Finian's Rainbow

[boombaboy]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 8:08am

Finian's Rainbow showcased what Encores! does best, selecting a show with a lot of parts for very talented people and getting them all together onstage to recreate something from the mists of Broadway past. While the book was creaky and the humor, even while poking fun at racism and bigotry, was somewhat shocking to me, the talented cast under the direction of Wayne Carlyle pulled it off. The sound was terrific and those songs, well, I could listen to them forever. Kate Baldwin was enchantment itself as Sharon, the beautiful leading lady, and I could listen to that rascal Jim Norton as Finian spin his stories for hours. Cheyenne Jackson, who, IMHO, keeps getting better and better with every show, is every inch (and that's a lot of inches) the Broadway leading man. Loved hearing his rich baritone in "The Great Come and Get It Day" and swooned when he sang "Old Devil Moon." OMG, that was worth the price of admission alone. He also handled "If This Isn't Love" very well, and I like his vibrato (what can I say, I practiced Judyism before I converted to Cheyennetology), but I wish he would sing more songs in his lower register, that is the voice I want to hear more. That beautiful rich baritone sound, wow, he blew me away with his vocal range and his charm. His outfit in the first act was unattractive, but that did not detract one bit from his performance, and as his love grew, he got more and more attractive in more appealing costumes. He moves so gracefully and the chemistry between him and Kate Baldwin was palpable, they made a gorgeous couple. Terri White was terrific in "Necessity" and Alina Faye danced like a dream. Jeremy Bobb made an adorable leprechaun, and Ruben Santiago-Hudson switching roles with Philip Bosco was a great touch, they were both excellent. I am so glad I got to see a beautifully orchestrated production of this show, and am very happy that I will get to see it again on Sunday.

[GatorNY]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 8:25am

I agreee with you Boomba! We were in the front gallery and although I wish that we had been closer, the perfromances definately made it up to our seats. Just wish that I could have seen all of the rainbow! It is rare that I go see a show with which I have zero familiarity, but that was the case last evening. I vaguely remember someone from my childhood asking me one time "....how are things in Glocamora?" and having no idea what he or she meant. When I bought tickets I listened to some of the you tube clips of artists singing "How are things...", "Look to the Rainbow" and That Old Devil Moon". I thought they sounded ok....but seeing them and hearing thiese songs performed was really wonderful. During the show, I was struck by how on the surface it was very cute, but that there was so much more just beneath...My friend and I thought it was particularly ironic and timely how it makes fun of using credit to buy things....moving from the ranks of the idle poor, to the idle rich. All in all, a very enjoyable, memorable evening. Thanks you to all of the cast and creative team!

[GatorNY]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 7:01pm

I'm surprised that there are no other thoughts about last night...anyone?

[BroomstickBoy]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 9:11pm

I don't think Cheyenne is a baritone, he's always sounded like a tenor to me. Just because he has a smooth lower range doesn't mean he classifies as a baritone.

He's more of a dramatic tenor.

Not trying to be obnoxious, just a quip :).

[Just_John]

Posted: 3/28/09 at 12:07am

I'm seeing the matinee today and I was just wondering how long the show was? Also what do you mean by "Ruben Santiago-Hudson switching roles with Philip Bosco was a great touch?" They played the same part at different times of the show?

[Dolly_Levi]

Posted: 3/28/09 at 12:11am

Home from tonight's perf. TERRIFIC! Charming and fun, great songs. Kate Baldwin is a STAR - get her a big, fat, BWay role immediately. Cheyenne was excellent, as was Jim Norton. One of Encores' best in the past few years, IMO.

[Cape Twirl of Doom]

Posted: 3/28/09 at 12:26am

I'm glad to hear positive things! I'm seeing it tomorrow night.

[musicalbluemirror]

Posted: 3/28/09 at 1:33am

Saw it thursday night and thought the music was amazing but the book was all over the place
and can i just say that Kate Baldwin is officially in my book of most beautiful voices!
stunning she was.

[ZiggyCringe]

Posted: 3/28/09 at 5:11am

I loved this production. Yay, Terri White.

Her "Necessity" brought the house down.

I'm just saying.

[boombaboy]

Posted: 3/28/09 at 6:32am

"Finian's Rainbow" is under 2 and a half hours with intermission. Yes, Philip Bosco and Ruben Santiago-Hudson played the same part, you'll see what happens. Kate Baldwin was wonderful and I don't know if Cheyenne is a dramatic tenor or baritone, I love that he has such a great big beautiful range. Terri White is fantastic as always! Run to see this show if you have the chance.

[marknyc]

Posted: 3/28/09 at 3:51pm

Saw it last night (Friday) and loved it.

But was Phillip Bosco drunk or high or something? He was dropping lines in strange ways and almost wandered off the stage near the end.

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 3/28/09 at 11:06pm

I saw the matinee today and even though I'm horrible at reviewing, I just wanted to say that I loved the production. everyone was wonderful, especially Kate Baldwin, who really needs a good Broadway role. and Alina Faye's Crock of Gold Dance with Guy Davis on harmonica was such an unusual, beautiful piece of theatre.

[defyingravity11]

Posted: 3/28/09 at 11:32pm

I saw it this afternoon as well. I only knew a little about the show before going in, but I really enjoyed it. I especially loved Jim Norton!

[HeightOfNonchalance]

Posted: 3/28/09 at 11:59pm

It is a delightful production. I agree with all the positive comments, and the negative reaction to Bosco who couldn't manage to get through his two short scenes. Best of all was Jeremy Bobb -- so playful, charming and adorable.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 3/29/09 at 2:03am

Anyone know the code for the $10 tickets? I can't find the thread that had it.

[jejr]

Posted: 3/29/09 at 11:23am

The Time4s reviewer mentioned that he liked the original last lines better than the new ones. Anyone remember what the last lines are now? In the original production, Finian says he is leave for Oak Ridre, Tenn. with his moonstone full of nutrons, protons and other "atomic" properties. It would seem that this would not work today.

[jv92]

Posted: 3/29/09 at 11:46am

While I loved hearing the great Lane-Harburg score again, the book is an incomprehensible mess. Too much going on there. But why carp? The score is lovely and the cast was excellent. The production was exceptional for Encores!. It was a very pleasant evening.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 3/29/09 at 2:25pm

I was in NYC yesterday but just had too much to do (WSS and other things that kept me running all day and night) to squeeze in Finian-- much to my dismay, considering what great reviews it got. Any hopes of it transferring or is it going to be another case of if you weren't there for the five performances, it's not going to happen? But still sorry I didn't get to see it. I love the show -- was in it once, in fact, many, many moons ago.

[jv92]

Posted: 3/29/09 at 2:45pm

The book is so confusing, I wouldn't count on it transfering. I mean, am I alone in thinking this? I love the score, don't get me wrong.

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 3/29/09 at 2:48pm

I saw the show yesterday. I loved the score and hated the book. However, I came in not knowing anything about the show. Thought Baldwin was a definite standout. She needs a broadway role again. Bosco inexplicably could not get through his short lines. I thought Jackson sang well, but I did not buy him in that role (and yes, I realize rehearsal was limited and this is basically a concert). Very enjoyable though.

[jewishboy]

Posted: 3/29/09 at 3:07pm

I don't know, I loved the book! And I thought Bosco was great as well. I don't think I've seen the Encores! crowd this pleased with a show since Kristin Chenoweth in The Apple Tree. Everyone was just so perfect.

[jv92]

Posted: 3/29/09 at 5:53pm

"I don't think I've seen the Encores! crowd this pleased with a show since Kristin Chenoweth in The Apple Tree. Everyone was just so perfect."

What about Follies?

[jewishboy]

Posted: 3/29/09 at 8:26pm

True, true. But, although I was completely thrilled by Follies I don't know if EVERYONE was. There are some Encores! concerts where you just know and can actually feel that the crowd is loving it.

[Mark_E]

Posted: 4/5/09 at 5:29am

Just read this is transferring in the fall. Does this means it might be open by mid-August (or previewing?)

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 4/5/09 at 7:04am

Probably this fall.