Interludes

VIEWPOINTS – Bigger doesn’t always necessarily mean better: The Off-Broadway revivals of FINIAN’S RAINBOW and TICK, TICK… BOOM!

• By drediman
• November 15, 2016
• No Comments

This fall, New Yorkers are being treated to two intimate, heartfelt Off-Broadway musical revivals, demonstrating that bigger – ahem, Broadway musicals – doesn’t necessarily mean better. In fact, I’d argue that the productions that I’ll be discussing here are just as satisfying as most big budget musicals you’ll find on the Great White Way.

The company of “Finian’s Rainbow” at the Irish Rep

Down at the Irish Repertory Theatre’s handsomely refurbished digs in Chelsea, a first rate revival of Burton Lane and E.Y. Harburg’s quirky, old-fashioned classic Finian’s Rainbow (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) is currently charming the pants off of its audiences. Charlotte Moore’s elegant and simply-staged production feels just right for this timely musical about social, racial, and economic unrest in the deep south through the eyes of Irish immigrants. Indeed, blowing up the show into a Broadway-scaled spectacle would diminish the delicate spell of Fred Saidy and Mr. Harburg’s parable-like book (like the last New York revival did). Although the production is accompanied by just four musicians, the chamber-sized music they create allows the cast to sing without amplification – and the aural warmth they create is something to be cherished. The cast is sterling, led by the gorgeously-voiced – and just plain gorgeous – Ryan Silverman and the age-less Melissa Errico as Woody and Sharon, respectively. They’re supported lovingly by Mark Evans as Og and Ken Jennings as Finian.

The company of Keen Company’s revival of “Tick, Tick… Boom!” at the Acorn Theatre

Farther uptown, Keen Company is running on all cylinders via its driving and irresistibly charismatic revival of the late, great Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick… Boom! (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED), which is currently playing at the Acorn Theatre in Theatre Row. The musical is Larson’s musical autobiography about his struggles as a musical theater writer (the revival uses David Auburn’s updated version of the book). The dilemma of either pursuing what you love in life or going down the tried-and-true – and more lucrative – corporate path is written loud and clear throughout the piece. As a longtime Rent fan, it’s fun to hear shades of what’s to come generously sprinkled all over the tuneful, eclectic score. Accompanied by an excellent four-piece band, the three-member cast is just wonderful to watch. As the Jonathan, Nic Blaemire is committed and dynamic, just as he should be. As his girlfriend and best friend (and a plethora of other characters), Ciara Renée and George Salazar, respectively, are giving carefully considered performances that fit beautifully Mr. Blaemire neurotic portrayal.

Both revivals have been extended well into December. You have no excuse to miss either production.

FINIAN’S RAINBOW
Off-Broadway, Musical
Irish Repertory Theatre
2 hours (with one intermission)
Through December 31

TICK, TICK… BOOM!
Off-Broadway, Musical
Keen Company at the Acorn Theatre
1 hour, 30 minutes (without an intermission)
Through December 18