Finian's Rainbow 1947

Ages: 6+
Opened: January 10, 1947

Finian's Rainbow - 1947 - Broadway History , Info & More

46th Street Theatre
226 W.46th St. New York, NY

The show had its Broadway premiere in 1947, which ran for 725 performances and won three Tony Awards, including one for star David Wayne and one for legendary choreographer Michael Kidd who made his Broadway debut with the show. One of the first of the socially conscious postwar musicals, Finian's Rainbow is unusual in that it deals in a satirical way with issues of class, race, and economics, most specifically in the character of a bigoted Southern senator who is accidentally turned black. It was also notable in its time for featuring an integrated cast at a time when most shows did not and for featuring a mute character who expresses herself solely through dance. The musical was revived in 1955 at City Center and in 1960 at Broadway's 46th Street Theatre.

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Photos: Porchlight Music Theatre Presents NEW FACES SING BROADWAY 1947
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 8, 2022


Porchlight Music Theatre’s first New Faces Sing Broadway concert of 2022, New Faces Sing Broadway 1947 with host Robin DaSilva, directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo, music directed by Linda Madonia and featuring ten new up and coming talents performing songs from the 1947 Broadway season begins streaming Friday, April 8.

Porchlight Music Theatre Announces Host, Cast & Team for NEW FACES SING BROADWAY 1947
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 16, 2022


Porchlight Music Theatre has announced its first New Faces Sing Broadway concert of 2022, New Faces Sing Broadway 1947 with host Robin DaSilva, directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo, music directed by Linda Madonia and featuring ten new up and coming talents performing songs from the 1947 Broadway season.

What Was the Golden Age of Broadway?
by Team BWW - Feb 19, 2022


Just last week, The Music Man marched back to Broadway- the latest revival of a show from musical theatre's most glorious time- the Golden Age. What was the Golden Age of Broadway all about and what years did it cover? Study up!

Porchlight Music Theatre Announces 2021 - 22 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 9, 2021


Porchlight Music Theatre has announced its return to live performance with its 27th season that includes the 2021 – 2022 Mainstage, Porchlight Revisits and New Faces Sing Broadway seasons. 

A Comprehensive Guide to All the Musical Theatre References in SCHMIGADOON!
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Aug 6, 2021


Did you miss some of the many, many musical theatre references on Schmigadooon? We've got you covered! Find out where you first heard those references to Brigadoon, The Music Man, Oklahoma!, and more.

CARLY PAOLI & FRIENDS Album Features Ramin Karimloo, Elaine Paige and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 19, 2021


Whether it be a live or recorded performance, a classical, contemporary, musical theatre or spiritual song, British/Italian soprano Carly Paoli, certainly knows how to deliver and 24 September 2021 will see the release of a brand-new album,  Carly Paoli & Friends on the Abiah label. 

Celebrating Women's History Month: Women in Theatre Through the Decades: 1960s-1970s
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 8, 2021


With Women in Theatre Through the Decades, we will be highlighting the vital role that women have played in theatre history, showcasing those who paved the way and who continue to make history today. This week, we are highlighting the accomplishments of women in theatre throughout the 1960s and the 1970s!

The Broad Stage presents True Blues, Corey Harris & Guy Davis
by Tori Hartshorn - Aug 28, 2018


The Broad Stage presents True Blues – Corey Harris and Guy Davis -- on Friday, September 28 at 7:30pm. Harris and Davis, two leading performers of acoustic blues, will each perform a set of their own before coming together onstage to celebrate the extraordinary music that has shaped their multifaceted careers.

Bay Area Cabaret Announces Matthew Morrison, Kate Baldwin, Gavin Creel, LaChanze, and More
by Julie Musbach - Jun 22, 2018


Bay Area Cabaret announces its 15th Anniversary Season of shows, its ninth at the legendary Venetian Room (Fairmont Hotel 950 Mason Street atop Nob Hill). This season's stellar lineup features many performers making their Bay Area Cabaret debuts, as well as the return of several favorites. It kicks off on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 7:00 pm with the San Francisco solo concert debut of Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe award-nominee Matthew Morrison (Glee, Hairspray, South Pacific, Finding Neverland).

TCM To Pay Tribute To Musicals In June Programming Special 'Mad About Musicals!'
by Tori Hartshorn - May 23, 2018


Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will pay homage to the glittering world of Hollywood musicals with Mad About Musicals!, a special month of programming celebrating timeless movie musicals such as The Wizard of Oz, Singin' in the Rain and Cabaret. TCM is once again partnering with Ball State University and Canvas to offer a free online multimedia course tied to this programming special about the history of the musical genre and its evolution with cultural and technological shifts. Enrollment is open until June 17 and fans can sign up for the course at musicals.tcm.com.

Tony Yazbeck, Emily Skinner, Lesli Margherita & More Set for BROADWAY BY THE YEAR at Town Hall
by Julie Musbach - Mar 1, 2018


Another all-star cast has been assembled for the second concert in this record-breaking 18th season of Town Hall's signature series,Broadway by the Year. After February's triumphant season opener, Town Hall's next concert on March 26th at 8pm will star Olivier Award winner Lesli Margherita who has won fans across the length and breadth of Broadway with her starring roles in Matilda & Dames at Sea. She will be joined by Broadway favorites, Tony Yazbeck (Tony Award nominee for On the Town) and Emily Skinner (Tony Award nominee for Side Show). In addition, the cast will star Jenny Lee Stern (Rocky: The Musical & Spamilton), Brian Charles Rooney (The Three-Penny Opera), Mia Gerachis (Jekyll & Hyde), and more stars soon to be announced!

BWW Review: FINIAN'S RAINBOW at Spinning Tree Theatre
by Alan Portner - Sep 3, 2017


Designed as a very funny screed against Jim Crowe and political corruption, Rainbow continues to shine on its audiences after 70 years.

Spinning Tree opens 7th Season with Intimate FINIAN'S RAINBOW
by Julie Musbach - Aug 6, 2017


The 1947 musical fantasy FINIAN'S RAINBOW, with music by Burton Lane and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, gets the Spinning Tree-tment September 1-17. The score, "one of the most enduringly delicious ever concocted for an American musical" (The New York Times), includes "Old Devil Moon," "How are things in Glocca Morra" and "Look to the Rainbow."

Spinning Tree Opens 7th Season with Intimate FINIAN'S RAINBOW
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 1, 2017


The 1947 musical fantasy FINIAN'S RAINBOW, with music by Burton Lane and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, gets the Spinning Tree-tment September 1-17. The score, "one of the most enduringly delicious ever concocted for an American musical" (The New York Times), includes "Old Devil Moon," "How are things in Glocca Morra" and "Look to the Rainbow."

Spinning Tree Theatre Opens 7th Season with FINIAN'S RAINBOW
by BWW News Desk - Aug 1, 2017


The 1947 musical fantasy FINIAN'S RAINBOW, with music by Burton Lane and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, gets the Spinning Tree-tment September 1-17.

Harlem Repertory Theatre To Revive Harburg & Saidy's JAMAICA
by BWW News Desk - Jun 29, 2017


The Harlem Repertory Theatre, under the direction of its Founding Artistic Director Keith Lee Grant, has announced that it will present JAMAICA, Yip Harburg and Fred Saidy,'s powerful story about a Jamaican woman's dream of moving to New York City, July 29th - March 24th at The Tato Laviera Theatre (240 East 123rd Street).

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre Announces 2017-18 Season
by A.A. Cristi - May 3, 2017


Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre's founding artistic director Fred Anzevino today announced the company's lineup for the 2017-18 season, its last in its Rogers Park venue, the No Exit Café. The company will move into a new home in Evanston for the 2018-19 season. Their '17-'18 season will open in September with William Finn and James Lapine's 1998 off-Broadway hit, A New Brain. The musical, which was inspired by a real-life medical crisis Finn experienced, concerns a songwriter who while in a coma and awaiting life-threatening brain surgery, hallucinates about the songs he has yet to write and the people in his life. Its score includes some of Finn's most romantic, humorous and joyous songs, such as “I'd Rather Be Sailing,” “The Music Still Plays On” and “I Feel So Much Spring.” A New Brain will be directed by Anzevino, with music direction by Jeremy Ramey and choreography by Cameron Turner. It will run from September 15  through October 29.

BWW Review: BROADWAY BY THE YEAR Illuminates the Timeless Relationship Between Art and Culture, Paying Tribute to the 1940s
by Casey Mink - Apr 13, 2017


At the most recent BROADWAY BY THE YEAR presentation on March 27, at its usual home of the Town Hall, the 1940s was the sent-up decade from which the evening's performers sang. At a time in the country that currently bears striking and cryptic similarity to that grim period of global history, the resonance of the evening's selections rang eerily. Additionally, they also demonstrated how little the relationship between culture and society has changed over the last seven decades.

Karen Oberlin, Anita Gilette and More to Join Richard Skipper for 'Yip' Harburg Celebration at the Beechman
by BWW News Desk - Apr 3, 2017


To celebrate the 121st birthday of lyricist E.Y. 'Yip' Harburg, Richard Skipper has assembled a brunch time cabaret tribute to the legendary lyricist, to be staged at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on April 8, with cabaret stars Karen Oberlin, Leslie Orofino, Maureen Kelley Stewart and a special appearance by Anita Gilette.

Official: Jeremiah James and More Join Melissa Errico in Irish Rep's FINIAN'S RAINBOW
by BWW News Desk - Jan 5, 2017


Irish Repertory Theatre announced today the new cast members joining FINIAN'S RAINBOW, which runs through January 29, 2017.

West End's Jeremiah James Joins Melissa Errico in FINIAN'S RAINBOW Tonight at Irish Rep
by BWW News Desk - Jan 4, 2017


New Year, new romance! West End star Jeremiah James is joining the cast of Irish Repertory Theatre's hit revival of FINIAN'S RAINBOW as 'Woody' opposite Melissa Errico, starting tonight, January 4, 2017.

FINIAN'S RAINBOW, Starring Melissa Errico, Extends Again at Irish Rep
by BWW News Desk - Dec 1, 2016


Due to unprecedented demand, Irish Repertory Theatre announced today a second extension of FINIAN'S RAINBOW, which will now run through January 29, 2017.

BWW Interview: Ryan Silverman of FINIAN'S RAINBOW at Irish Rep
by Courtney Savoia - Dec 1, 2016


In these uncertain and often turbulent times, it's so important to have a glimmer of hope to see the journey through. Irish Rep, which showcases Irish & Irish-America productions Off-Broadway, is rediscovering those themes that have plagued our country for decades with their latest production of 'Finian's Rainbow.' First premiering on Broadway in 1947, this iconic show explore the notions of greed, prejudice, and conflict in our country while trying to keep an optimistic attitude about human nature, belonging, and the meaning of life.

Pot of Gold! FINIAN'S RAINBOW, Starring Melissa Errico, Extends at Irish Rep
by BWW News Desk - Nov 8, 2016


Irish Repertory Theatre announced today an extension of FINIAN'S RAINBOW, which will now run through December 31. Directed and adapted by Charlotte Moore (Da), FINIAN'S RAINBOW began previews on October 26, 2016, and officially opened November 6, 2016 at Irish Rep Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage.

Photo Coverage: Irish Repertory Theatre's FINIAN'S RAINBOW Celebrates Opening Night
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 7, 2016


Irish Repertory Theatre presents FINIAN'S RAINBOW, directed and adapted by Charlotte Moore (Da), at Irish Rep Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage. The production officially opened last night, November 6, 2016, and runs through December 18. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the big night below!

Finian's Rainbow FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Finian's Rainbow have there been?
Finian's Rainbow has had 15 productions including Broadway which opened in 1947, Broadway which opened in 1947, West End which opened in 1947, Broadway which opened in 1955, Broadway which opened in 1955, Broadway which opened in 1960, Broadway which opened in 1960, Regional (US) which opened in 1997, New York which opened in 1999, US Tour which opened in 1999, New York which opened in 2003, Off-Broadway which opened in 2004, Off-Broadway which opened in 2004, Broadway which opened in 2009 and Off-Broadway which opened in 2016.
What Tony Awards has Finian's Rainbow been nominated for?
Best Conductor and Musical Director for Max Meth and Best Choreography for Michael Kidd.
What Tony Awards has Finian's Rainbow won?
Best Conductor and Musical Director for Max Meth, Best Choreography for Michael Kidd, .
What awards has Finian's Rainbow been nominated for?
Finian's Rainbow has been nominated for the Performance category at the Theatre World Awards, specifically for David Wayne.
What awards has Finian's Rainbow won?
Finian's Rainbow has won the Performance (Theatre World Awards) for David Wayne.

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