Theater Thursday - Finian's Rainbow and Babes in Toyland

We were given free tickets to Finian's Rainbow for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Finian's Rainbow

Where: Irish Reperatory Theatre
             132 W. 22nd St.
             New York, NY

When: Now through December 31, 2016

Who: Recommended for ages 16 and up

  

Me - Finian's Rainbow was amusing. It was about a man named Finian and his daughter, Sharon who came to live in this town called Rainbow Valley. Her father had stolen a pot of gold from a Lepruchan, and the Lepruchan wanted to get it back. The show was charming. It had pleasant characters and an interesting plot. One of my favorite characters was named Susan the Silent. She didn't talk instead she danced when she had something to say. She wore a pretty dress, and she danced really well. The Lepruchan was named Og. He was funny. There were a lot of funny parts in the show. I liked the songs too, but I don't remember them. I didn't have a favorite song, but I liked a lot of them. I liked the costumes especially Susan's. The acting and singing were good. The set was interesting. There were musical notes painted on the walls. Other than that the set really looked the outdoors. There was even a tree. Whether you have seen Finian's Rainbow before or not, you would like this production.

Mom - The current production of Finian's Rainbow is a delightfully entertaining show for all ages. The show is recommended for 16 and up. However, there is really nothing objectionable for younger teens and tweens. Children younger than that probably would not understand the nuances of the plot which involve, such things as, racism. Everyone would enjoy the lively songs and enchanting characters. The show includes such well known songs as How Are Things in Glocca Morra? and When I'm Not Near the Girl I Love. The characters include a leprechaun and a girl who speaks through dance. Of course, this is not the first production of this show. However, the acting singing and dancing in this version of the show are all great. Whether you have seen Finian's Rainbow before or not, you should enjoy this enchanting production. For more information or to order tickets go to https://irishrep.org/

*****************************************************************************************************
We were given free tickets to Babes in Toyland for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Babes in Toyland

Where: Kelsey Theatre
             1200 Old Trenton Road
             West Windsor, NJ

When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday through November 27

Who: All ages

Me- Babes in Toyland was  a fun filled show. It was about all these fairy tale characters who lived in Toyland. There were many different fairy tale characters in the show, such as, Mary Mary Quite Contrary who they called Contrary Mary, Bo Peep, Jack and Jill, Tom Tom and Little Red Riding Hood. There was this really cute little girl who at first played a lamb, and then later she was a little girl wearing a pretty purple dress. The story was interesting. It was unique and cool the way they brought all the different fairy tale characters together. The songs were okay, but I don't really remember them. The costumes were colorful and pretty. I loved that because I love color. It was a very good show and parents and children would both enjoy it.

Mom - Babes in Toyland is a show that brings together a bunch of beloved fairy tale characters in one story. The show was originally produced in 1903. There are so many characters in the show that a lot of them don't seem to be given that much to do. Although there may be a few to many characters to keep track of, the show is entertaining and does have an actual plot and the show is not just an excuse to throw all these characters together. There have actually been several versions of the show over the years some of them much darker than the current family friendly version in which nobody dies and there is not even any real violence. The ending here is actually rather hilarious. The songs are mostly entertaining although not necessarily all that memorable. A few of them may be familiar including Toyland and March of the Wooden Soldiers. Most of the acting and singing in this production of the show is good. John Zimmerman who plays the villanious Barnaby and Alexa Comeau who plays the young heroine, Mary Contrary are particularly good although the youthful looking Ms. Comeau doesn't look a day over 12. For more information or to order tickets go to 

http://www.kelseyatmccc.org/Babes%20In%20Toyland.shtml.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Funtivity Friday.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!