“Over the Rainbow” with Hillary
For Yip’s son Ernie Harburg, Hillary Clinton is the feisty girl named Dorothy. and the song “Over the Rainbow” is a mantra for social justice, immigration, anti-bigotry and for believing in the right of home to be anywhere you land. The rest, including Trump, is all humbug. Read all about it in Nancy Cohen’s Continue Reading ››
THE WIZARD OF OZ: A JAZZ MUSICAL FOR ALL AGES at Harlem Rep
The Wizard of Oz: A Jazz Musical for All Ages, a new stage adaptation by Deena R. Harburg and Arthur Perlman of the beloved classic film, ran at the Harlem Repertory Theatre from 2016 to the start of the COVID pandemic in Spring 2020 to enthusiastic response. See the reviews at … Continue Reading ››
FINIAN’S RAINBOW Returns to Irish Rep
Charlotte Moore’s adaptation of the classic Yip Harburg-Burton Lane-Fred Saidy musical Finian’s Rainbow returned to the Irish Repertory Theatre from Nov. 6, 2016 through Jan. 29, 2017 (extended twice after opening to rave reviews). The initial 2004 engagement was also received with great acclaim. Tony-nominee Melissa Errico reprised her role as “Sharon.”
Harburg Recapitulations
On August 27, 2016 Yip’s great-grandson David Harburg, working with Children Waiting Everywhere, presented CONCERT FOR UGANDA, to raise funds to help build and paint a new schoolroom at the Bishop Magambo Primary School in Uganda. The concert featured new renditions of songs with lyrics by Yip … Continue Reading ››
Finian’s Rainbow – Mercury Theatre Company, S. Euclid, OH
The Mercury Theatre Company of South Euclid, Ohio presented the Yip Harburg-Fred Saidy-Burton Lane classic 1947 musical Finian's Rainbow from July 8-23, 2016. The production used Charlotte Moore's acclaimed 2004 adaptation which ran successfully at the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York City.
JAMAICA: New Freedom Theatre, Philadelphia
Philadelphia's New Freedom Theatre presented the Yip Harburg-Fred Saidy-Harold Arlen musical comedy Jamaica (1957) from June 15-26, 2016. The production was directed and choreographed by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj.
The Wizard of Words: Yip Harburg
Maureen Kelley Stewart brought her new show, "The Wizard of Words: Yip Harburg" to The West Bank Café/Laurie Beechman Theatre on May 17th & 22nd, 2016. Joining her on stage was Musical Director Tedd Firth.
I Hear America Singing
“I Hear America Singing: The Immigrant's Journey,” a celebration of the legacy of E.Y. (Yip) Harburg and of the partnership between The Yip Harburg Foundation and SUNY Empire State College, New York City, was presented in song and speech Monday, May 16, 2016 at Empire State College’s Metropolitan Center, 325 Hudson Street, 3rd floor multipurpose … Continue Reading ››
Finian’s Rainbow in Concert: IRT Gala 2016
The Irish Repertory Theatre presented Finian's Rainbow in concert at their annual fundraising gala on June 13, 2016 at New York City's Town Hall. The event was hosted by Saoirse Ronan. IRT also presented the concert at their 2003 gala and it was so successful that they produced a sold-out, extended run of the … Continue Reading ››
Bangor Daily News Tribute – Mar. 23, 2016
Leigh Donaldson's election year thoughts on the relevance of Yip's light verse appeared in the March 23, 2016 issue of the Bangor Daily News.