Pratika blog

'Finding Neverland,' Directed and Choreographed by Rob Ashford, Will Premiere at La Jolla Playhouse

Finding Neverland, the musical about the children who inspired J.M. Barrie to create Peter Pan, will get its world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in the 2011-12 season. Scott Frankel (music) and Michael Korie (lyrics), the songwriting team of Grey Gardens, will write the score.

As previously reported, Tony Award winner Rob Ashford (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cry-Baby, Promises, Promises, How to Succeed…) will direct and choreograph.

The libretto is by Allan Knee, whose play "The Man Who Was Peter Pan" inspired the Academy Award-winning film "Finding Neverland," wrote the musical's libretto. Knee wrote the book to Broadway's Little Women musical.

No production dates, casting or creative team were announced. La Jolla will boast three world premieres in its coming season.

According to the La Jolla, CA, not-for-profit, "In Finding Neverland, the pressure is on for Scottish playwright J.M. Barrie — his last play was an abysmal failure and his career is threatened by crippling writers block. With his deadline fast approaching and an impertinent producer hounding him, a chance meeting in a London park with a woman and her spirited young boys provides just the inspiration he needs. Based on the 2004 Academy Award-nominated film, this world premiere musical tells the enchanting story of the real boys who inspired a literary masterpiece."

Frankel and Korie were nominated for the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for their score to the musical Grey Gardens. They also wrote the musical Happiness, produced by Lincoln Center Theater. They are also working on a musical version of the film "Far From Heaven."

Playhouse artistic director Christopher Ashley said in a statement, "We're delighted to bring back to the Playhouse Rob Ashford, one of the most sought-after directors on Broadway, as well as welcome this new, award-winning creative team to the Playhouse family. It gives us great pride to serve as a home for these acclaimed artists, offering the resources, support and freedom to go wherever their passion leads them, as part of our steadfast commitment to the development of new work."

Subscriptions to La Jolla Playhouse's 2011-12 season are available at www.lajollaplayhouse.org.