By AJ Jaffari

What happens when imagination lifts us higher than reality ever could—especially when reality feels its heaviest? CMT Marquee’s Finding Neverland beautifully intertwines whimsy and heartbreak, revealing the story behind J.M. Barrie’s most iconic creation through a lens that is both magical and deeply human. It’s a tale where grief meets imagination head-on, and where the power of storytelling becomes a refuge, a rebellion, and ultimately a way forward. With a score full of soaring melodies and a narrative rooted in love, loss, and wonder, the show invites audiences to rediscover the childlike spark we often leave behind.

Set in early 20th-century London, the musical follows playwright J.M. Barrie as he forms an unexpected bond with the Llewelyn Davies family, whose four young boys remind him of the joy, mischief, and freedom he once knew. Their connection inspires the creation of Peter Pan, a story that transforms not only Barrie’s career but his entire sense of purpose. As fantasy and reality begin to blur, Finding Neverland becomes a vivid exploration of how the stories we tell—and the ones we cling to—shape the people we become.

As one of my top ten favorite musicals of all time, Finding Neverland holds a truly special place in my heart. From the moment I first heard its beautiful score, I was absolutely hooked. The story has so much to offer—layers of emotion, moments of wonder, and themes that resonate deeply long after the final note. It’s a show that gives and gives, inviting you to feel everything right from your seat. Honestly, it’s one I could see again and again.

CMT Marquee has assembled a truly talented group of performers for this production. At its heart are Armand Akbari (J.M. Barrie) and Madelyn Davis (Sylvia), who both delivered the score with beautiful clarity and emotional depth. Another standout is Matt Roben (Charles Frohman), who fully committed to the role of the brooding, bombastic theatre producer—his energy was big, bold, and completely engaging. All three had me fully invested in the journey to Neverland.

But the real force of this production was the ensemble. Not only did each member showcase their individual strengths, but together they filled the stage with such presence that it was impossible to look away. In a musical as powerful as this one, I rely on the ensemble to ground the world and elevate the emotion, and this group did exactly that—and then some.

This production was packed with impressive technical achievements. One standout was the set design by David McQuillen Robertson, who managed to bring grand, sweeping set pieces onto a relatively small stage without ever overwhelming it. Each scene felt as though it had been lifted straight from the pages of a storybook—I was wide-eyed for most of the show (especially during the Act II bar scene).

Another terrific element was Suzie Brown’s costume design. The color palette was spot-on, and the styling carried a beautiful, cohesive nod to the Broadway production—a challenge in itself, executed with real finesse. The ensemble’s looks in particular were a delight, each costume adding texture and personality to the world of the show.

While CMT runs are typically shorter than most companies’, I highly encourage you to catch this production. I promise it will leave you with the same joy and whimsy of everyone’s favorite Barrie classic—and then some. It’s a show you most certainly won’t want to miss.

Finding Neverland runs through December 14 and tickets are available here.