"Curtains" LA official review thread...

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 8:38pm

Here's the L.A. Times review from Calendar live. It's mixed, but generally very positive.

CalendarLive.com's review

Updated On: 8/10/06 at 08:38 PM

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 8:55pm

Apart from the review, there are also two small videos on that site (right hand side).

[madophelia]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:26pm

Variety's review:

http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117931277?categoryid=1265&cs=1

and The Hollywood Reporter's:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/reviews/review_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002985307
Updated On: 8/10/06 at 09:26 PM

[jv92]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:32pm

I knew it wouldn't get raves, but the praise for "What Kind of Man" and some of the other songs among other things is good enough.

Oh and for those of you who haven't seen Curtains and can't see it before Broadway and want to learn more about the number both papers have singled out as great- "What Kind of Man" has full lyrics printed in the funny, touching memoir by Kander and Ebb, "Colored Lights."

[Peter]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 10:06pm

This is kind of what I expected. Its getting mostly positive notices, but not one of these critics is in love with it. Theres no doubt in my mind that the Kander and Ebb sentimentality factor is playing into these reviews. I paid $20 to see it and its certainly worth that but I certainly would never pay $125. Perhaps theres hope that a couple new catchy memorable numbers could be put in, along with some book changes and new choreography. But if this same show opens on broadway and wins best musical, IMO, it will be only because its a Kander and Ebb musical. Most other composers would never get these kinds of reviews for the same product.
Updated On: 8/10/06 at 10:06 PM

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 10:25pm

None of you are making me want to click on these links.

[DAME]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 10:30pm

Rath.. Monk is wonderful in it. But the show is a mess. Lots of good things mixed with lots of bad things. Great cast, Mediocre score, dreadful book, and uninspired direction. But look.. by the time they are done with the LA run they might shape it into something worthwhile. And by the way.. Debbie ( yes Debbie.. well that's what my friend Allen called her..- I just stood there with a sh*t eating grin ) is a sweetheart!

[latheatrelover]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 11:26pm

Peter, isn't it funny, I paid the full $95 and LOVED the show when I saw it a few weeks ago. I consider it money well worth spent. And I saw it a few weeks after a recent trip to NYC in which I saw Avenue Q and DRS, among other shows, and I liked Curtains better than those two, which I know will have everyone else on the board getting out the tar and feathers because I felt they were overrated (however, I suspect DRS was not as funny because Butz was out that night).

I can't agree with your initial posting in another thread that said if the critics would like it it would be because of the sentimental angle for Kander & Ebb. That kind of sentence gives you a win-win situation: if the critics hadn't liked it, you could say "I told you it wasn't that good", and if they liked it you can say it is the sentimental angle.

I found the book to be very funny, which surprised me because I am not a big fan of Rupert Holmes' Drood (but I did love Stone's 1776). And this is a case where the book can be said to be every bit as important as the songs because it isn't just a musical, it is also a comedy. In so many shows, the book is considered the dreary bit between songs and dances. Here it is as much fun as the rest of the show. The cast was excellent, the numbers were entertaining, and I liked the mystery.

I hope it does transfer to Broadway and I hope it is a great hit. It sure would be nice if it was in these days of revivals and movie adaptations. How great it would be to have an original musical on Broadway again.

And to Dame, thanks for modifying your header on that thread. That's easier to take.





Updated On: 8/10/06 at 11:26 PM

[Peter]

Posted: 8/11/06 at 5:42am

Actually latheatrelover, the LA Times critic addresses the sentimental aspect of the show (being a Kander and Ebb show and Ebb's last). He also says you're not going to love the show, but it could still win multiple Tonys. Thats the key to me. Since when do critics champion something they consider mediocre? Just because its an original American musical comedy...that happens to be penned by Kander and Ebb?

I said in my review of the show that it was mildly entertaining and to be honest, I was being a little generous. Its funny at times, but so many jokes are flung at you some are bound to be funny. The music is catchy when you listen to it..but you forget it the minute you leave the theatre. Choreography is uninspired...there's really no magic here. I didnt think it was a bad show, but they have work to do to turn it into the transcendent experience people are expecting. The cast is in fine form though, so thats one thing in its favor.

[tophertilson]

Posted: 8/11/06 at 8:19am

What weird reviews. *Shrug* *Forced smile* *Um...* *I guess it's nice*

[madophelia]

Posted: 8/11/06 at 9:06am

3-1/2 stars from the LA Daily News: "As both mystery and musical, "Curtains" is hugely delightful"

http://www.dailynews.com/stage/ci_4162452

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/11/06 at 10:45am

tophertilson---I know what you mean by "weird reviews." I feel exactly the same way about it that Peter does. But when you voice that opinion, it sounds like you're not committing to either liking it or disliking it. A vague reaction, in other words.

Our reviews aren't "gray" but the material is. It's neither brilliant, nor terrible. I don't want to jump on either extreme reaction of "It's a HIT!" or "This just sucks."

It's one of those shows that leaves you stuck right in the middle.

[leefowler]

Posted: 8/11/06 at 10:52am

No doubt now...This show is definitely coming in to Broadway.

And by the way, who ever thought that L.A. would become a big Broadway tryout town?

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/11/06 at 10:56am

leefowler --- LOL! I know.

We're the new "New Haven."

I think it has to do with financing. You can shake any tree out here, and out fall "backers."

(plus a few other crazies of course)

[madophelia]

Posted: 8/12/06 at 11:04am

Some pics from Curtains' Opening Night After Party
Curtains After Party