CURTAINS.... ANY VIEWS

[Theatrical Landladies]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 8:11pm

Has anyone caught this in try-out? Love to hear a bit about it!


http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=539815

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 8:13pm

I saw it!

I really liked it.

[DRSisLove]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 8:15pm

I've heard nothing but good things about it.

I'm SO excited. For some reason, I think this may be this year's best musical.

[kyle33nyc]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:03pm

Maybe the reason is... Kander & Ebb

[thevolleyballer]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:07pm

Hardly. Though the music is indeed fantastic, I think what makes this show work is the book and choreography, both of which are amazingly delivered. Edward Hibbert is absolutely hysterical. Still, the music IS indeed strong, but I don't think that's the only reason for such positivity.

Search for "Curtains review" on the board. You'll find some reviews, no doubt -- probably mine, too.

[WholeLottaShakin]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:31pm

I didn't post in any earlier review threads, so here's my mini-review. I loved pretty much everything, though it was a bit long. Amazing performances, terrific tunes, great choreography, (though I did recognize a couple moves from THE WEDDING SINGER :) ) and the story was just so fun. I especially loved "A Tough To Act To Follow" - I was smiling through the entire number because David Hyde Pierce was just adorable, as was Jill Paice. I also thought Debra Monk was a powerhouse, Edward Hibbert was hilarious with the one-liners, Karen Ziemba and Jason Danieley were touching, and Megan Sikora was spectacular in her solo dance breaks. It was a great night at the theatre for me!

[Sondheim Geek]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:46pm

What show are you talking about? I'm sure it's not the thing I saw at the Ahmanson a bit ago... which was probably the worst thing I have seen in a long time. Horrible, stupid book, along with the worst songs that Kander and Ebb could possibly write. The most interesting thing about the show was trying to figure out how much money they spent... that got hilarious.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:48pm

Sondheim Geek- What show are you talking about? I'm sure it's not the thing I saw at the Ahmanson a bit ago... which was probably the worst thing I have seen in a long time
The real question is what show are YOU talking about!

[Sondheim Geek]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:51pm

The only reason I'm happy that it's going to Broadway is to see what Brantley does to it... oooh! I can't wait! *sadistic*

[thevolleyballer]

Posted: 11/9/06 at 1:32am

Here's a link to my review.

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardname=bway&thread=907378

It's huge, but detailed, if that's what you're looking for.

[IAMmyownMUSICAL]

Posted: 11/9/06 at 1:40am

I saw the show and it is by far in my opinion a GREAT Kander and Ebb, def one of their best.

The cast couldn't have been more perfect, and you'll never believe the plot. It's so clever, it will keep you laughing the entire time.

David, Deb, Karen, and Edward are the obvious standouts in the show (pretty much a shoe in for a tony nom)but the rest of the cast is just as great. Plus the music is fantastic. And I truly don't believe I've seen such amazing choreography in a long time. It will knock you're socks off!

BROADWAY HAS A REAL TREAT COMING! And just as sure as Drowsy swept the tony's....so will Curtains

[ErinDillyFan]

Posted: 11/9/06 at 11:31am

I will be interested to see how this is received it on Bway, it seemed to be well liked in LA. It is a throwback to older backstage musicals and doesn't seem to having any unique angle to it.

I really enjoyed it. I hope it runs long enough that it gets a national tour or David Hyde Pierce leaves. I just haven't seen anyone else with his peculiar comic timing and would be very interested to see how the jokes work with someone else playing that part.

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 11/9/06 at 11:39am

I didn't love it, but I liked it, and there really are some absolutely inspired scenes. I think the show is weak with its show within a show and, well, lack of people to care about. But it's enjoyable enough and Edward Hibbert is ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS.

There's more of my initial thoughts back in August at my LJ (http://dramaqueenducky.livejournal.com/1162456.html), but it's nowhere near as detailed as some earlier reviews.

Updated On: 11/9/06 at 11:39 AM

[purpleprince101]

Posted: 11/9/06 at 12:35pm

i liked it... but the most songs are forgetable

[Huey's Pop]

Posted: 11/9/06 at 2:09pm

I saw it in LA and loved every minute of it.

[singingbackup]

Posted: 11/9/06 at 2:14pm

i too saw it here at home in Los Angeles. Tunes were very good, talent superb (DHP wonderful, though his attempt at a Boston accent was sketchy), but for me the book needs some tweaking. Couldn't decide what to invest in, the murder mystery or the 'fixing' of the show within a show (that conceit wore thin fairly quickly).

While not as bright and breezy as "The Drowsy Chaperone," it is a delightful nod to the old fashioned musical.

[Danielm]

Posted: 11/9/06 at 2:17pm

I'm sorry but aside from an excellent (and largely wasted) cast, a few good jokes and sight gags, this show is not good. It's a mediocre effort at best, except for the song "Coffee Shop Nights" (or something like that) the score is pretty forgettable, the choreography was okay but nothing special. The great cast gives it their all but except for David Hyde Pierce and Debra Monk they're all pretty much wasted. Unless they've done some amazing work since they left LA they are in for some heartbrake.

[jv92]

Posted: 11/9/06 at 6:35pm

I think Kander and Ebb are brilliant. I've heard bits and pieces from the show over the many years of its gestation and I've been impressed. From the reviews, those bits and pieces seem to work well together. I'm very exited. It'll be Grey Gardens only competition this year.

[mallardo]

Posted: 11/10/06 at 5:02am

Sadly it's NOT great Kander and Ebb. In LA the show was carried by David Hyde Pierce who gave a remarkable performance in the only role that had any dimension at all. Every time he left the stage the show dropped dead. Talented people like Debra Monk, Karen Ziemba and Jason Danieley were left stranded by their material. I think the New York critics will have a field day.

[Lt. Cioffi]

Posted: 11/10/06 at 6:43am

I saw the show 3 times. I enjoy going to shows during previews, in the middle of the run and then the final performance to see the changes that are made throughout. I agree the music wasn't up to outstanding standards of KandernEbb we're used to, however it did improve. There's a couple of numbers that will definitely let you know you are listening to KandernEbb. They shortened it up by about 20 minutes by the end of the run so that was good.

For me, all three times I saw the show, the fun really kicks into high gear when DHP steps on the stage. I thought Mr. Pierce gave a fabulous performance in a role that appears to be tailor-made for him. AAA+++ to him, he's a Tony shoo-in. Debra Monk and Ed Hibbert were fantastic as well. I'm a bit disappointed that Ms. Monk wasn't nominated for an Ovation Award in L.A. I think her performance is award worthy or at least worthy of a nomination.

The show had gone through a multitude of changes while in L.A. I think all-n-all this is a great fun show with good music (not great), lots of boffo laughs, high energy (the choreography is amazing), grand beautiful sets, and lots of love for old-fashioned lavish 50's musicals. Oh and of course it is KandernEbb, so how bad can it be. I can't wait to see it again and again. I think it's going to be on Broadway a long time.

[WalkOn]

Posted: 11/10/06 at 3:38pm

I saw the final performance. I didnt' think much of it, the audience went crazy for it.

I thought the jokes were forced, the score mediocre, and the book wasn't as smart as it needed to be.

The cast really worked hard to put the material over. All in all pretty forgettable.

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 11/10/06 at 6:03pm

It was in great shape in LA and with some cuts and tweaks (show was about 15-20 minutes too long in its LA incarnation) it will be a huge hit. David Hyde Pierce gives a memorable leading man performance as a love-struck showtune-loving detective. Deborah Monk pulls a Merman-worthy performance as a Fran Weissler like cut-throat producer. Edward Hibbert gives a great performance as a fey British director and let's not forget Karen Ziemba who sings and dances up a storm.

The show itself is a love letter to musical theatre and to "show people" (the best song in the show). The music is vintage John Kander and the lyrics by Ebb and Holmes are pretty good if not stellar.

While this is not a K&E masterpiece, it is definitely better than "The Happy Time", "Flora" or "Steel Pier" to name just three of their musicals.

[FoscasBohemianDream]

Posted: 11/10/06 at 6:34pm

I have mixed feelings about the show. On one hand, I believe it is an incredibly entertaining piece with one of the best companies that I've seen on Broadway since Ragtime--everybody in the cast does an incredibly great job and fits their roles perfectly well. David Hyde Pierce provides one of the best comedic roles I have ever seen on the Broadway stage, I even dare say I have not seen a funniest performance since Nathan Lane in The Producers. Hyde Pierce carries the show and makes the most out of his numbers and lines, the night I saw him he really seemed to be loving every second he was on stage and the audience loved him in response. Debra Monk was fantastic in the kind of roles she does best, the broad, brassy, comic character. Karen Ziemba's voice and dancing are at their best and I am surprised her name is not above the title, she truly steals the spotlight with every new number. Jason Danieley is great but his role is so underwritten it is sad, he does wonders with what little material he is given.
The acting is there, the book scenes are actually effective but some of the numbers from the show-within-the-show fail to soar. ***MINOR SPOILER***When Hyde Pierce's character finally fixes the show, the result we get is not the spectacular extravaganza that it should be***END OF SPOILER*** The ending is too abrupt and there are just too many characters to allow for much character development. The choreography is at times exhilarating and at other times boring.
The audience seemed to really love the show when I saw it during previews and the theatre was full. If that night were to predict the future of the show on Broadway, I'd say it is meant to be a hit.

[Theatrical Landladies]

Posted: 11/14/06 at 5:47pm

Dear All,

Thanks for great reviews and comments. I am looking forward to coming over for this show as it does sound promising!

[jv92]

Posted: 11/14/06 at 7:31pm

BroadwayBaby-
Do not include The Happy Time in that category. It's a brilliant show that Gower Champion fixed too much.