John Davidson is not interested in slowing down.
The actor/singer/former TV game show contestant and host is 76 and is one of the stars of the road show of “Finding Neverland,” which Broadway in Tucson brings here April 24-29.
Davidson was as famous for his dimples as he was for his 1970s, ’80s appearances on such television shows as “Hollywood Squares,” “The Love Boat” and “That’s Incredible.”
Since June of last year, he’s been traveling around the country with “Finding Neverland,” playing the duel role of Charles Frohman and Captain Hook.
“I love my character,” says Davidson, fresh from a trip to Mexico to visit a grandchild. “It’s the best part I’ve ever had — better than Don Quixote, (in ‘Man of La Mancha’), the ‘Music Man,’ ‘Camelot.’”
“Finding Neverland” tells the story of how author J.M. Barrie came to write “Peter Pan.”
In the musical, based on the movie of the same name, Barrie is hurting for inspiration when he meets a widow and her children. He plays with them, loves them and is inspired by them. He’s going to write “Peter Pan.”
That does not please Barrie’s grumpy producer, played by Davidson. He is sure no one will come to see the play about a boy who won’t grow up.
“I’m trying to get Barrie not to write ‘Peter Pan’, ” says Davidson.
And for about 20 minutes or so, he is Captain Hook in a dream sequence.
“It’s a very physical show,” he says. “By the end of the week, I do feel it. I start taking Advil and complain to my wife.”
He won’t have to do it much longer — the Tucson performances will be the last for the road show.
Davidson says he’ll miss doing the musical, but he has plans.
“I’ll go back to doing my one-man show in small coffee houses and venues where I can find people over 50 who can remember who John Davidson is.”
He sings original material in those intimate shows, plays guitar and banjo, and tells tales.
“When I do my live shows, one of my goals is to get people over 60 to reinvent themselves,” he says. “I try to convey you don’t have to be what you used to be, and to find your passion. Forget any label you had. Find your passion and do it.”
That is the message of “Neverland,” as well, he says.
“You can sit back or you can write your own story. That’s a great message.”
