,” the enchanting Broadway musical sailing on tour across North America, will be making its way to the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State for a performance at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, in Eisenhower Auditorium.

Based on the Academy Award-winning Miramax motion picture by David Magee and the play “The Man Who Was Peter Pan” by Allan Knee, “Finding Neverland” follows the relationship between playwright J. M. Barrie and the family that inspired “Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up” — one of the most beloved stories of all time.

“Finding Neverland” is packed with mesmerizing visuals, irresistible songs and plenty of laughs. It’s a timeless story about the power of imagination and spectacular proof that you never really have to grow up.

The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. “Finding Neverland” is, according to NPR, “far and away the best musical of the year!”

Diane Paulus’ “Finding Neverland,” with direction recreated by Tour Director Mia Walker and Associate Choreographer Camden Loeser, features a book by Olivier Award nominee James Graham, music and lyrics by Gary Barlow (Take That) and Grammy Award winner Eliot Kennedy, and original choreography by Emmy Award winner Mia Michaels (“So You Think You Can Dance,” Cirque du Soleil’s “Delirium”).

The production includes scenic design by Tony Award winner Scott Pask (“The Band’s Visit,” “Mean Girls”), lighting design by Tony winner Kenneth Posner (“Mean Girls,” “The Coast of Utopia,” “Pippin”), costume design by Suttirat Larlarb (“Waitress,” “Of Mice and Men”), sound design by Shannon Slaton, hair and make-up design by Bernie Ardia, projection design by Jon Driscoll, music supervision by Fred Lassen, musical direction by Patrick Hoagland, illusions by Paul Kieve, air sculpture by Daniel Wortzel, animal direction and training by William Berloni of William Berloni Theatrical Animals (“Annie,” “Legally Blonde”), and casting by Stewart/Whitley.

“Finding Neverland” is produced by NETworks Presentations.

Audio description, which is especially helpful to patrons with sight loss, is available for this performance at no extra cost to ticket holders. Reservations are required by Wednesday, Jan. 9. To reserve the service, phone 814-238-0132.

Artistic Viewpoints, an informal moderated discussion featuring a visiting artist or artists, is offered one hour before the performance and is free for ticket holders. Artistic Viewpoints regularly fills to capacity, so seating is available on a first-arrival basis.

For more information, visit the Center for the Performing Arts online or call 814-863-0255.

The Village at Penn State sponsors the presentation.

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