Greek-American actor Eleanna Fin (born Eleanna Finokalioti), raised between the islands of Crete and Rhodes and now based in New York, will appear in the lead role of Little Short Sally in the new Off-Broadway musical “Always Young,” presented at Theater for the New City from January 15 to February 1.
Her appearance follows her industry reading debut in the Broadway musical comedy “What’s Going On Tonight?,” produced by Steven Krone, former chairman of Village Roadshow Pictures.
Fin says her upbringing instilled a deep love for storytelling and performance. “I’m a New York City-based actor and singer with roots in the vibrant beauty of Greece. I carry the essence of the cedar, thyme, olive trees, rugged stone, shimmering sea, and golden sun wherever I go,” she says. “Growing up on the beautiful islands of Crete and Rhodes, I became what my friends call an ‘aeriko’ – a pixie, a dreamer, a true Sagittarius with my head often in the clouds.”
“Always Young” marks Fin’s third Off-Broadway role in five years of artistic work in New York. Her career, she says, has been guided by a passion for storytelling and music. “For me, theater and music are one and the same. It’s all about the story, whether it’s wrapped in melodies or spoken word,” she says. “Performing is my way to deeply understand and connect with others, far beyond the surface that everyone easily sees.”
Inspired by the London musical Kidults from 2024, “Always Young” revisits adolescence through humor, sensitivity and elements of surrealism. The musical weaves together school memories, early romantic experiences and moments of self-discovery, moving between emotional depth and lightness. At the center of the story is Little Short Sally, portrayed as small, stubborn, sensitive and funny, a character who makes mistakes, laughs openly, gets hurt, recovers and speaks her truth without restraint.
Fin says her personal experiences help her connect to the character. “Playing Sally is like returning to the chaotic, funny, yet demanding moments of adolescence, with the privilege of recounting them from the stage. I am honored to participate in a performance that speaks so truthfully to what we have all experienced as teenagers,” she says.
The musical is written and directed by Mark Tunstall, based on Cautionary Tales for Kidults, with music by Lulu Chen, Tom Hatfield, Tiffany Lovegrove, Carlo Villa and Tunstall. The production has already prompted discussions about a possible future transfer to Broadway following its Off-Broadway premiere.
