When is a shark not quite a shark? When he’s FINN, a gentle soul swimming against the tide of expectations, searching for somewhere he truly belongs. Cancelled abruptly at Washington D.C.’s prestigious Kennedy Center amidst a wave of controversial cancellations under the Trump administration, this charming musical seemed destined to sink quietly beneath the surface. Yet here we are, happily resurfacing with thrilling news for fans of heartfelt, inclusive storytelling: FINN is back, and this time, it’s personal.
Produced by the daringly innovative Monumental Theatre Company, this beloved children’s musical is returning triumphantly for a special concert reading on June 5 and 6, celebrating WorldPride. With a cast of original stars reprising their roles, and a community that rallied fiercely behind the production, FINN has become a symbol of artistic resilience, queer solidarity, and the transformative power of theatre itself.
To fully appreciate the impact of FINN‘s return, one must revisit its turbulent history. Originally premiering at the Kennedy Center, FINN was part of an exciting wave of queer-positive and diverse theatre productions championed by the institution. However, when President Trump’s administration assumed oversight, several LGBTQ+-themed productions, including FINN, were abruptly cancelled. It was a harsh setback, leaving audiences, performers, and creators heartbroken.
Yet the true magic of theatre is its ability to spark connections, inspire action, and foster community, and FINN‘s abrupt cancellation achieved precisely that. What initially seemed devastating soon morphed into a galvanising moment, spurring the theatre community nationwide into supportive action. A spectacular, star-studded concert was staged in New York to reclaim FINN‘s rightful spotlight, receiving overwhelming acclaim.
And now, fittingly timed for WorldPride, Monumental Theatre Company proudly brings FINN back to Washington, D.C. not merely as a musical revival, but as a powerful statement on artistic integrity and the enduring spirit of inclusivity.
On the surface, FINN is a charming musical about a gentle young shark struggling to fit in with his family, ultimately discovering he resonates more deeply with fish. Yet beneath its playful waves lies a deeper, resonant metaphor that creatively explores the LGBTQ+ experience through delightful storytelling and song. According to creators Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond, FINN was intentionally crafted to embody a profound metaphorical narrative about queerness, acceptance, and chosen family.
Director Clancey Yovanovich beautifully captures the essence of this dual narrative:
Had this story been given the national tour it deserved, I believe Finn’s ‘fishiness’ could have been interpreted in numerous ways, simply, a shark who doesn’t fit in. Yet, for WorldPride, we are explicitly embracing the rich, expansive beauty of queerness. This show isn’t just about fitting in; it’s about the freedom and joy that come from truly embracing who you are.
Musically, FINN delights audiences with a catchy, buoyant score from celebrated composer Michael Kooman, enriched by vibrant orchestrations from August Eriksmoen. Monumental’s concert reading, under the experienced baton of music director Nathan Beary Loughstein, will feature a dynamic live band, amplifying the emotional resonance of the show.
Loughstein himself puts it succinctly: “FINN is the musical I wish had existed when I was growing up. The music doesn’t just narrate the characters’ stories; it’s central to their discovery of joy, liberation, and self-expression. You’ll leave humming, dancing, and—hopefully—feeling inspired to embrace your authentic self.”
With original cast members including Caroline Graham, Caelyn D. Williams, Kara-Tameika Watkins, and Dylan Toms, who reprises his heartfelt portrayal of the title role—alongside new stars like Olivia Luzquinos, Steven Nicolás Franco, and Harrison Smith, this cast promises a rich blend of continuity and fresh perspective.
One might wonder why a seemingly simple children’s musical has resonated so deeply, galvanising communities and garnering such emotional investment from audiences and performers alike. The answer lies within the personal connection performers like Dylan Toms have developed with the piece:
I adore the story of FINN with every ounce of my being, says Toms passionately. We all have memories of struggling to fit in, trying to find our chosen family. I genuinely believe it’s essential—now more than ever—that we create spaces where authenticity isn’t just tolerated but celebrated.
What makes FINN uniquely special isn’t merely its delightful music or charming story—it’s the way it genuinely empowers both children and adults to embrace their differences proudly and unapologetically.
Of course, bringing FINN back to life required a special kind of bravery—exactly the kind Monumental Theatre Company exemplifies. Founded in 2015 by visionary artists Beth Amann, Jimmy Mavrikes, and Michael Windsor, Monumental has quickly become synonymous with bold artistic statements and emerging talent. Their passionate dedication to new voices and innovative theatre made them the ideal champions to resurrect FINN, ensuring its story continues inspiring new generations.
This production, supported by a dedicated team including stage manager Sophia Menconi, sound designer Alec Green, costume designer Logan Benson, and casting director Megan Bunn, promises to be as thoughtfully executed as it is emotionally compelling.
Beyond being a tale of personal acceptance, FINN‘s revival is deeply symbolic. By bringing it back to D.C., Monumental Theatre makes a clear statement against artistic censorship and the erasure of queer narratives. Theatre has always been a vehicle for social commentary, and this production proudly wears that mantle.
Moreover, presenting FINN at WorldPride is a poignant choice, highlighting how central theatre remains to queer visibility, celebration, and resistance. Audiences will experience not just a show, but a profound sense of solidarity, identity, and belonging.
In an era where authentic representation and inclusion are constantly challenged, FINN offers a beacon of joyful resilience. Monumental Theatre Company’s choice to reclaim and re-stage FINN sends a powerful message: art and identity are inseparable, and the theatre community will always find ways to ensure these voices are heard.
This June, FINN doesn’t simply return to the stage—it reclaims it, affirming once more the enduring truth that to live authentically is perhaps the greatest performance of all.
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