Finian's Rainbow Records Broadway Gold
By Christopher Moore, Broadway Magazine
The wit and magic of the current Broadway revival of Finian's Rainbow has warmed the coldest souls on Broadway this winter. Now, the gifted ensemble has taken to the recording studio to capture a cast recording of the production. In this new video feature, cast and creatives from the show discuss the experience of performing the show, and recording it for posterity.
"For me it is a very exciting event, because I've never done a cast album before," smiles Tony Award winning actor and all-around Broadway magician Jim Norton, who is giving a delightful performance as Finian Mclonergan.
With the full orchestra of 26, Finian's Rainbow offers Broadway audiences a lush, full sound. For the cast recording the full orchestra was on hand.
"Everyone rises to the occasion," says music director Rob Berman with a smile, "when the pressure is on."
"We've got the incomparable Rob Berman on the stick," shares the dazzling Kate Baldwin, who has earned critical raves for her work in the production, "I really believe that he's one of the best music director's who's working on Broadway right now."
Her fellow castmates echo the sentiment.
"It's not easy to come in cold and suddenly project what you've been performing on stage for hours," reflects producer Alan D. Marks.
"You want it to have that crackle," gestures Broadway great Cheyenne Jackson, "because that's what makes this music live."
"So many people have a relationship with the music of this show specifically. It's so rich. The lyrics are so funny, and the tunes are so memorable," says Christopher Fitzgerald who plays the endearing leprechaun Og in the Broadway production.
Show-stopper and ovation-getter Terri White remarks that it is not uncommon to see people in the audience singing along with the show.
"Every one of these songs brings the house down," observes Jim Norton. With songs like Old Devil Moon, Look To The Rainbow, and How Are Things in Glocca Morra?, the score of Finian's Rainbow offers an abundant mix of classic songs.
With a uncompromising sweet sound and a smile-inducing production, Finian's Rainbow has already earned accolades for capturing the spirit of the classic Broadway musical on stage; now with the cast recording it appears that they've found a way to bottle that magic for all time. Look for the recording soon, and catch the production currently playing on Broadway. Watch the entire video feature on the cast recording right here on Broadway.tv.
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