Dave Roth’s percussion setup for the Broadway production of Finding Neverland at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

Finding Neverland - Dave Roth

August 15, 2024

Dave’s percussion setup for the Broadway production of Finding Neverland at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City.

Dave's write-up below the photos.

Dave Roth’s percussion setup for the Broadway production of Finding Neverland at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

Dave:

"Finding Neverland is an original show on Broadway that started in March of 2015. It’s a unique mix of pop tunes with classical style chamber music. The composers, Eliot Kennedy and Gary Barlow, use this as a way to show the lead character, J.M. Barrie’s (the creator of Peter Pan) quirky personality as he lives in a world of make believe in his head while the outside world is still living in a late 19th century conservative sense of order.

The percussion book is primarily a rhythm part with a lot of exploration of colors. Our orchestrator, Simon Hale, loves the idea of using as many instruments as possible to add something different at all times.

One of the biggest challenges in deciding what instruments to use was deciphering Simon’s descriptions due to his London background. Many of these terms or descriptions could be defined in many different directions. He originally asked for Indian Bells which became the Tibetan finger cymbals, rice bowls which became the temple bowls, metal 'boing' which became the car spring, and clapper which in both cases became the slap stick. Also 'hand drum' was used frequently in which he gave me the latitude to come up with whatever I found appropriate. It was a lot of fun working with Simon as he is very passionate about his work and very supportive of the players that bring it to life.

The most prominent feature of the book that made it somewhat unique is the use of the bodhran in about 6 or 7 of the charts as there is an Irish element to a number of the tunes in the show. I’m very passionate about this drum and LOVE playing it."