The show opens with a light flitting through the theater, wowing audience members of all ages with the most recognizable symbol of Tinker Bell. Symbols and references like this are scattered throughout the show, from things as subtle as a thimble given as a gift, to the names of characters, and one very shaggy dog. There’s even a simplified version of the Peter Pan story put on as a play within the play.

The musical spends most of the first act focused on Barrie’s personal life and his writer’s block. He finds inspiration in a sickly widow, Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, and her four “lost” boys. Barrie learns how to play and be childish and — though it costs him his wife and reputation — he comes away with a new family and the play that will be his legacy.

Sylvia, with whom he falls in love, passes away at the end of the play. Truly, much of “Finding Neverland” is about coping with the death of a loved one and, more specifically, of a parent. Sylvia’s death, while sad, was beautifully staged and, honestly, spectacular.

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There were some magical and breathtaking moments in the show. The first act closes with the stage transformed into a full-on pirate ship, complete with actors swinging from ropes and Captain Hook strutting across the stage. These scenes uplift a story that doesn’t bring many surprises.

Finding Neverland is a light and entertaining show and a good choice for BOGO tickets from Kids Night on Broadway or other discount ticket avenues. It is probably best enjoyed by 8-12 year olds as younger children may find it hard to follow the slower storyline about Barrie.

Meanwhile, teens, who might be drawn to the show for star Matthew Morrison of “Glee” fame, may roll their eyes at its predictable tropes and sentimentality. Or, as my cynical teenage companion said on leaving the theater, tongue firmly planted in cheek, “That was the worst episode of ‘Glee’ ever.”

Finding Neverland is performed Tuesdays through Sundays except for holidays at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 West 46th Street. Some Monday holiday performances are scheduled; see the show's website linked above for a precise schedule. Tickets start at $72.

Grab a bite to eat before or after the show at one of these nearby kid-friendly eateries in the Midtown vicinity or these Times Square favorites.

Top image of Finding Neverland by Carol Rosegg/courtesy the production.