This really is a nicely done concert version of the musical, staged around and on top of two pianos, musical director, Mark Hartman and (I think) associate musical director Mark Janas.
Burton Lane’s music seems to be made for Max von Essen’s amazing voice. Max plays Woody Mahoney, the handsome, confident hero, who comes back to Rainbow Valley just in time to save his hometown from the clutches of the evil, racist Senator Billboard Rawkins; only to become bewitched and beguiled by the captivating Sharon.
Melissa Errico is perfect as Finian’s daughter Sharon. What a lovely voice. Could this be the same young lady I enjoyed as Eliza to Richard Chamberlain’s Professor Higgins a few years ago?
Malcolm Gets seems to be having a grand time playing the hormonally challenged leprechaun, Og. When I say hormonally challenged, it’s not just that he’s 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!!
The Irish Repertory Theatre makes it an intimate, comfortable, affordable theater experience. Finian’s Rainbow, opens tonight, April 15th and runs through May 30th.
It's never too late to live happily ever after!