Behind ‘Peter Pan’
In 1904, a kind of lightning struck London’s theater scene. Tuxedo-clad audiences accustomed to somber and serious dramas were stunned by a production set in a whimsical world of make-believe, starring a band of rambunctious children. One well-known actor and producer, after reading an early version of the shocking new play, became convinced its creator had lost his mind. But Scottish playwright J.M. Barrie was perfectly sane when he introduced his land of crocodiles, fairies, pirates, and an ageless, mischievous, flying boy named Peter Pan to the London stage. And theatergoers loved it. Contemporary audiences will have the chance to experience some of that wonder this summer when the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) recaptures the spirit of the boy who would never grow up in its premiere of “Finding Neverland.” The new musical, about the real-life genesis of Barrie’s groundbreaking work, runs from July 23 through Sept. 28. Helmed by A.R.T. Artistic Director Diane...