Take a nostalgic adventure of childlike wonder, discovery, and imagination with Northland Pioneer College (NPC) Performing Arts Department’s presentation of Finding Neverland. The show debuts Friday, November 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the college’s Performing Arts Center in Snowflake, Arizona, with showings running through November 21.
Based on the Academy Award-winning motion picture and the play The Man Who Was Peter Pan, this family-friendly musical is inspired by the story behind J.M. Barrie’s creation of “Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.” The production features music and lyrics by Gary Barlos and Eliot Kennedy and a book by James Graham.
The story follows Barrie, a struggling playwright, who encounters and befriends a widowed mother, Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, and her four young sons. He finds inspiration in their adventures and grows particularly fond of Peter, who is grieving the loss of his father and is reluctant to play. Through their experiences, he discovers the magical world of Neverland and is inspired to create a new art form: children’s theatre.
This is a story of discovery, rediscovery, and finding joy through imagination and play. The production’s producer and director, NPC Faculty in Theatre Carson Saline, said, “This show changed my life when I first saw it.” At the time, Saline admitted, “I was at a point in my career where I thought about walking away from theatre. When I saw this show, it reignited my spark.” He explained, “Many are familiar with the story of Peter Pan, but this is the story of how that story came to be. The man who was Peter Pan is James Barrie, the playwright, and in this story, he is struggling.” Saline explained, “He is trying to live up to the expectations of everyone else, seeking external validation, instead of being confident in what he really wants to do as an artist.” He continued, “What we learn through Barrie’s experience is that imagination doesn’t have to end. We don’t have to stop playing when we grow up.” He said, “We all need to find those moments of joy, playfulness and fun so that we don’t lose our ability to imagine, inspire, and to connect with others.”
NPC’s Finding Neverland features 39 performers. It is the largest cast Saline has ever worked with at NPC, including the greatest number of young actors. The role of Peter is played by 11-year-old Esther Tenney and 8-year-old JD Tenney (no relation). Saline shared, “These young actors bring something super special and unique. Their takes on Peter are very different, but each one of them is so charming.” The story’s emotional impact extends beyond the stage to the performers themselves. Carson said, “Everyone showed a lot of great work ethic and desire to make this the strongest show possible.” The actors even met outside the rehearsal schedule to work with the show’s music director, Cynthia Whipple, to sing their absolute best.
In addition to the cast, this show features the largest set of any NPC production and is the most technically advanced show Saline has produced at NPC. The story is brought to life by technical director Ashley Nudson and co-part, Amy Wong. Saline explained, “They took my basic ground plan and made an atmosphere that is truly believable.” The show’s choreographer Erin Dixon rounds out the creative team. Saline said, “She has really met the challenge of infusing this show with movement and keeping it creative and innovative, despite it not being a real ‘Dance-y’ show.”
Saline said, “I hope this story connects with the audience. Perhaps, not necessarily the same way it connected with me, but in some way. Sometimes we all get stuck focusing on all the things we ‘have to do.’ In doing so, we lose our ability to imagine, to relate and empathize with others,” he said. “We lose our spark and the ability to connect with others through play. In finding Neverland, we find it.”
Showings of Finding Neverland will run for two consecutive weeks, on Nov. 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21, beginning at 7 p.m. Two additional 2 p.m. matinee performances will be held on Saturday, November 14 and 21. Advance tickets are $16 for general adults, $13 for students, and $14 for seniors. Visit www.npc.edu/tickets to purchase your tickets early. All shows will be held at the Performing Arts Center, 1611 S. Main in Snowflake.
NPC’s production of Finding Neverland is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) www.mtishows.com. Questions can be addressed to NPC Faculty in Theatre and the production’s producer and director, Carson Saline, at (928) 536-6247 or by email at carson.saline@npc.edu
