Spotlight on Finian’s Rainbow

Spring is definitely here and there’s music in the air on Willow Place .  If you listen closely, you may hear such catchy melodies as “Look to the Rainbow”, “When I’m Not Near The Girl I Love”, “Old Devil Moon” and “How Are Things In Glocca Morra?”.  If you listen even closer, you’ realize that our spring musical is the 1947 Harburg/Saidy/Lane show, Finian’s Rainbow.

Finian’s Rainbow is the delightful magical fantasy about an Irishman and his daughter who come to the mythical state of Missitucky to seek their fortune.  A leprechaun follows them to get back his crock of gold.  When they settle in Rainbow Valley , they meet the handsome leader of the local sharecroppers, his mute sister and a bigoted senator and his corrupt law enforcement officials.

The production features the talents of a number of familiar and new faces to the Heights stage.  Starring as Finian McLonergan is Jay Braver (Sipos in She Loves Me).   Others in major roles include newcomers Abby Judd as Sharon McLonergan; Jason Schulof as Og, the leprechaun; and Lily Robbins as Susan the Silent.  Veterans in principal parts are Timothy Charles as Woody Mahoney; John Kelly as Senator Rawkins; Rodney Singleton as Bill Rawkins; David Mackler as Buzz Collins; Leo C. Contrino as The Sheriff; Andrea Bernardo as Henrietta; and Tiffany Darden as Dottie.

They are joined by a large supporting cast and ensemble including veterans Joseph Lopez, Adrian Miranda, Aurora Dreger, Myla Marino, Olga Savuk, Erica Stone, Danielle Raymo, Ilana Labourene, Gail Lemelbaum, Maureen Vidal, Catherine Kelly, Cathy Lemmon, Sandy Brower, Marilyn Beck, Sam Greene and newcomers Michael Kidney, Smith Robinson, Dina Grilli, Sarah Miller, and Tom Pymm.

The production is being directed by Thomas N. Tyler.   His staff includes musical director Julianne Merrill; assistant director/choreographer Aurora Dreger; production stage manager Leo C. Contrino; set designer Co9lleen Finn, assisted by Bill Wood; lighting designer Leo J. Contrino; creative assistant /props manager Eileen Delgado, assisted by Jan VanderPutten; backstage manager Jim McNulty; house manager John Bourne, assisted by Tom Levy; assistant choreographer Michael Kidney; lighting technician Anthony Artiga; and set artist Paul Keim. Others workiing on the production include Gina Healy, Ellen Pittari, Dina Grilli, Timothy Charles, Paulette Sainato- Borchelt, and Robert Wachewski.

Production dates are May 18, 19, 25, 26, June 1 and 2 at 8:00 P.M. and May 20, 27 and June 3 at 2:00 P.M.  Reservations may be made by calling 718-237-2752 or online (24 hour notice).