Curtains is Stylish Fun To See...
Paul Cartwright as Lieutenant Frank Cioffi and Debra Stewart as Niki Harris in HCT’s regional premiere of “Curtains”
Hale Centre Theatre: Stylish 'Curtains' fun to see, but it doesn't linger
Review » Newest Hale Centre Theatre production offers smiles and broad character performances, but don't fret about the plot.
You might not have heard of the musical "Curtains," now playing in a regional premiere at Hale Centre Theatre, but the elements of this comedy will seem familiar to the company's regular theatergoers:
Colorful period costumes -- check.
Catchy, lively musical numbers -- check.
Over-the-top comedic character roles -- check.
Elaborate, technically sophisticated sets -- check.
The show, which premiered on Broadway in 2007 with David Hyde Pierce leading the cast, comes with a rock-solid musical pedigree, written by the famed Tony Award-winning team of Fred Ebb and John Kander, known for "Cabaret" and "Chicago."
"Curtains" is a show within a show, a sendup of backstage murder mysteries. It's set in 1959 Boston on the set of the musical "Robbin' Hood of the Old West," where the murder of a leading lady threatens to cut short the run of the play. Every cast member becomes a suspect, while it's the duty of musical enthusiast Lt. Frank Cioffi (Paul Cartwright) to find the killer after he locks down the theater.
Cartwright is nicely cast in the role, effectively embodying both sides of the character, who's a mixture of a geeky, righteous man of the law and musical theater aficionado. Cioffi's dedicated to his job, but longs for love and the stage, and he reveals his routine-filled life in the pleasant "Coffee Shop Nights" number.
"Curtains" isn't a mystery that can be taken too seriously, as its light comedic tone and plentiful double entendres emphasize the story's physical comedy, rather than letting us care too much about the murders or the victims. In some cases, as in that of stage manager Johnny (Kacey Udy), robotic acting makes us almost grateful to see the character go.
Actor Bryan Finch, as Christopher Belling, the self-absorbed, clueless director of the show, offers a good example of the show's brand of satire and heightened comedic relief. The actor, whose robust frame is underscored by his character's over-the-top effeminate physical gestures, appears to be having great fun mocking anyone in show business who takes himself too seriously. He displays such great timing that the audience anxiously awaits his next one-liner.
As Carmen Bernstein, Camille Gerber Van Wagoner, is also a comedic standout but her character will seem familiar to anyone who saw Van Wagoner's likeable, bossy Dolly Gallagher Levi in HCT's June production of "Hello, Dolly!"
Overall, director Jennifer Parker Hohl offers a safe and friendly show, with some beautifully staged scenes, and it's easy to see why this production might be popular with HCT audiences.
You shouldn't expect too walk out of the theater caring too much about the murder plot you just saw untangled or any of its victims, but you just might find a smile on your face.
Send comments to roxellana@sltrib.com or features@sltrib.com.
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