Interview: Ryan Silverman of FINIAN'S RAINBOW at Irish Rep

In these uncertain and often turbulent times, it's so important to have a glimmer of hope to see the journey through. Irish Rep, which showcases Irish & Irish-America productions Off-Broadway, is rediscovering those themes that have plagued our country for decades with their latest production of "Finian's Rainbow." First premiering on Broadway in 1947, this iconic show explore the notions of greed, prejudice, and conflict in our country while trying to keep an optimistic attitude about human nature, belonging, and the meaning of life.

The poised and thoughtful, Ryan Silverman, lends his acting and vocal chops to "Finian's Rainbow" as the suave and charismatic Woody Mahoney. He can't help but fall in love with the beautiful Sharon McLonergan (Melissa Errico) and in the process, learns about the real meaning of following your dreams while being tangled up in this beautifully complicated story.

BroadwayWorld took some time to catch up with Silverman as he reflects on the show's creative process, how the production's main themes are still relevant in today's society, and why it's so important to always invest in hope.

Though the original production premiered in the late 1940's, it seems that a lot of the themes are still pertinent today. Can you talk about how you've seen that play out?

It's funny - - I remember the most recent Broadway revival back in 2009, and I thought then it had so much relevance, so it's interesting to see the themes continue to play out. I think that any show written with a social or political commentary will always be relevant because history seems to keep repeating itself. The issues still exist - there's always going to be greed, some sort of corruption, some politician who is liked or disliked, and unfortunately, some sort of racial divide - so everything that this show represents still has a voice and a place today.

How does the score continue to impact audiences?

There's one song that Melissa Errico sings as Sharon at the top of Act 2 called "When the Idle Poor Become the Idle Rich" that really makes a statement. It asks 'What would the world be like if the 99% were suddenly just wealthy?' Would they use this wealth to better themselves or just become greedy? It's a really good question and there's a line about if you are rich man, you can basically do whatever you want, like steal or grope, but if you are a poor man and do the same thing, you are a louse. There are themes so poignant in that song reflected in the politics of today, which is extremely mind-blowing.

What are the biggest lessons within the songs?

The music in the show is some of the best music in musical theatre. Every song is different from the next. "Old Devil Moon" is such a classic and there's a lyric in "Look to the Rainbow" that talks about how wonderful it is to teach someone what you've learned. Sharon teaches everyone about kindness and she's the reason for us learning to move forward and accept change and be kinder.

The music of this production is really unique because the orchestrations have been redone and the music stands out in a beautiful way because there's only four instruments -- a harp, violin, cello, and a piano. We're not mic'd, so it's all-acoustic and that's a very rare thing and will be so cool for audiences to experience.

What do you hope audiences will take away from this 2016 production?

I hope that they get to relive the songs and this story again. Irish Rep does it in a very intimate way. Our director, Charlotte [Moore], has done a great job of keeping the show to its real core - there 's nothing unnecessary, everything has a point and a direct purpose. I hope audiences leave with a feeling of hope and that change is possible. It takes place in 1947 and is about the inequality of race in this country - which is still such a prevalent issue. That's what theater and art are meant to do - leave you hoping and wishing for something better.

Describe some of your other favorite memories on stage.

One of my favorite New York experiences was doing the Off-Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's "Passion" because it was also a very intimate space - - there was no set or costume changes. I did that with Melissa Errico as well, and it was a great experience to get to do that Sondheim show - it was a very difficult show, very heavy, but as actor, a great one to sink your teeth into - the words are so weighted with emotion.

Do you have a dream role?

I don't really have that one specific role - I try to go in with an open mind and know that as an actor you have to find something in each role. I'm looking forward to whatever the next challenge may be.

To learn more and buy tickets, visit: https://irishrep.org/show/2016-2017-season/finians-rainbow/

Photo Credit: Carole Rosegg