Saoirse Ronan Will Host Irish Rep's FINIAN'S RAINBOW Benefit Concert; Max von Essen, Melissa Errico & More to Perform!

Irish Repertory Theatre presents FINIAN'S RAINBOW: IN CONCERT, this season's Gala Benefit production celebrating their return home to 22nd Street, on Monday, June 13th at 7 PM at The Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street, NYC). Hosted by Saoirse Ronan, FINIAN'S RAINBOW: IN CONCERT will feature performances by members of the Irish Rep cast in their original roles: Melissa Errico as "Sharon," Malcolm Gets as "Og," David Staller as "the Narrator," and Max Von Essen as "Woody." They will be joined by Tony Award winner Jim Norton as "Finian," Megan Fairchild of New York City Ballet as "Susan the Silent," and a full chorus, with additional casting to be announced.

The Irish Rep's Gala will honor Ellen McCourt, who has been the company's Board Chair for the past 10 years. With her late husband, author Frank McCourt, her support of the company has been unwavering during a period of creative growth and capacity-building.

The evening will be directed by Charlotte Moore and will have musical direction by John Bell. Single tickets start at $100 and are on sale now at www.IrishRep.org or by calling 212.727.2737.

The groundbreaking 1947 musical FINIAN'S RAINBOW follows an Irishman who steals a feisty leprechaun's pot of gold and escapes with his daughter, Sharon, to Missitucky, a mythical region in the United States that is part of the Jim Crow South. The daughter and the sprite each find romance with others, but also encounter bigotry, economic disparity and cultural injustice.

The score is spiked with such popular show tunes as "Old Devil Moon," "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" and "Look to the Rainbow," plus spicy comic and satiric songs such as "When I'm Not Near the Girl I Love," and "When the Idle Poor Become the Idle Rich."

Irish Repertory Theatre, now in its 28th season, was co-founded by Producing Director Ciarán O'Reilly and Artistic Director Charlotte Moore. Irish Rep opened its doors in September 1988 with Sean O'Casey's The Plough and the Stars and is currently the only year-round theatre company in New York City devoted to bringing Irish and Irish American works to the stage. Recognized with the Jujamcyn Theatres Award, a special Drama Desk Award for "Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish Drama," an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Achievement, and the Lucille Lortel Award for "Outstanding Body of Work," the Irish Rep has celebrated the very best in Irish theatre for over twenty-five years, from the masters to the new generation of Irish and Irish American writers who are transforming the stage. Nearly 38,000 audience members annually attend productions at our theatre located in the heart of New York's Off-Broadway community. Once here, they witness the Irish Rep's engaging perspective on the Irish and their unique contributions to the world of drama.

The performance will be followed by dinner at Bryant Park Grill (25 West 40th Street). Premium seating/dinner packages start at $500. Call 212-213-1166 or email Events@CarlaCapone.com for more information.

Pictured: Ronan in THE CRUCIBLE; Photo by James Minchin III