Off Broadway's Irish Repertory Theatre offers up a new production of the musical "Finian's Rainbow." NY1's Roma Torre filed the following review.
The Irish Repertory Theatre had much success with its enchanting production 12 years ago of “Finian’s Rainbow”. And now it’s back, with Melissa Errico repeating her lead performance and a story line that’s somewhat more abridged. And if the trimmed book seems rather incoherent now, the glorious score by Burton Lane and Yip Harburg, sung so beautifully here, more than make up for any narrative shortcomings.
The 1947 musical is best known for some of the most gorgeous songs in the theatrical canon. And while Harburg and Fred Saidy’s book deserves praise for its combination of whimsy and a socially responsible message, it’s also pretty convoluted. That likely explains why director Charlotte Moore focused her attentions on the music. And to her great credit, she manages to accomplish so much with so little.
The orchestra is whittled down to 4 pieces – but they produce a mighty lush sound. Each number is a thoroughly crafted gem featuring clever choreography on that tiny stage. And the company, cast for their sublime voices, sing their hearts out.
Errico plays Sharon from Ireland who arrives with her father Finian in fictitious Missitucky and find themselves taking sides with a group of sharecroppers being squeezed by a racist Senator. The union leader Woody falls for Sharon while Finian has to deal with a leprechaun who’s turning human.
It's an eclectic score with ballads, gospel, jazz and R&B all expertly sung. Errico is a divine natural in the role, perfectly matched by Ryan Silverman with excellent support from the impish Ken Jennings and Mark Evans’scrappy Og
A pot of gold figures in the story, but the true gold here – no, make that platinum - is the priceless music.