Producers David Richenthal, Jack Viertel, and Alan D. Marks have announced that the critically-acclaimed Broadway production of Finian’s Rainbow will close on Sunday, January 17. The production will have played 22 previews and 92 performances.

Finian’s Rainbow opened October 29, 2009, at Broadway’s St. James Theatre to the best reviews of the season:

“Permanent sunshine. Infectious song and exuberant dancing are on abundant display in this thoroughly winning, joyous production.”
Charles Isherwood, The New York Times

“Finian’s Rainbow overflows with songs that are pure heaven, propelled by Yip Harburg’s wit and Burton Lane’s timeless sense of melody. Scrumptious!”
Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Post

“This fine-tuned production carries you away on a cloud of melody, magic, and make-you-swoon performances. It’s wall-to-wall ear candy with witty staging, joyful dancing and a fine cast. The show is a gem.”
Joe Dziemianowicz, Daily News

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more musically satisfying Broadway show. Not only is the score a string of flawlessly cut gems, but everyone involved in the production takes the songs seriously, performing them with love and sensitivity.”
Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal

“From the moment of the show’s soaring overture, blissful surrender is the only option. An infectious charmer with a winning cast and one of Broadway’s most consistently melodious scores. It’s pure escapist whimsy.”
David Rooney, Variety

A statement from the producers reads: “Despite the rave reviews and extraordinarily positive audience reception, the economic realities of Broadway today do not allow us to play at the St. James as long as we would have hoped. We are thrilled, however, that our gorgeous musical score—performed by our incredible cast and brilliant orchestra—lives on in our soon to be released cast album.”

Finian’s Rainbow has a book by Yip Harburg and Fred Saidy; lyrics by Yip Harburg; music by Burton Lane; with book adaptation by Arthur Perlman and original adaptation for New York City Center Encores! by David Ives. It is directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle; musical direction is by Rob Berman.

The production stars Jim Norton (Finian), Kate Baldwin (Sharon), Cheyenne Jackson (Woody), Christopher Fitzgerald (Og) and Chuck Cooper (Bill).
Finian’s Rainbow’s cast and orchestra recorded the show on Monday, December 7 for PS Classics. The label anticipates an early February street date.

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 theatre 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.

The musical boasts such classic songs as "Old Devil Moon," "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?," "When I'm Not Near the Girl I Love (I Love the Girl I'm Near)," Look to the Rainbow" and "If This Isn't Love.”

Finian’s Rainbow plays the St. James Theatre, 246 West 44 Street. The performance schedule is Tuesday through Thursday at 7pm; Friday and Saturday at 8pm; with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm, and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.telecharge.com or by phoning (212)239-6200. For groups, phone (212)541-8457 or 1- (800)BROADWAY. For more information about Finian’s Rainbow, visit www.FiniansOnBroadway.com.

ORIGINAL CAST RECORDING
SET FOR FEBRUARY RELEASE