A: Is for the Art of Finain's Rainbow opening on Broadway

There is always a pot of gold at the end of the Rainbow, especially if your name is Finian. Through the eyes and mind of director/choreographer, Warren Carlyle, this beloved musical becomes a Valentine to New York and all of us who love musical theatre. A half a century old, the new adaptation by Arthur Perlman, is funny, relevant commentary of today's economic struggles. Class structure, greed and racism are it's vehicles. Not much has changed since 1947. The score by Burton Lane (music) and E.Y. Harburg (lyrics) is the heart and soul of "The American songbook" with such classics as ""How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" and "Old Devil Moon." Rob Berman's musical direction reinvents these songs and they are heard anew with voices that make you swoon with sheer contentment. . As for the cast: There has never been a better Finain than Jim Norton. His twinkling meddling is a delight. You completely understand why Sharon allows her father's impish deeds to continue. Fiesty Kate Baldwin's lush voice and thoughtful acting gives Sharon the feel of a women born of today. Falling for Broadway's leading man of choice, Cheyenne Jackson's, Woody Mahoney, fits the bill with his handsome good looks and smooth controlled voice. Christopher Fitzgerald as Og, the leprechaun who is losing more than his gold subtly steals the scenes he is in and as his pants diminish he grows on us inch by inch. Terri White, brings down the house with her show stopping version of "Necessity;" Alina Faye express herself lithely as Woody's sister; Susan the silent. In a sequence with well-known blues musician Guy Davis, Susan emotes in dance as Sunny relates by harmonica. David Schramm is the bigoted white senator and
Chuck Cooper is his counterpart. When enlightened by a wish he is joined with Bernard Dotson, James Stovall and Devin Richards who harmonize to audience approval with "The Begat.""When the Idle Poor Become the Idle Rich" illustrates the illusion of wealth, much like Bernie Madoff. Carlyle's choreography is reminiscent of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Like Michael Kidd he has turned dance routines into works of art, defining the moments of the score and script alike.This show will enchant even the most cynical for this is stage magic at it's best. You will remember why you fell in all in love with theatre and that is a F.A.C.T.