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Finian's Rainbow Revival

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Finian's Rainbow - 1960 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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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!

Virtual Theatre Today: Thursday, May 28- with Josh Groban, Steven Pasquale and More!
by Nicole Rosky - May 28, 2020


Today (May 28) in live streaming: Josh Groban is back for movie night, Steven Pasquale has a Classic Conversation, and so much more!

Virtual Theatre Today: Wednesday, May 27- with Chad Kimball, Alex Brightman and More!
by Nicole Rosky - May 27, 2020


Today (May 27) in live streaming: Chad Kimball visits Backstage Live, Debra Messing and Victoria Clark visit Stars in the House, and so much more!

Virtual Theatre Today: Tuesday, May 26- with Joshua Henry, Lynn Ahrens, Brandon Victor Dixon and More!
by Nicole Rosky - May 26, 2020


Today (May 26) in live streaming: Star Trek Voyager reunites, a new episode of It's the Day of the Show Y'all, and so much more!

New and Upcoming Book and Music Releases For the Week of April 20 - SING STREET, All-Female JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and More!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2020


Need something new to read or watch? Check out this week's list of new and upcoming releases!

Wake Up With BWW 5/2: Morrissey Begins Broadway Residency, and More!
by Stephi Wild - May 2, 2019


Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Today, Morrissey kicks off his Broadway residency at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater! The engagement will run through May 11! BroadwayWorld would like to wish Morrissey a happy first performance!

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.

Marc Kudisch, Bebe Neuwirth, Nancy Opel, Carolee Carmello, Vanessa Williams and More Tapped for HEY, LOOK ME OVER! at Encores!
by BWW News Desk - Dec 15, 2017


Encores! Artistic Director Jack Viertel today announced additional details and casting for Hey, Look Me Over! (Feb 7 - 11), the Encores! original production which opens the 25th season of the beloved, Tony- honored series responsible for bringing classic American musicals back to life since 1994.

Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp, Kate Baldwin and More Set for October at Feinstein's/54 Below
by BWW News Desk - Oct 1, 2016


This September, Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp, Kate Baldwin and More Set for October at Feinstein's/54 Below
by BWW News Desk - Sep 29, 2016


This September, Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn Gets A Theater in the Park for the Summer
by BWW News Desk - Aug 27, 2016


August in August' is a brand new annual live performance series teaming Joseph Grant Jr., ambassador of arts and culture for the councilman and theatrical producer Andrea J. Fulton of the Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation. Joint efforts result in the mounting of August Wilson's Tony nominated Two Trains Running directed by Sabura Rashid as its upcoming offering starting August 26th 2016. The production of 'Two Trains Running' will be featured at Fulton Park in Brooklyn on Aug. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., and Aug. 27 at Herbert Von King Park from 4 to 7p.m. Both performances are FREE. August in August actually began Aug. 13 with the first installation of the series 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom performed at Fulton Park in Brooklyn, produced by the Bed-Stuy Theatre Group.

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn Gets A Theater in the Park for the Summer
by BWW News Desk - Aug 26, 2016


August in August' is a brand new annual live performance series teaming Joseph Grant Jr., ambassador of arts and culture for the councilman and theatrical producer Andrea J. Fulton of the Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation. Joint efforts result in the mounting of August Wilson's Tony nominated Two Trains Running directed by Sabura Rashid as its upcoming offering starting August 26th 2016. The production of 'Two Trains Running' will be featured at Fulton Park in Brooklyn on Aug. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., and Aug. 27 at Herbert Von King Park from 4 to 7p.m. Both performances are FREE. August in August actually began Aug. 13 with the first installation of the series 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom performed at Fulton Park in Brooklyn, produced by the Bed-Stuy Theatre Group.

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn Gets A Theater in the Park for the Summer
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 19, 2016


August in August' is a brand new annual live performance series teaming Joseph Grant Jr., ambassador of arts and culture for the councilman and theatrical producer Andrea J. Fulton of the Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation. Joint efforts result in the mounting of August Wilson's Tony nominated Two Trains Running directed by Sabura Rashid as its upcoming offering starting August 26th 2016. The production of 'Two Trains Running' will be featured at Fulton Park in Brooklyn on Aug. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., and Aug. 27 at Herbert Von King Park from 4 to 7p.m. Both performances are FREE. August in August actually began Aug. 13 with the first installation of the series 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom performed at Fulton Park in Brooklyn, produced by the Bed-Stuy Theatre Group.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 5/23/16- FINIAN'S RAINBOW
by Nicole Rosky - May 23, 2016


Today in 1960, Finian's Rainbow opened at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre). Finian's Rainbow is a musical with a book by E.Y. Harburg and Fred Saidy, lyrics by Harburg, and music by Burton Lane. The 1947 Broadway production ran for 725 performances. Finian moves to the southern United States (the fictional state of Missitucky is a humorous combination of Mississippi and Kentucky) from Ireland with his daughter Sharon, to bury a stolen pot of gold near Fort Knox, in the mistaken belief that it will grow. A leprechaun follows them, desperate to recover his treasure before the loss of it turns him permanently human. Complications arise when a bigoted and corrupt U.S. Senator gets involved, and when wishes are made inadvertently over the hidden crock.

NCTC to Present West Coast Premiere of ON A CLEAR DAY
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 18, 2016


New Conservatory Theatre Center crowns its 2015-16 season with the West Coast premiere of a whimsical reimagining of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, the classic American musical featuring music by Burton Lane, lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, and a new book by Peter Parnell, based on the original book by Lerner. This mesmerizing and enchanting new look at the classic musical is just your typical musical comedy - about hypnosis, a gay florist with commitment issues, a love triangle with a therapist, and past life as a 1940s chanteuse.

BWW Review: Six Years After Its Debut, Maxine Linehan's Stunning Petula Clark Tribute Show Retroactively Becomes One of New York Cabaret's Greatest Hits
by Billie Roe - Nov 5, 2015


For the third installment of his New York Cabaret's Greatest Hits--a wonderful new monthly series at the Metropolitan Room celebrating award winning and critically acclaimed cabaret shows of the past--Producer Stephen Hanks (and his Cabaret Life Productions) wisely chose Maxine Linehan's What Would Petula Do? A Tribute to Petula Clark. Although this show won no awards, nor received critical acclaim in 2009 (when I first saw it at the Laurie Beechman Theatre), Linehan's revival this past Monday night of one of her first cabaret shows could certainly be considered one the best of this or any year. 

THE MIKADO and Musical Theatre's Troublesome Time With Racism
by Michael Dale - Sep 22, 2015


From SHOW BOAT to FINIAN'S RAINBOW to MISS SAIGON, musicals meant to attack racism have often been accused of being racially insensitive.

Linda Lavin, 54 SINGS AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' & More Set for 54 Below This Week
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 1, 2015


This week at 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 5/23/15- FINIAN'S RAINBOW
by Nicole Rosky - May 23, 2015


Today in 1960, Finian's Rainbow opened at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre). Finian's Rainbow is a musical with a book by E.Y. Harburg and Fred Saidy, lyrics by Harburg, and music by Burton Lane. The 1947 Broadway production ran for 725 performances. Finian moves to the southern United States (the fictional state of Missitucky is a humorous combination of Mississippi and Kentucky) from Ireland with his daughter Sharon, to bury a stolen pot of gold near Fort Knox, in the mistaken belief that it will grow. A leprechaun follows them, desperate to recover his treasure before the loss of it turns him permanently human. Complications arise when a bigoted and corrupt U.S. Senator gets involved, and when wishes are made inadvertently over the hidden crock.

Westchester Broadway Theatre's CAMELOT Begins Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jan 29, 2015


Lerner and Loewe's timeless masterpiece, Camelot was inspired by T. H. White's chivalric tale, 'The Once and Future King'. It is considered one of history's greatest love stories. King Arthur and his new queen, Guenevere, rule their kingdom with ideals of chivalry and peace, but the arrival of Sir Lancelot threatens the foundation of the realm in one of the most fabled love triangles of all time. Revel in the glorious music including,'Camelot', 'If Ever I WouldLeave You', 'The Lusty Month of May', 'I Loved You Once in Silence', 'What Do the Simple Folk Do?'

Westchester Broadway Theatre's CAMELOT Begins 1/29
by Tyler Peterson - Jan 22, 2015


Lerner and Loewe's timeless masterpiece, Camelot was inspired by T. H. White's chivalric tale, 'The Once and Future King". It is considered one of history's greatest love stories. King Arthur and his new queen, Guenevere, rule their kingdom with ideals of chivalry and peace, but the arrival of Sir Lancelot threatens the foundation of the realm in one of the most fabled love triangles of all time. Revel in the glorious music including,"Camelot", 'If Ever I WouldLeave You', 'The Lusty Month of May', 'I Loved You Once in Silence', 'What Do the Simple Folk Do?'

Kate Baldwin, Jason Danieley, Heidi Blickenstaff & More Set for 92Y's LYRICS & LYRICISTS 2015
by Tyler Peterson - Oct 28, 2014


2Y announces casting for Lyrics & Lyricists 2015, the 45th season of the acclaimed American Songbook series. Cady Huffman, Liz Callaway, Kate Baldwin, Peter Cincotti and Jason Danieley are among the performers interpreting the works of Stephen Sondheim; Irving Berlin; Sheldon Harnick; and such songwriters as Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and Leonard Bernstein, who so eloquently illuminated New York City's essence in song. Mitzi Gaynor makes a special guest appearance for the show on Hollywood's Leading Ladies - only the fourth time the legendary entertainer has performed in New York City.

BWW Interviews: Kate Baldwin Talks Paper Mill's Broadway-Bound CAN-CAN!
by Caryn Robbins - Oct 15, 2014


Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin stars as Pistache, a Parisian cafe owner who decides to feature the scandalous dance the Can-Can in her show, yet her defiance of the law may mean the end of her business and her love life.

Broadway-Bound CAN-CAN Begins Tonight at Paper Mill
by BWW News Desk - Oct 1, 2014


Paper Mill Playhouse will open its 2014-2015 season with a Broadway-bound, world-class revival of Can-Can starring Kate Baldwin as Pistache and Jason Danieley as Aristide. Can-Can will play the Millburn, New Jersey, theater from tonight, October 1 through October 26, 2014. The official press opening night is Sunday, October 5, at 7:00pm.

Peter Sander and Theatre Arts Japan Presents ROBINSON (TO) CRUSOE at Hudson Guild Theatre, Now thru 8/31
by BWW News Desk - Aug 28, 2014


Director of Drama Desk nominated performance 'Vivien', Peter Sander collaborates with Theatre Arts Japan (Eriko Ogawa, Artistic Director), and theater company Ku Na'u Ka's music director/composer/percussionist Hiroko Tanakawa to present work of Japan's master playwright, Asaya Fujita's 'Robinson (to) Crusoe', an adaptation of D'Introna and Ravicchio's comedy, 'Robinson and Crusoe'.

Finian's Rainbow History

Other Productions of Finian's Rainbow

1947   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1947   West End London Production
West End
1955   Broadway City Center Revival
Broadway
1960   Broadway City Center Revival
Broadway
1997   Regional (US) Goodspeed Revival
Regional (US)
1999   New York Reading
New York
1999   US Tour Touring Revival
US Tour
2003   New York New York Concert
New York
2004   Off-Broadway Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Broadway
2004   Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
2009   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2016   Off-Broadway Irish Repertory Company Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Broadway

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