Salt River Community Theater opens its 2026 fall musical production of “Finding Neverland” on Thursday, November 12, in the historic Ford Theatre in downtown Afton at 7 p.m. With seven additional performances, showing November 14, 16, 19, 20, 21 and 23 at 7 p.m. nightly, folks are sure to find an evening to attend and enjoy the show.
“I have really loved this musical for a long time, and I’ve loved the music and I’ve been keeping an eye out,” said show director, Jaclyn Lechner, in an interview on the SVI Radio Network. As rights to perform the show recently became available, Lechner jumped on the chance to share it with the community.
Auditions were held in July, drawing many long-time performers to the production, as well as a few “new faces. “It was awesome to see people come out and audition,” Jaclyn said. “All the roles kind of just fell into place and so it’s going to be a really good show.”
RELATED: RADIO INTERVIEW WITH JACLYN LECHNER –
“Finding Neverland” shares the creative journey that inspired writer James Barrie to record his timeless children’s tale of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys, with the famed villain Captain Hook among his other beloved characters.
In the Salt River production, “J.M. Barrie is played by Daniel Lechner, and he just has the great voice for it,” said Jaclyn. “The music is really fun and powerful, and we all know Daniel does a great job with that. Sylvia, who is the mom of the four boys in the show, is played by Megan Rose and she’s got a great voice, and she’s got a fun, fun acting personality. There’s Eli Henderson, who’s done a few shows with us. He’s playing Mr. Frohman, who is also Captain Hook. That’s kind of a fun multi-character that he gets to play. We’ve got Ruth Mavy, and she’s playing Mrs. DeMaurier, the grandmother of the boys. She’s very high in the social world of that time.”
With over 20 cast members that include neighbors of all ages and a couple of pets, the show offers adventure and tenderness all wrapped into one moving account of Barrie’s life experiences during his creation of the classic story of Peter Pan. Casting “just really fell into place,” said Lechner. “I’ve loved it.”
Behind the scenes, lighting, sound and set design and construction, were managed by Brandon Burnham, who has devoted hours to this production and others over the past several years. Brooke Walton has shouldered responsibilities as stage manager this year. “She is a good friend of mine and she’s been awesome,” said Jaclyn.
As always, the community theater company is grateful for support and sponsors. Though the staff and cast are volunteers, staging, costumes and production costs are always significant. Jaclyn is extremely grateful for all the businesses and individuals who make the community theater possible through donations and other support.
As a very popular art experience in Star Valley each fall, these productions have often sold out in the past. Tickets will sell quickly. For a full schedule and to purchase tickets in advance, visit saltriverarts.com.
“I am super excited to share this,” said Jaclyn. “It’s been a lot of fun bringing it together.”
