It is often considered very difficult to work much story into a musical, because the plot has to both drive itself and resolve, in the case of the average musical, within just under an hour. CURTAINS is a production that requires a skillful and delicate merging of plot and musical spectacle with its book and libretto, more-so in fact, than the average musical does. It is the fantastic execution of this delicate balance that has made the Gallery Players production such a satisfying endeavor.
The plot of this charming piece of theatre, set in 1959, revolves around a company that finds itself in previews for a Robin Hood-centric musical, and without a leading lady. When a professional movie actress, Jessica Crenshaw, is hired to headline the show, disaster strikes, but not in the way one might expect, especially in a murder mystery musical. Well, at least not at first. Shortly thereafter, avid theatre-goer Lt. Cioffi is brought in to investigate a sinister murder, and begins to conduct an investigation into the cast, crew and those around the production. As he continues his investigations, he finds himself beginning to help shape the production. Add in thrilling, energetic dance numbers, an engaging murder mystery with more than a dash of "Whodunnit?", and you have a recipe for theatrical success.
The spacious stage at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus allows for more than a glimpse into the world of the theatre in 1959. I was initially concerned when the curtain rose on Curtains because we have to experience what takes place back stage and I saw this massive, single piece of set and wondered how could a set piece like this even move, let alone fluidly. But when the full functionality of the set, and its ability to completely rotate, was revealed, I was quite impressed. The use of this technique calls to mind an obvious connection to "Noises Off", which has a similar front stage/backstage theme, with an entirely different purpose, here, one far more sinister.
The one drawback to this element is the necessity of two stagehands. Though, to their credit, they both did an admirable job with a set piece that looked like it may require five people or more to rotate. Had there been a way to disguise the presence of the stagehands somehow, the effect would have been even more delightful.
The overall technical aspects of the show were solid, but I did notice a few key lighting issues. Though there were several well-chosen hues for some of the background scenes, there were occasionally areas of the stage occupied by actors and actresses in important sequences that were not adequately lit., in particular, in the downstage left area.
But the stage and the set is hardly the only thing of value in this show, the most valuable aspect is of course the actors! This production allows a unique Chorus to create and showcase their lives and stories, and I am happy to say as the show progresses we get to see them truly come to life! Vocally, this show is amazing! the minute the curtains rise, we hear the beginning lines of “Wide Open Spaces” and its the shot of adrenaline we need! The chorus was wonderful, however, there were a few moments where the chorus can become distracting to the overall flow of the action onstage.
The costumes of the show, lend us the much needed time-machine to deliver us to the late fifties!
I would like to take a moment or two to focus on a handful of the actors whose performances stood out and grew dear to my heart as the show played on.
To Doug Joseph, who plays the Outlandish British Director (who takes credit for everything, most likely this review as well!) his performance was outstanding, a healthy mixture of empowerment, Tyrannical possession of the chorus and a healthy love and affection for the old theater cat (and chorus boys)! His delivery of myriad one liners and the facial expressions alongside his whimsical walk on and off the stage makes for an unforgettable experience.
Ross Shirley plays Lieutenant Cioffi, originally performed by the stellar David Hyde-Pierce. Ross shows us that we do not need the role's creator onstage to have an unforgettable performance of this character. He brings to life what all of us in the community theater wish we could have...a career in the professional theatre! Every one wants to be a show person! Ross’s enthusiasm and energy is rarely matched in this production.
And to the wonderful Wilma Hatton, playing Producer Carmen Bernstein: It is a business, and a hard one to play the mother of the infamous BAMBI! Her performance is colored with some of the funniest muttering dialogue. What makes the performance so memorable is the perfectly measured and timed delivery of every line and the accuracy of the wink, wink, nod, nod humor. Wilma has mastered this technique and rarely misses the mark.
Julie Russell plays the bubbly and cute Niki Harris, and the love interest to our Cioffi. she brings to this performance a silly nature and what I call the lovers eyes! the minute she starts to “flirt”. We see her emotional layers peel back and her affections come forward. Not to mention her wonderful dance numbers a must see!
Danielle Mann and Todd Lemmon, Play our writers and lyricist Georgia and Aaron! these two bring to this show the very definition of what love songs in the musical theater have been trying to teach us since Rogers and Hammerstein! I miss the music, I made with my friend. it is a heart-breaking and warming number performed by both of these outstanding actors. they will break your heart, then mend it and warm it to its core!
Oh. And keep your eyes peeled for the magic bullet. Or is that the magic of theatre that went whizzing by?
The show currently is running now through Sunday April 3rd. If your plans between now and April 3rd do not include Curtains presented by the Gallery players, you will miss a wonderful night of music, dance and mystery. Reserve your tickets now for this wonderful broadway show in the heart of the city of columbus! for more information visit http://www.jccgalleryplayers.org/ today!
Thank you soooo very much for such a nice review!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, its easy to write a review of a show that is that much fun!
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