Ragtime or Finian's Rainbow

[pinoyonbroadway]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 5:49am

So I'm going up to New York for the first time for a few days and I have tickets to see A Little Night Music and In The Next Room. I have room for one more show on Thursday night and I can't decide between Ragtime or Finian's Rainbow. Which one should I go see?

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 7:11am

I've only seen Ragtime (2x), so I can't be terribly objective. Obviously, I loved it and highly reccommend it, but I've heard simply wonderful things about Finian's as well and am terribly sad that I cannot make it in before it closes.

Both shows have beautiful music (although Finian's is more of a classic) and I doubt that either will be revived again in the foreseeable future (sad, indeed).

From what I know and have heard: you really can't go wrong with either one. See what you can better and/or cheaper seats for? Flip a coin?

[gregj63]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 7:42am

Ragtime, no question. Great production of a great show.

Finian's has a good cast and is well done, but the dated premise of a leprechaun and a pot of gold just could not hold my interest at all.

[Just_John]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 9:56am

Ragtime, no question. As Whoopi said: "You're doing yourself a great disservice if you do not see this show."
Updated On: 1/3/10 at 09:56 AM

[GatorNY]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 10:02am

I was lucky to see both, and enjoyed them both. I think it depends on whether you want a light, funny experience, or a really emotional journey...a tear-jerker. I prefer the tear-jerker experience personally, so I'd pick RAGTIME.

Updated On: 1/3/10 at 10:02 AM

[bway1261]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 10:16am

"... the dated premise of a leprechaun and a pot of gold just could not hold my interest at all. "

How is the premise of a leprechaun dated?

[JacquelineHester]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 10:38am

Both great, but Finian's less likely to revived anytime soon. See it while you can

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 11:27am

I've seen and loved both so I honestly can't choose. Ragtime is beautiful and moving, and Finian's is fun and silly with a great score and a strong cast so it depends what type of show you want.

If I had to pick one though, I'd probably say Ragtime.

[Benzy92]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 11:59am

Having seen and loved both, Ragtime. Do not miss.

[RoslynReynolds]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 12:21pm

Ragtime is a pompous, self-important bore and kind of "uppity"; read the novel instead.

See Finian's.

[carts2010]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 12:29pm

I have not yet seen Finian's, but I will be seeing Ragtime for the fifth time this afternoon. I absolutely LOVE this show!

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 12:45pm

Finian's is a jewel that cannot be missed.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 1:18pm

Ragtime. You'd be a fool to miss this production.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 2:18pm

Any chance you could skip IN THE NEXT ROOM and see both?

Seriously, both are 5-star productions and it's a crime of the century that neither has managed to hang on - despite stellar reviews.

If you have to see only one, I'd suggest seeing FINIAN'S RAINBOW because it is very unlikely we will see a full revival of this show again for a very long time - if ever, and this production is an absolute joy from start to finish.

RAGTIME is a show that will be back in other forms. Since the original production closed it has become a staple at regional and community theatres. At one time a few years back the New York City Opera had proposed doing it - and perhaps a limited run there would do very well.

[NotYourMemories]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 2:37pm

I've heard rumors from reliable sources inside the production that Ragtime's not going to close soon, so you better not hurry up and see it.


Actually I agree with frontrowcentre2, try to see both of these productions. While Ragtime will certainly have a life in regional and college theaters I doubt we'll see another Broadway mounting anytime soon, which to me is the saddest thing about the fate of this revival.

Are you likely to ever see anything to compare to this cast, this direction and an amazing 28 piece orchestra performing Ragtime? I doubt it.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 2:44pm

I've seen both... see Ragtime.

[wonkit]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 3:16pm

I've seen them both, too - definitely see Ragtime.

[Fanb]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 10:17pm

I agree with Frontrowcenter. While Ragtime is a fantastic show, you are not likely to see a better sung show than this production of Finian's Rainbow. And neither is likely to be revived as well as in these current productions soon. If you can see both, you should try.

[teka21]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 10:37pm

I saw them both on the same day in November- and much preferred Finian's Rainbow. It is simply delightful- witty, warm and and a wonderful score. Don't miss it. This Ragtime just did not compare to the original for me- it felt flat and strident.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 10:57pm

Ragtime.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 11:04pm

How is the premise of a leprechaun dated

I don't know. I know for a fact that many people in Ireland believe in leprechauns or at least the idea of leprechauns.

[Just_John]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 11:08pm

What people in Ireland do you know?

[Eris0303]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 11:13pm

I have family on my mother's side that own a B&B there.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 11:47pm

Finian's Rainbow, hands down. It's a much better production of a wonderful show that doesn't happen often enough.

[jsg03jd]

Posted: 1/4/10 at 12:25am

If you can't see both, then go see FINIAN'S RAINBOW.