IN CONCERT Farm girl makes it big

Friday, January 28, 2005
By ED CONDRAN
SPECIAL TO THE RECORD

Many entertainers who agree to extended engagements in Atlantic City need the work. However, Felicia Finley isn't a performer desperate to make ends meet. The rising star from North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains, who sings, dances and acts, has been doing very well in New York.Since 1996, when she appeared in "Smokey Joe's Café," Finley, 33, has picked up regular work on the Great White Way as well as off-Broadway. On Broadway, she earned strong reviews for her portrayal of Amneris in "Aida.'" "I've had an amazing time in New York," said Finley during a phone conversation from her Manhattan apartment. "Like they say, 'If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.' I've had many wonderful opportunities here. It's a great place to be."But when Caesars asked Finley to star in the "Nights on Broadway III" production, which runs through April 26, Finley didn't have to think twice."I wanted to do it since the show is a challenge, and I love Atlantic City," Finley said. "In this show I do a number of showstoppers. We do [numbers] from 'Anything Goes,' 'The Producers' and so much more. ... The show we're doing is absolutely action packed for 70 minutes. It's a total workout, which I love."Finley is especially keen on the Atlantic City audiences. "What I love about these audiences, particularly the crowds that come in during the afternoon, is that they have such great energy. They get up and boogie, and I love that kind of enthusiasm. You just don't get that on Broadway. It's a completely different deal in Atlantic City, and it's fun."However, on Fridays and Saturdays when the Caesars theater goes dark, Finley scurries back to Manhattan. "I live here," Finley said. "This is my home. But I'm a professional performer. If I have an extraordinary opportunity away from here, I'll go for it. I'm appreciative of everything that's happened to me. I'm a farm girl who just wanted to be a dancer, and so much more has happened in my life. As of right now, I'm going to have a lot to tell my grandchildren someday."