LaCageFans: CURTAINS Review

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 4/6/07 at 1:36pm

https://nycriticscorner.broadwayworld.com/curtains.htm

CURTAINS - *** 1/2

Broadway has finally done it this season – the musical gods have created a throwback to musicals of days gone by. “Curtains” which is now playing nightly at the Al Hirschfield is the first original musical this season that encompasses a rapture of pure bliss and frivolousness. The problem? It is not as perfect as it could be. For every moment of frolicsome perkiness comes an equal dull and boring refrain that seems like it will never end. The book by Rupert Holmes is a mixed bag of tricks that leaves the audience completely cockeyed at times. Peter Stone (the pieces original librettist) passed on and Holmes, who has a slightly different approach here than his predecessor, tries hard, but only succeeds half of the time. Or was it Holmes to whom the victor goes and Stone who was past his prime? One may never know. That said, “Curtains” certainly still remains a gifted and spirited collaborative effort. But unlike the past few seasons that have given New York audiences such theatrical merriment as “Spamalot” or “The Drowsy Chaperone;” “Curtains” is a show that, after it’s sublime original company departs, may not stand the test of time – but for the time being will be a superb New York evening out!

With so many things going on in this show on so many different levels, it is with great respect to recognize the most superlative and consummate facet of the evening – “Curtains” extremely winning cast. David Hyde Pierce, recently of “Spamalot” fame and a little less recently of his television turn in “Frasier,” turns in a simply understated, yet inwardly moving turn as leading man. The great Debra Monk, who won a Tony a decade or so ago for making the most of what was “Redwood Curtain,” turns in an equally stunning performance. Monk uses the combination of soaring vocal skill, timely comedic acting, and nuanced likeability to create her character; and she does it all to complete and utter accuracy. Kander and Ebb have handed Monk two of the shows most rupturing numbers in “Show People” and “It’s a Business,” the same can’t be said for Pierce who is saddled with some of their clunkers.

The material is where this show lacks. It’s book and it’s score, while completely serviceable and at time thoroughly enjoyable, suffer a complete unevenness throughout. It is certainly no “Chicago” or “Cabaret” – not even close. But it isn’t “Carrie” or “Good Vibrations” either. Curtains is set in 1959 Boston during the pre-Broadway tryout of a new musical “Robin’ Hood.” When the leading lady mysteriously dies onstage during the applause at the end of the show, the entire company and creative team are possible suspects; their various motives must be sorted out by a local detective (Pierce) who happens to be a musical theatre fan. What happens from there is penned all over the place by “Curtains” creative team, but there are certainly many memorable moments thereafter.

Played with stunning virtuosity by powerhouse Karen Ziemba (“Contact,” “Never Gonna Dance”), her character of Georgia reminds us of what is missing in today’s Broadway climate. Ziemba gets the best song with the Act I closer, “Thataway” that is simply put - enjoyable and fun! Also turning in sublime and worthy performances are Jason Danieley and Noah Racey as the two gents fighting for Georgia’s affection.

Director Scott Ellis has a hard job of making this hodge-podge work and doesn’t always succeed. But, choreographer Rob Ashford shows what he does best throughout the evenings big dazzling numbers. Expecting perfection from William Ivy Long’s designs has become a Broadway standard – that standard has not been met here and it seems one of his interns put together these lackluster costumes.

And that’s just the problem with “Curtains” – it seems “put together” on every front, which is even more of a testament to the actors on stage who will continue to make it feel fresh and come alive eight times a week.


Updated On: 4/6/07 at 01:36 PM

[broadwayfan3]

Posted: 4/6/07 at 2:03pm

I could not agree more

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 4/6/07 at 5:26pm

On a whole, I did like it - its certainly enjoyable. But there are just some moments, that make you go, "Really!?"