After the hostile takeover of the Kennedy Center in February, one of the shows that was cancelled was the children’s production “Finn”.
This weekend, the show gets a reprieve with a two night event by the Monumental Theatre Company in celebration of WorldPride.
The June 5 and 6 performances will include some of the actors originally scheduled for the Kennedy Center show including Caroline Graham, Caelyn D. Williams, Kara-Tameika Watkins, and Dylan Toms who plays the role of Finn.
Toms spoke on the show saying, “I adore the story of Finn with every ounce of my being. I feel like we all have memories of struggling to fit in or not being able to find the group where we belong—’our chosen family.’ I think it is so important for children and adults to be reminded that existing as your authentic self is possible. And not only is it possible, it’s something we all should encourage each other to do. Now, more than ever, is the time to foster environments where it’s safe to be who you truly are. My hope is that we can spread a little bit of light with this piece. Every chance I get to do it is an absolute privilege, and I’m so elated to be sharing it for WorldPride.”
“Finn” tells the story of a shark who feels out of place.
Accused of being “woke” by the White House, “Finn” creators Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond admit that the musical could be a metaphor for the LGBTQ+ experience noted, “had this story been given the national tour it deserved, I believe Finn’s ‘fishiness’ could have been interpreted in a multitude of ways, most simply—a shark who doesn’t fit in with other sharks. That said, in honor of WorldPride, we have decided to lean into the beauty and expansiveness of queerness for this concert reading of Finn!…We honor the queer community, and their chosen families, with this beautiful musical that celebrates acceptance, friendship, and the mind-changing possibilities of the individuals unafraid to stand out.”
Director Nathan Beary Loughstein said, “’Finn’ is the musical that I wish existed when I was growing up. Music plays two roles in this show. Of course, it furthers the story through brilliantly catchy tunes that invite us into each character’s inner world. But it’s also part of the plot: Finn and Seasil discover how liberating dancing and singing can be.