FINIAN'SRainbow

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is FINIAN’S RAINBOW about?
With a sparkling score of beloved standards and a whimsical story that dances between romance, satire and fairy tale, FINIAN'S RAINBOW is a musical theater treasure.

Set in the mythical southern state of Missitucky, FINIAN'S RAINBOW pits a charming Irish dreamer and his headstrong daughter against the host of complications that await them in their newly adopted land: a bigoted southern Senator, a credit crisis, a pesky leprechaun and, of course, a complicated love affair that gives birth to some of the most witty, charming and heartfelt songs ever written for the stage.

Q. Who wrote it?
The book is by Yip Harburg and Fred Saidy, the lyrics are by Yip Harburg, and the music is by Burton Lane.

Q. Who was in the Broadway revival?
Tony Award® winner Jim Norton (The Seafarer) starred as the loveable Finian, with Kate Baldwin (Wonderful Town) as the plucky Sharon, Cheyenne Jackson (Xanadu) as Woody, the boy who falls under her spell and Christopher Fitzgerald (Young Frankenstein) as Og the leprechaun.

Q: Is there a cast recording of this production?

Yes! Click here to pre-order the official Broadway Cast Recording.

Q: How long is FINIAN’S RAINBOW?
2 hours, 20 minutes, including intermission.

Q. Is there an intermission?
Yes, there is one intermission.

Q. Who produced FINIAN’S RAINBOW?
David Richenthal, Jack Viertel and Alan D. Marks Click here for their bios.

Q. How can I contact someone at FINIAN’S RAINBOW?
By email at FINIAN'SRainbowBway@gmail.com

Q: Is FINIAN’S RAINBOW good for families and students?
Yes.  We think kids 10 and older will have the most fun, but children 4 and up are welcome. With fun, laughter and an uplifting story, FINIAN’S RAINBOW breaks barriers and raises poignant, topical issues. Themes in the show include racial tolerance, justice, social equality, abuse of power, living beyond one's means, the notion of hope and home, the importance of listening to one's heart and the ability to find peace and happiness with the important and simple things in life. Click here to learn more.

Q. Will my grandparents enjoy FINIAN’S RAINBOW?  
They'll love it!

Q. Where did the show play before?
FINIAN’S RAINBOW had its Broadway premiere in 1947 and has had three major revivals (1955, 1960 and 1967). It was also made into a film starring Fred Astaire and Petula Clark, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, in 1968. In 2004 the Irish Repertory Theatre staged a well-received Off-Broadway production.

New York's City Center Encores! series performed a critically acclaimed concert version of the current production in March 2009.

Q. FINIAN'S RAINBOW is an American classic. I want to know more about the show and its authors, Yip Harburg, Burton Lane and Fred Saidy.
FINIAN'S RAINBOW is classic Broadway fare with bright, melodic show tunes and romantic lyrics that tell a story. It has terrific, timeless songs—Jazz, Gospel, ballads, folk, R&B and more: “Old Devil Moon,” a romantic and jazz classic; “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?,” the Irish immigrant's wistful ballad; “Look to the Rainbow,” a universal folk song of hope in hard times, and “Necessity,” a Gospel song about job and economic woes with lyrics that are all too relevant now.

The story and songs apply as much today as they did when they were written (Madoffs of the world, beware!). The unique and delightful story combines love, money, magic (literally—there's a leprechaun who grants wishes!), and social justice. Songs from the show include the satirical “When The Idle Poor Become the Idle Rich,” “The Begat,” which uses the Biblical term to humorously barb over-population gone wild and the eternal love-at-first-sight song “If This Isn't Love.”

Harburg, Lane and Saidy are among the most celebrated and beloved theatrical writers of our time. Yip Harburg wrote the lyrics for “Over the Rainbow” (the American Film Institute's #1 Movie Song of All Time), Burton Lane composed “On A Clear Day You Can See Forever” and Fred Saidy wrote the book for Bloomer Girl, the first feminist, anti-slavery musical.

Click here for archival video footage of Yip Harburg and Burton Lane in Finian's Treasury.

Q. How do I get to the St. James Theatre?
The St. James Theatre is located in New York City at
246 West 44th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. Click here for directions and public transportation access.

Q. What subways are close by?
The closest subways are: A, C, E to 42nd Street. Exit 44th Street and walk east to the theatre. Click here for directions and public transportation access.

Q. Where do I park the car?
There are many parking lots in the neighborhood, but remember that curtain times create added traffic.

Q. Is the St. James Theatre handicapped accessible?
Yes. A wheelchair accessible restroom (unisex) is located on the main level, wheelchair seating is available, as is an assisted listening system.

Q. Is the St. James Theatre accessible for blind and deaf patrons?
Yes, both blind and deaf patrons have full access to FINIAN'S RAINBOW.

D-Scriptive is available in the theatre for blind and partially sighted patrons at no cost. Click here for a full description of the service.

The I-Caption hand-held captioning system for theatergoers who are deaf or have profound hearing loss is also available at no cost to the patron. Click here for a full description of the service.

There is also an assistive listening system available in the theatre. Reservations are not necessary, but please arrive early. Driver’s license or ID with printed address required.

Q. Does the St. James Theatre have air conditioning?
Yes.

Q. Do I have to climb stairs to see FINIAN’S RAINBOW?
No.

Q. Is there a place in the St. James Theatre to buy a snack or a drink?
Yes!

Q. Is there a coat check?
Yes.

Q. Is there a lost and found in the St. James Theatre?
Yes.