'Errico' 'Gets' 'Von Essen' In "Finian's Rainbow"

[CherylA928]

Posted: 4/7/04 at 5:07pm

I don’t want to keep using the word charming but Finian’s Rainbow truly is CHARMING.
This really is a nicely done concert version of the musical. There are so many talented people on stage working around and on top of two pianos and musical director, Mark Hartman and (I believe) associate musical director Mark Janas.
Burton Lane’s music seems to be made for Max. He looked confident and sounded marvelous on this first night of previews. In other shows, i.e. Les Miz, I’ve heard him say that as he gets more comfortable, he may do some moves “bigger” and that may make the performance look a little different but I don’t really see where anything needs to be changed. I guess I don’t need to go into how handsome he looked.
My only whine is not new. Max is so talented and, here again, Woody’s needs just scratch the surface of all the gifts Max has to offer.
Melissa Errico is perfect as Finian’s daughter Sharon. What a lovely voice and she still looks like she’s in high school. I had to remind myself that this was the same young lady I enjoyed as Eliza to Richard Chamberlain’s Professor Higgins quite a few years ago. The girl does not age!!
Malcolm Gets seems to be having a good time playing the hormonally challenged leprechaun, Og. When I say hormonally challenged, I’m not just talking about him being the tallest leprechaun in Ireland’s history but the dude is like a dog in heat as he becomes more and more human. Delightfully naughty!!
I really enjoyed myself. I don’t remember laughing so much the last time I saw this musical. Maybe wisdom comes with age or more likely, I’m just sillier now!!
It’s an intimate (small) theater. Just about everyone is up close. The seats are very comfortable and for me to say this, well, that’s saying a lot. Another perk of the evening for anyone driving in, was that after 7PM you can park on the street, right outside of the theater. You can take the $20 to $35 that you save on a parking lot, put it towards a ticket and go back and see this wonderful show again!

MELISSA ERRICO AND MALCOLM GETS IN Finian’s Rainbow (Photo inside)

[Craig]

Posted: 4/7/04 at 5:11pm

Instead of charming, why not refer to the production as "Something sort of Grandish"

[Unknown User]

Posted: 4/7/04 at 5:17pm

...or Amazing!

[Phantom2]

Posted: 4/7/04 at 5:28pm

I'm really looking forward to seeing "The Amazing Max von Essen"!

[CherylA928]

Posted: 4/7/04 at 5:50pm

"Something sort of Grandish" Now that I like!

But amazing, I made an effort NOT to use that word. I'll let voiceanth and Phantom2 fight over the use of AMAZING.

[Phantom2]

Posted: 4/7/04 at 5:54pm

What about "The Incredible, Edible Max von Essen"?? HAHA

Updated On: 4/7/04 at 05:54 PM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 4/7/04 at 6:00pm

How 'bout the super-duper Max von Essen?

He's groovy!!

[Cyndy]

Posted: 4/7/04 at 6:26pm

While we're pondering the amazingly super-duper Max von Essen in the delightfully grandish and charming production of Finian's Rainbow, take a look at this thread's name and read it outloud. A little play on words there Cheryl? Cute.

[BroadwayKate]

Posted: 4/7/04 at 6:34pm

Cyndy you are a winner! You just made my day!

kate

[Phantom2]

Posted: 4/7/04 at 11:39pm

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm