THE rainbow is actually a light grid, but that’s the only thing artifi cial about the new Encores! production of “Finian’s Rainbow” that has alighted on City Center for an all-too-brief run.
This 1947 musical features one of the more problematical books in theatrical history, but its score by Burton Lane and E.Y. Harburg is undeniably glorious. It’s being given full justice in this musically rich revival, which features the original orchestrations as performed by a 32-piece orchestra.
The fantastical story concerns the arrival of Finian (Jim Norton) and his daughter Sharon (Kate Baldwin) in the Deep South, where he plans to plant the pot of gold he’s stolen from a leprechaun (Jeremy Bobb). Other characters include a bigoted white senator (Philip Bosco) — who, in one of the show’s most unusual elements, is magically turned black — and a mute woman (Alina Faye) who expresses herself entirely through dance.
While the book has long been derided for its sheer bizarreness, it actually contains some fascinating social commentary, emphasized here in David Ives’ truncated adaptation. Needless to say, the references to the wonders of unlimited credit produced some of the evening’s biggest laughs.
But it’s such songs as “Look to the Rainbow,” “Old Devil Moon,” “If This Isn’t Love” and, of course, “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” that make this show so magical. They are delivered in top-flight fashion by a cast that also includes Cheyenne Jackson, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, and — delivering the gospel-style “Necessity” in true show-
stopping fashion –Terri White.
Norton, usually seen here in far weightier fare (“The Weir,” “The Seafarer”), is a delightfully twinkly Finian; Baldwin reveals herself to be a real musical theater star with her gorgeously sung Sharon; and Jackson again demonstrates his all-
American appeal as the hero, Woody.
Director/choreographer Warren Carlyle, working within the usual limits of Encores! productions, has delivered a stirring production featuring plenty of rousing choreography.
Better hurry to City Center, as this “Rainbow” will sadly fade away after tomorrow’s performance.
FINIAN’S RAINBOW City Center, 131 W. 55th St.; 212-581-1212. Through tomorrow.