Spinning Tree Opens 7th Season with Intimate FINIAN'S RAINBOW

The 1947 musical fantasy FINIAN'S RAINBOW, with music by Burton Lane and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, gets the Spinning Tree-tment September 1-17. The score, "one of the most enduringly delicious ever concocted for an American musical" (The New York Times), includes "Old Devil Moon," "How are things in Glocca Morra" and "Look to the Rainbow."

Spinning Tree proudly produces the Kansas City premiere of the two-piano version of the show, developed in 2004 by New York City's Irish Repertory Theatre. The Off-Broadway production was revived in 2016 with two sold-out extensions. Critics and audiences praised the production's relevance and topical nature of dealing with racism, prejudice and class distinctions in addition to its nostalgic charm and exquisite score.

Phil Fiorini plays Finian in a cast that also includes Elise Poehling (Sharon), Joseph Carr (Woody), Olivia Cabrera (Sally Ann), Michael DeCoursey (Og), and features Connor Branson (Sheriff), Siena Radice (Susan), Nathan Dale Short (Senator), Emily Vargo (Lily Mae) and Bob Wearing (Buzz). Rounding out the cast are metropolitan-area teen performers Charity Harris, Sheridan Mirador, Aggie Williams and LillIan Williams.

Director/choreographers Michael and Andrew Grayman-Parkhurst pair with Music Director Gary Green to bring the mythical town of Missitucky to life for 14 magical performances.

Season 7 continues with the Kansas City premiere of Harvey Fierstein's Broadway play CASA VALENTINA starring Victor Raider-Wexler, John Rensenhouse, De De DeVille and Jan Rogge; the Kansas City premiere of FULL GALLOP starring Cheryl Weaver as ousted Vogue Editor Diana Vreeland; and Broadway gem ONCE ON THIS ISLAND directed by Nedra Dixon with music direction by Pamela Baskin-Watson.

Spinning Tree Theatre's 7th season plays Just Off Broadway Theatre, 3051 Central in Kansas City, Missouri. Season and single tickets available by calling Central Ticket Office at (816) 235-6222. More information including performance dates and times at www.spinningtreetheatre.com.