Finn: The Musical
Finn is a musical for children about a shark trying to find his place in the world. A special concert performance was livestreamed from The Town Hall in NYC in March 2025.
Where to watch
theatrical history
Finn was commissioned by The Kennedy Center. The book was by Chris Nee, creator of Doc McStuffins and Vampirina, with music and lyrics by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond. The three had previously collaborated on the children’s television show Vampirina.
According to an interview with Chris Nee in the Washington Blade, Finn came together very quickly, and the Kennedy Center was “wonderful” and supportive throughout the process. As Nee noted, “...there aren’t that many places left that are commissioning new works especially for young audiences, and the Kennedy Center does that.”
Finn received its world premier at The Kennedy Center in November 2024. The production was directed by Adrienne Campbell-Holt, with choreography by Billy Bustamante, scenic design by You-Shin Chen, lighting design by E-Hui, sound design by Justin Schmitz, costume design by Anne Closs Farley, orchestrations and music production by August Eriksmoen, musical direction by Nathan Beary-Loughstein, prop design by Luke Hartwood, and projection design by Patrick W. Lord. Becky Reed served as the production stage manager.
The Kennedy Center cast included Dylan Toms (Finn), Caelyn D. Williams (Aggie), Deimoni Brewington (Roscoe), Jamie Goodson (Lola), Ben Ribler (Bruce), Kalen Robinson (Seasil), and Kara-Tameika Watkins (Auntie).
Critics lavished praise on Finn, extolling the technical elements and design of the show, Adrienne Campbell-Holt’s direction, and the outstanding performances of the cast. Lee’s book, Kooman and Dimond’s score, and the show’s overall message, also received high praise.
Writing for BroadwayWorld, Elliot Lanes had a few quibbles with the show (that the content may go over the heads of very young audiences, and the representation of a person with a stutter), but praised the production as “…the best Kennedy Center World Premiere Commission I’ve seen in a long time. It basically has everything going for it.”
In an enthusiastic review for DC Theater Arts, Sherrita Wilkins noted “When it’s hard to distinguish whether you’ve been plopped into an animated film versus a physical theater, the production team has done something right.”
Similarly effusive, Rachel Tucker writing for DC Theatre Guide noted that Finn “is a deeply moving musical that will both captivate young children and stir profound emotions in adults.” Tucker praised You-Shin Chen’s immersive “whimsical…stunning” scenic design, and also extolled the performances of the cast, stating “[Dylan] Toms’ heartwarming and outstanding performance was brilliant. His bright, engaging tenor voice was the perfect vehicle for his heartfelt songs.”
Finn ran at the Kennedy Center from November 22 - December 22, 2024 to almost sold out crowds, and was billed as a critical and commercial success.
Following the Kennedy Center run, the musical was set to embark on a two-year national tour in 2025.
According to a speech at the Stars in the House concert reading (see Film History below), Nee stated that on January 30, 2025, the Kennedy Center confirmed with the creative team that a two-year national tour was in the works.
On February 10, 2025, Finn was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical.
Two days later, on February 12, 2025, the board of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts voted to appoint President Trump as the organization’s chairman. As reported by Forbes, Trump’s administration “took over the Kennedy Center… [because] we didn’t like what they were showing and various other things…We have, I guess, a whole new group of people going in . . . and we’re going to make sure that it’s good and it’s not going to be woke.”
On February 13, 2025 it was announced that the national tour of Finn had been canceled. Deadline reported that “the decision, according to the venue, was made in the weeks prior” and was “purely financial.” Nee, Kooman, and Dimond released a joint statement on Instagram, noting
According to an interview with Chris Nee in the Washington Blade, Finn came together very quickly, and the Kennedy Center was “wonderful” and supportive throughout the process. As Nee noted, “...there aren’t that many places left that are commissioning new works especially for young audiences, and the Kennedy Center does that.”
Finn received its world premier at The Kennedy Center in November 2024. The production was directed by Adrienne Campbell-Holt, with choreography by Billy Bustamante, scenic design by You-Shin Chen, lighting design by E-Hui, sound design by Justin Schmitz, costume design by Anne Closs Farley, orchestrations and music production by August Eriksmoen, musical direction by Nathan Beary-Loughstein, prop design by Luke Hartwood, and projection design by Patrick W. Lord. Becky Reed served as the production stage manager.
The Kennedy Center cast included Dylan Toms (Finn), Caelyn D. Williams (Aggie), Deimoni Brewington (Roscoe), Jamie Goodson (Lola), Ben Ribler (Bruce), Kalen Robinson (Seasil), and Kara-Tameika Watkins (Auntie).
Critics lavished praise on Finn, extolling the technical elements and design of the show, Adrienne Campbell-Holt’s direction, and the outstanding performances of the cast. Lee’s book, Kooman and Dimond’s score, and the show’s overall message, also received high praise.
Writing for BroadwayWorld, Elliot Lanes had a few quibbles with the show (that the content may go over the heads of very young audiences, and the representation of a person with a stutter), but praised the production as “…the best Kennedy Center World Premiere Commission I’ve seen in a long time. It basically has everything going for it.”
In an enthusiastic review for DC Theater Arts, Sherrita Wilkins noted “When it’s hard to distinguish whether you’ve been plopped into an animated film versus a physical theater, the production team has done something right.”
Similarly effusive, Rachel Tucker writing for DC Theatre Guide noted that Finn “is a deeply moving musical that will both captivate young children and stir profound emotions in adults.” Tucker praised You-Shin Chen’s immersive “whimsical…stunning” scenic design, and also extolled the performances of the cast, stating “[Dylan] Toms’ heartwarming and outstanding performance was brilliant. His bright, engaging tenor voice was the perfect vehicle for his heartfelt songs.”
Finn ran at the Kennedy Center from November 22 - December 22, 2024 to almost sold out crowds, and was billed as a critical and commercial success.
Following the Kennedy Center run, the musical was set to embark on a two-year national tour in 2025.
According to a speech at the Stars in the House concert reading (see Film History below), Nee stated that on January 30, 2025, the Kennedy Center confirmed with the creative team that a two-year national tour was in the works.
On February 10, 2025, Finn was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical.
Two days later, on February 12, 2025, the board of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts voted to appoint President Trump as the organization’s chairman. As reported by Forbes, Trump’s administration “took over the Kennedy Center… [because] we didn’t like what they were showing and various other things…We have, I guess, a whole new group of people going in . . . and we’re going to make sure that it’s good and it’s not going to be woke.”
On February 13, 2025 it was announced that the national tour of Finn had been canceled. Deadline reported that “the decision, according to the venue, was made in the weeks prior” and was “purely financial.” Nee, Kooman, and Dimond released a joint statement on Instagram, noting
While not a surprise given the events of the last week, it is a heartbreak. But we will not be silenced. And we will not abandon the kids we wrote this show for. They are already under attack from every side. We didn’t ask for this joy bomb of a show to be a part of the resistance, but here we are."
Actors’ Equity also released a statement about the cancellation --
…it is beyond appalling that the art they find so dangerous is a joyful children’s musical encouraging young people to be true to themselves and follow their dreams. Actors’ Equity Association stands with the company of this production and is watching developments carefully. The union intends to fully enforce our contracts with The Kennedy Center.”
Two weeks after the cancellation, it was announced that a concert reading of Finn would be performed at NYC’s Town Hall in March with a cast of Broadway stars (see Film History below).
Film history
Following the abrupt cancellation of the Finn national tour, Chris Nee reached out to Seth Rudetsky on Instagram to see if he could help.
Stars in the House is an initiative of Broadway powerhouse couple Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley that started as a result of the 2020 pandemic and ensuing theatre shutdown. The program was a daily live-streamed series to support The Actors Fund and its services, and featured music, community, and coronavirus education provided by CBS Chief Medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook. To date, Stars in the House has raised more than $1.3million for The Entertainment Community Fund and over $700,000 for other charities.
To celebrate the 5th anniversary of Stars in the House, a special concert performance of Finn was held at The Town Hall in NYC on March 17, 2025. In-person tickets to the event ranged from $30-$500US, with proceeds going to The Trevor Project, the leading crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth.
Directed by Christopher Gattelli, the all-star cast included Nikki M. James (Seasil), Bonnie Milligan (Aggie), Jessie Mueller (Lola), Zachary Noah Piser (Bruce), Kelli O’Hara (Auntie), Andrew Rannells (Finn), Lea Salonga (Mamma), Hennessy Winkler (Roscoe), Michael Urie (Patrick and Puff), James Wesley Jackson (Squidgy), David Katz (Krabby and Frances), and Javier Muñoz (Seahorse). The Broadway stars were joined by members of the original cast, and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington D.C and the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus also performed.
The concert was livestreamed on the Stars in the House YouTube channel.
Writing for Boom on Substack, Hayley Raphael was effusive in her praise, noting the “stacked” Broadway cast, “So many Tony Award winners!”, and concluded “FINN Affirmed the power of theater—to help you find your truth, embrace your uniqueness, and live out loud.”
Finn is currently available to view on YouTube.
Stars in the House is an initiative of Broadway powerhouse couple Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley that started as a result of the 2020 pandemic and ensuing theatre shutdown. The program was a daily live-streamed series to support The Actors Fund and its services, and featured music, community, and coronavirus education provided by CBS Chief Medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook. To date, Stars in the House has raised more than $1.3million for The Entertainment Community Fund and over $700,000 for other charities.
To celebrate the 5th anniversary of Stars in the House, a special concert performance of Finn was held at The Town Hall in NYC on March 17, 2025. In-person tickets to the event ranged from $30-$500US, with proceeds going to The Trevor Project, the leading crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth.
Directed by Christopher Gattelli, the all-star cast included Nikki M. James (Seasil), Bonnie Milligan (Aggie), Jessie Mueller (Lola), Zachary Noah Piser (Bruce), Kelli O’Hara (Auntie), Andrew Rannells (Finn), Lea Salonga (Mamma), Hennessy Winkler (Roscoe), Michael Urie (Patrick and Puff), James Wesley Jackson (Squidgy), David Katz (Krabby and Frances), and Javier Muñoz (Seahorse). The Broadway stars were joined by members of the original cast, and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington D.C and the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus also performed.
The concert was livestreamed on the Stars in the House YouTube channel.
Writing for Boom on Substack, Hayley Raphael was effusive in her praise, noting the “stacked” Broadway cast, “So many Tony Award winners!”, and concluded “FINN Affirmed the power of theater—to help you find your truth, embrace your uniqueness, and live out loud.”
Finn is currently available to view on YouTube.
cast & creative credits
Theatre: The Town Hall, NYC
Producer: James Wesley Jackson, Seth Rudetsky, David Katz
Book: Chris Nee
Music and Lyrics: Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond
Director: Christopher Gatteli
Musical Director: Seth Rudetsky
Choreography: Nancy Renee Braun
Lighting Design: Jamie Roderick
Sound Design: Shannon Slaton
Projection Design: Patrick W. Lord
Hair, Wig & Makeup Design:
Cast:
Nikki M. James (Seasil)
Bonnie Milligan (Aggie)
Jessie Mueller (Lola)
Zachary Noah Piser (Bruce)
Kelli O’Hara (Auntie)
Andrew Rannells (Finn)
Lea Salonga (Mamma)
Hennessy Winkler (Roscoe)
Michael Urie (Patrick and Puff)
James Wesley Jackson (Squidgy)
David Katz (Krabby and Frances)
Javier Muñoz (Seahorse)
Also Starring
Brenda Braxton
Charlotte d’Amboise
Jose Llana
Peppermint
Adam Pascal
Dancers
Amanda Braun
Johanna Moise
Jordan Wynn
Giovanni Bonventura
Michael Fatica
Brandon Block
Lauren Celentano
Kimberly Immanuel
Band
Seth Rudetsky (Piano/Conductor)
Jorge Avita (Violin 1)
Katie Von Braun (Violin 2)
Orlando Wells (Viola/Violin)
Emily Pecoraro (Reed 1 Alto Sax, Clarinet, Flute)
Erika Friedman (Reed 2 Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet)
Leisl Whitaker (Trumpet/Flugelhorn)
Carl Carter (Acoustic/Electric Bass)
Matt Wong (Acoustic/Electric Guitar)
Barbara Merjan (Drums)
Producer: James Wesley Jackson, Seth Rudetsky, David Katz
Book: Chris Nee
Music and Lyrics: Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond
Director: Christopher Gatteli
Musical Director: Seth Rudetsky
Choreography: Nancy Renee Braun
Lighting Design: Jamie Roderick
Sound Design: Shannon Slaton
Projection Design: Patrick W. Lord
Hair, Wig & Makeup Design:
Cast:
Nikki M. James (Seasil)
Bonnie Milligan (Aggie)
Jessie Mueller (Lola)
Zachary Noah Piser (Bruce)
Kelli O’Hara (Auntie)
Andrew Rannells (Finn)
Lea Salonga (Mamma)
Hennessy Winkler (Roscoe)
Michael Urie (Patrick and Puff)
James Wesley Jackson (Squidgy)
David Katz (Krabby and Frances)
Javier Muñoz (Seahorse)
Also Starring
Brenda Braxton
Charlotte d’Amboise
Jose Llana
Peppermint
Adam Pascal
Dancers
Amanda Braun
Johanna Moise
Jordan Wynn
Giovanni Bonventura
Michael Fatica
Brandon Block
Lauren Celentano
Kimberly Immanuel
Band
Seth Rudetsky (Piano/Conductor)
Jorge Avita (Violin 1)
Katie Von Braun (Violin 2)
Orlando Wells (Viola/Violin)
Emily Pecoraro (Reed 1 Alto Sax, Clarinet, Flute)
Erika Friedman (Reed 2 Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet)
Leisl Whitaker (Trumpet/Flugelhorn)
Carl Carter (Acoustic/Electric Bass)
Matt Wong (Acoustic/Electric Guitar)
Barbara Merjan (Drums)
awards & nominations
2025 Helen Hayes Awards
Nominations
Nominations
- Charles McArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical
research sources
Articles
Websites
- Ron Dicker, “Kennedy Center Cancels Acclaimed Kids Musical Over 'Sparkly Boys,' Creators Hint,” HuffPost (Feb 14, 2025)
- Sara Dorn, “Trump Takes Over Kennedy Center In War On ‘Woke’ Programming—Here’s What To Know,” Forbes (Feb 12, 2025)
- Greg Evans, “Broadway Stars To Perform Kennedy Center’s Canceled ‘Finn’ Musical At New York Town Hall; Andrew Rannells, Andrea Martin, Kelli O’Hara, Bonnie Milligan, Jessie Mueller & More Join Benefit,” Deadline (Feb 26, 2025)
- Ilana Keller, “Canceled Kennedy Center shows find new life with Stars in the House,” App (Feb 26, 2025)
- Tony Frankel, “Highly Recommended Concert: FINN, THE MUSICAL (Stars in the House Fifth Anniversary at Town Hall, NYC),” Stage and Cinema (Feb 28, 2025)
- Patrick Folliard, “Theater‘Finn’ a heartwarming theater debut for acclaimed TV producer,” Washington Blade (Dec 8, 2024)
- Elliot Lanes, “Review: FINN at Kennedy Center,” BroadwayWorld (Dec 3, 2024)
- Hayley Raphael, “FINN Affirmed the power of theater—to help you find your truth, embrace your uniqueness, and live out loud.,” BOOM’s Substack (March 17, 2025)
- Julia Tucker, “Theatre Review: ‘Finn’ at the Kennedy Center,” MD Theatre Guide (Nov 24, 2024)
- Diep Tran, “Kennedy Center Cancels Children's Musical Finn; Creators Say 'We Will Not Be Silenced,’ Playbill (Feb 14, 2025)
- Sherrita Wilkins, “See-worthy ‘Finn’ sparkles in world premiere at Kennedy Center,” DC Theater Arts (Nov 25, 2025)
- Baylee Wojcik, “Kennedy Center cancels Altoona native's musical 'Finn' amidst leadership changes,” WJACTV (Feb 16, 2025)
Websites
- Instagram, @finnmusical, “Dimond & Kooman & Nee are sad to announce…” (Feb 13, 2025), Accessed via: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGBZwYJPhAs/?img_index=1
- Kooman and Dimond, “Finn,” Accessed via: https://www.koomandimond.com/shows/finn.html
- Stars in the House, “About Us,” Accessed via: https://www.starsinthehouse.com/about
- Theatre Washington, “Helen Hayes Awards - 2025 Nominees by Category,” Accessed via: https://theatrewashington.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/2025%20Helen%20Hayes%20Nominees%20-%20By%20Category.pdf
- Theatre Week, “Finn,” Accessed via: https://theatreweek.org/shows/finn
Written by Luisa Lyons (March, 2025)