LimelightMike's CURTAINS Review

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 1:09am

CURTAINS: A Tough Act to Follow

Al Hirschfeld Theatre
Saturday, March 31, 2007 @ 2:00pm

It's not everyday you’re given the chance to go out and enjoy “a great big new musical comedy”...

I sat on the edge of my seat throughout the entire performance. I was enthralled by all aspects. A cast of extraordinary talent, led by the charming David Hyde Pierce, who I feel has truly found a gem of a role in Lt. Frank Cioffi, and the utterly uproarious and enchanting Debra Monk. The entire company deserves a collective nod of recognition and great esteem for all their efforts, delivering a top-notch performance from the opening moments of the overture to the side-splitting, “all’s-well-that-ends-well” of a finale.

I knew that CURTAINS was going to be a delight. Right from the get-go, with ROBBIN’ HOOD, I was set and ready for an adventure. Every character that graced the stage served a purpose, adding more depth to the story, piling on more questions, with plot twists and turns to boot. From the not-so-dearly departed Jessica Crenshaw, ill-fated Sidney Bernstein and the dutiful Johnny Harmon all the way to the ostentatious Christopher Belling, bitter drama critic Daryl Grady, and even our hero Frank Cioffi himself. I could see myself in a few roles. Aside from the obvious choice of Lt. Cioffi, who I know I would have a ball playing, I think I would enjoy sinking my teeth into the featured role of the composer, Aaron Fox.

Truth be told, I fell in love with more than a few of the musical numbers. “Show People” being one of them, stands out as one of those ‘in your face’ kind of numbers, where Debra Monk’s vocals were really able to shine. I also enjoyed “A Tough Act to Follow”, a truly charming tune that kept a smile on my face. I think that my favorite song to come out of the show was “I Miss the Music”. Aside from the fact that I’m a big fan of Jason Danieley’s work as a vocalist, I feel that the song itself is a winning piece of Mr. Kander’s orchestral prowess.

Don't listen to the 'haters' out there, who can't find it within themselves to truly appreciate a masterfully-crafted piece of theatre. As far as I’m concerned, CURTAINS amounts to two hours and forty minutes of freshness - full of an incomparable zest, vigor, and warmth – that Broadway hasn’t accurately felt in decades. I feel immensely fortunate having been able to experience the splendor of a John Kander and Fred Ebb score, with an original concept conceived by Peter Stone, awe-inspiring choreography (Rob Ashford), beautiful lighting (Peter Kaczorowski) and set design (Anna Louizos), all of which is intertwined in a laugh-a-minute book (Rupert Holmes) that, without a shadow of a doubt, will always keep you guessing and begging for more...

Best,
- Mike


Updated On: 4/4/07 at 01:09 AM

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 1:30am

I'd love some feedback.

It's my first real review here on the boards.

I treasure your input a great deal.

Best,
- Mike

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 1:34am

You're too nice. Although in this case you're praising a show I disliked, I get the feeling that you like every show. Am I wrong?

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 1:36am

*blushes*

I'm an optimist. I can't help it!
I'm 19 ... Young and stupid. LoL

[courtnyj]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 1:38am

If it's the first review he's posted on the boards what makes you think he likes everything he sees? Are you making that generalization based on the fact that he liked this show in particular?

Thanks for the review Limelightmike. Glad to hear you had a great time!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 1:45am

Well, my first 'detailed' review -- Aside from recapping a few other experiences in brief (i.e.: MIMI le DUCK, TALK RAD!O, etc.)

[courtnyj]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 1:48am

I was commenting on his assumption that if you liked Curtains you must not be critical of any show.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 1:49am

The review is very good, and there is nothing wrong with being nice, I just happen to like reviews that also talk about the negative in the shows as well. I don't trust reviewers that praise too much. I guess it's my issue, so nevermind, congrats on your 1st review!

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 2:11am

Glad you liked it!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 8:25am

Great review, Mike! Glad you had fun.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 8:51am

Very glad you liked it.

I'm going back for seconds this afternoon.

Let's hope that I'm not let down by my even higher expectations. Updated On: 4/4/07 at 08:51 AM

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 8:53am

I enjoyed it even more my second time, Yankee - you see more, and the score is even more fun and "sticky"!

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 8:56am

Good to hear!

I'm planning on bringing binoculars this time....it was really killing me that I couldn't figure out the names on the back of the set.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 8:57am

That's a great idea - I had so much trouble from the audience perspective, but I was fortunate enough to get to hang out for a while onstage after a show, and got to see them up close.

[istillbelieve24601]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 9:10am

Very glad you like it. I have a friend who's going to night and I must send her here to read this review... She's very excited.

I'm trying to decide whether to see Curtains or Pirate Queen next. I think I'll end up seeing Curtains, but I'm not sure. I'm not really a musical-comedy type of person, I'm more of a Boubil and Schonburg type of girl.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 9:20am

Thanks for a great review LimeLightMike!

I went into CURTAINS 'cold' not knowing what to expect and had a great time. It's a solid old-fashioned musical comedy, splashy and cheerful.

Updated On: 4/4/07 at 09:20 AM

[D2]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 9:30am

Great review Mike - regardless of whether you liked the show or not, it is a well written piece. (And of course I'm thrilled you did like it!)