Ben Finn

Playwright/composer/lyricist

85-05 249th Street
Bellerose, NY 11426
Phone (718) 343-1052
bfinn68074@aol.com

Ben Finn is a member of ASCAP and Dramatists Guild. Author of 20 musicals, 8 full-length and 12 one-act for children. Musicals have been produced in New York, New Jersey, Maine, Georgia, Utah and Oregon. Three of the full-lengths are on Jewish themes.

Jewish Themed Musicals:

A GLIMPSE OF THE LIGHT
Based upon the events leading to the birth of Israel, as told through the tears and, yes, the laughter of a group of Holocaust survivors. They chose to live instead of to die, in the process becoming participants in the greatest Jewish adventure since biblical times. The score is an eclectic blend of shtetl, Israeli and 1940's-style American pop. New York productions have been at: Queens Theatre in the Park, Riverwest Theatre, Sol Goldman Theatre, Queens Family Theater, Rockaway Beach Theatre, Inner Space Theatre, Theater of the Jewish Experience and David's Harp Dinner Theatre.

"A momentous story of the Jewish diaspora, coming together to form the nation of Israel, is poignantly conveyed through songs. A musical big in vision and scope and one you don't have to be Jewish to enjoy." (Newsday)

"A moving and exhilarating experience, with a beautiful score that tugs on your heartstrings." (Jewish Week)

"A powerful anthem to the resilient human spirit. Memorable songs, from the painfully somber to the delightfully upbeat." (Queens Courier)

"The direct to the heart music makes this a touching and memorable evening in the theater." (Fire Island News)

"Regardless of religious persuasion, it's difficult not to be caught up in the wonder of this musical, a story of love and bravery." (Queens Times-Ledger)

Re the last comment, the producer at the Rockaway Beach Theatre attended a performance to check out the possibility of bringing the musical to her theater. Her reaction at its conclusion: "I was blown away by it!" And she was an Irish Catholic.

THE RABBI'S WIFE
Relates the efforts of a woman to use her story-telling skills upon a British naval officer, who is preventing a shipload of Holocaust survivors from entering British-mandated Palestine in 1947. The result is a story-within-a-story within still another story. New York productions at Queens Family Theater, where it was the highest-grossing show of the season, and at Inner Space Theatre. "Near-perfect theater! A whopping 17-song musical for theater lovers to feast their ears and eyes on. Undoubtedly, the best production by a local theater in some time." (Queens Times-Ledger) "In an era where there is so little entertainment the whole family can enjoy, this musical is delivered with style, energy and enthusiasm, emphasizing the magic of the story-telling tradition in Jewish culture." (Jewish Week) A TALE OF ZABOKRETCH Based upon the experiences of members of the author's family during the Ukrainian pogroms of 1919-1921. It was presented to an off-Broadway producer who proclaimed it "a work of power and beauty." Good. He'll produce it then? No. He said, "It would take the Bank of England to produce it." This was due to the large cast involved, including a number of children. But so impressed was the producer that he subsequently produced two other musicals by the author. Since the economics of the professional theater seem to preclude a production of this musical at this time, it would be an ideal vehicle for a synagogue or community theater group. (The musical was a selection of the Broadway Tomorrow organization, which did a concert version.)