FINIAN'S RAINBOW first preview?- Page 3

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 10/14/09 at 3:15pm

Unless it gets raves or does an amazing ad campaign, I don't see this production selling very well. There are no performers that are well-known to the general public, and the title itself is not recognizable to people who aren't super MT fans, have done or seen the show, or have seen (or even remember) the movie.
In other words, if the show does not get almost unanimous raves, the producers need to start advertising like crazy.

[Sauja]

Posted: 10/14/09 at 4:15pm

I have to say that I thought this was a lovely production but that the show doesn't really have any reason to be on stage right now. It's a perfect fit for a program like Encores. There is beautiful music, and it doesn't get heard all that often. And while the show exudes charm and has a wonderful cast, the plot is absurdly silly, and while some of the show's themes are still relevant it is enormously dated from a stylistic standpoint.

I loved hearing the great big cast and full orchestra performing this music. The richness of sound is something you just can't beat. But this seems like a curio--nothing more, nothing less. I wish them the best with it since there is obviously quite a bit of talent involved, but I just can't see this production becoming successful in the long run.

[winston89]

Posted: 10/14/09 at 6:22pm

ray-andallthatjazz86, I believe that it was dark on Sunday and had a performance instead on that monday.

[GIZMO2]

Posted: 10/16/09 at 12:21am

I regret saying this, but add my name to those who didn't "get" this show. While it was entertaining in places, and while there were some worthy performances, and even while my TDF ticket was absolutely perfect -- aisle seat in the Mezz, 3 row -- I simply couldn't appreciate the silly plot, lack of relevant/memorable songs, and the unrelenting stabs at black/Irish/social class.

And yes, with the exception of the beautiful main curtain, the set is offensive, any way you look at it, for a Broadway show, even during a recession. (I've seen better sets in high school productions.)

Just my two cents. I know a lot of you enjoyed this production, but I simply can't recommend it.

[ZiggyCringe]

Posted: 10/16/09 at 9:48am

Musical. Comedy. Heaven.

I was utterly thrilled by this production. The choreography? Thrilling. The direction? Exactly on spot. The cast? Heavenly. Kate Baldwin is especially good. Warren Carlyle knew enough to let the material land. No crazy concept, just trust in the material.

And the material lands. It's a freaking amazing score, and the audience (Tuesday night) was utterly enamored of the whole thing. "If This Isn't Love" stopped the show. "Necessity" stopped the show again.

Even the second act (which, frankly, has some issues) played like gangbusters.

Kudos to the entire cast, but especially Baldwin. (I agree with the OP, she deserves to have a Tony). This is the revival that "South Pacific" hoped it would be, but wasn't.
Updated On: 10/16/09 at 09:48 AM