Katurian's CURTAINS Review

[Katurian2]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 3:36pm

Not since "Drowsy Chaperone" have I been so proud to be a musical theatre fan. "Curtains", the last great venture by Kander and Ebb made me fall in love with the art form all over again. Each song was catchy and memorable, with an amazing Act II number for Debra Monk, which almost recalled to me a humorous version of "Rose's Turn" (Yes, I really did just compare this to “Gypsy”). There wasn't a moment that caused the audience to tune out of the action, and the score transitioned smoothly between tear-inducing ballads such as "I Miss the Music", and Wild Western hoe-downs. (Or in one case a ho-down) There is also a rousing new anthem called "Show People" which in my opinion should somehow "officially" replace "Annie Get Your Gun"'s "There's No Business.." There was only one notable weak link in the cast, whose name is sad for me to report, as I was expecting so much; Ernie Sabella! And... contrary to the logo, David Hyde Piece is most notably NOT the star of this production.
The aspect of "Curtains" which rose above all others was a marvelous choreography. From the satirical takes of "Oklahoma!" during "Robbin' Hood", the show within-the show of "Curtains", to the simply sweet love duets between the leading couple, it was a pleasure to watch. Megan Sikora as "Bambi" was the obvious stand out in this category, blowing everything else in the show out of the water with a...sluttish is putting it mildly....tribal dance. Oh yes, there may be more innuendic movements in just that one song alone than in the rest of Broadway history put together. But make no mistake, it is a joy to watch Ms. Sikora leaping around the stage, placing her feathered head into the open legs of every cowboy available.
As I stated in the opening of the review, the usually wonderful Ernie Sabella was totally off the mark in this production. Though his character had limited presence (I won't reveal why), he was onstage often enough for me to cringe every time I saw him. I was sitting in the fifth row and not once did I see his eyes during the show. He delivered each line with his head faced squarely to the floor, never reacting to any of the other characters. It was quite painful to watch.
David Hyde Pierce was absolutely adorable to watch perform his role. He never seems to take himself seriously, which flatters his comedic persona. When I read the Playbill article on him, I was shocked to find his real age is 47! Though he is one of the most enjoyable of the company members to see, and has the voice of Hollywood's best movie musical crooners, he doesn't really have a "big song"; the "star turn" that Debra Monk was given instead. He does have an enchanting duet dance number with the female protégé of the production, but never really gets an opportunity to belt it out and show what he has, which to me, was the one major flaw of "Curtains". I was really looking for an all-out foot tapping love song to the institution of Broadway. Other than that, the show really is a murder mystery, which is very fun to attempt to solve...though I will say my prediction was horrendously wrong, and in my personal opinion was an all-around better viewing experience that "Drowsy Chaperone".
I say, write Pierce an 11 o' clock number to blow the house, and tell Ernie to "literally" keep his chin up, and Broadway will have a new must-see musical comedy.

Updated On: 3/18/07 at 03:36 PM

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 3:38pm

Glad you liked it

We see it early May

[D2]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 3:40pm

47! Oh my ****ing God! Can he handle 8 performances a week?

[bundy5000]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 3:47pm

Seeing it this Saturday. Cant Wait!

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 3:51pm

Glad you liked it, and to whoever is going, have fun!

[cubanpab]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 4:23pm

hmmm... this review has peaked my interest even further. i just wish there was some video preview i could watch online to give me an idea of what i'd be in for...

[Lt. Cioffi]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 5:00pm

He can handle it D2. When they were doing the show in L.A., Rupert Holmes did an interview in which he said he couldn't believe David's physical conditioning. David has been Kick Boxing for years for exercise and conditioning and has even given private lessons for charity. The last private lesson went for $500 to an AIDS Program I believe. He has an incredible amount of energy, which he's gonna need for this show!

[D2]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 5:01pm

I'm 47. I was being sarcastic.

[courtnyj]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 6:14pm

SPOILER ALERT!








I really like Ernie Sabella, but I was glad when his character died.












END SPOILER

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 6:37pm

After hearing the most recent words of Lt. Cioffi, The aged, bald, 47-year old MasterLcZ silently and smilingly contemplates the fact that the similarly aged and balding David Hyde Pierce must have one on Broadways hottest, kickboxed buffest bods underneath his trenchcoat.

Updated On: 3/18/07 at 06:37 PM

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 6:57pm

I just got back from the mat. katurian, how, in that entire review, did you not mention Karen Ziemba?!

[Katurian2]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 7:01pm

lol- I don't know! Because when she opened her mouth to sing, I remember going, "Wow...". The entire ensemble was just so great, I guess she temporarily faded into the show as a whole. She was great though, and worked those Western costumes better than any other cast member. (Other than Megan Sikora)

Updated On: 3/18/07 at 07:01 PM

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 7:09pm

I wish Thataway! was lengthened by about 10 minutes. I think she shines like no one's business in that one.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 7:13pm

Yeah! I really loved all the Western numbers, which was really suprising. She did such a great job of being a total diva when she needed to and then bringing it in for the ensemble scenes. haha- Nice avatar picture, by the way.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 7:14pm

Thanks. I think my only problem with this show is the lack of choreography for Noah. You can see every time he gets a little bit to do how he's just dying to keep going!

[Dre2387]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 7:21pm

I loved seeing all that dancing. That is what I miss about theatre. all those old shows with lots of dancing and singing. My first (and favorite show of all time) is Crazy For You. Perfect music and dancing, with a great storyline.