We have always enjoyed live entertainment, whether music or plays—or musical plays. We’ve been Guthrie subscribers for decades; we attended every school performance for our kids; we dabbled in Minnesota Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra subscriptions. We have seasoned our selections with university concerts, and marveled at marching/pep bands at games (football and volleyball). We have even travelled great distances for Drum Corps International competitions.

Both our girls were in the band for show choir, which competitions exposed us to a compressed compendium of show tunes, albeit without the original storyline. So it was only a small step to add season tickets for the Orpheum Theater’s “Broadway on Hennepin” series of touring shows.

We were first hooked by an amazing production of “Wicked”—which Judy saw first with a friend, and encouraged Rick to attend with her again.

We signed up on the spot.*

All of this transpired while (impatiently) waiting to attend “Hamilton” on Broadway, Elise’s Christmas present to Rick (which should already have been another story, and will be soon).

The point of THIS story is to rave over one of the most amazing moments of theatre we have experienced, which came at the end of “Finding Neverland.” It’s an okay play, based on the movie, and it is creatively realized for the stage. Pretty much nothing in the music was memorable. The production number before intermission (“Stronger”) was, however, wonderful.

Yet the real treasure was for those who endured to the end. The “Finale” was nothing short of fantastic! It is an emotionally satisfying catharsis which beautifully resolves the longing and loss and love in the characters—AND in those who witnessed their journey. (And who can help but be moved by Peter Pan and the story behind his creation?)

“Finale” was jaw dropping. It was heart warming. It was an amazing moment of drama with a magical presentation that REALLY WORKED, right before your eyes.

That one scene is worth the price of admission. The pirate ship number before intermission is entertaining gravy on top, but the real reason to see the play—and it is reason enough—is the finale.

You can see a mere hint of all this in the show’s YouTube video here. A local tv station gave a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the “glitter vortex” from the “Finale,” but the video has been taken down. So, here’s a tiny taste from the director’s telling of the story.

My tip is: DON’T miss “Finding Neverland.”

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*The bonus motivation for us to become subscribers is that “Hamilton ” is coming to Minneapolis next year, and season ticket holders will get first crack at availability.