Review-Curtains

Again with the lateness. Sorry!

So, I missed opening night of Curtains, but I did get to catch the Saturday night performance, which was great! There was an unexpected Act 2 visit from a bat that added to the somewhat creepiness of the Act 2 opener. Ironic: yes. Terrifying because there was a giant bat on the loose: also yes.

I digress.

Curtains is by far the best production I have seen this summer. Hands down. It puts Cockpit's earlier summer musical, Singin in the Rain, to shame. The cast is spot on at all times, the costumes are flashy, the sets are amazing (depsite one rickety staircase) and the show is just a hit, plain and simple. This, however, wouldn't be a review unless I go into crazy detail, so we shall start now.

One, Tom Wyatt knows how to put on a show. Tom directed/choreographed this production SO well. The book itself is a little weird at times, and some of the scenes drag, but that is the fault of the writer, not the director. The choreography is quick and impressive, especially when danced by the entire cast. He had a massive amount of things to do with this show. The script itself calls for tons of scenery, drops, props and special effects and Mr.Wyatt seamlessly works them all into this finished product. Bravo!

Two, THE COSTUMES! Wow. First off, I give the ensemble of this show a ton of credit. I feel like every time they reappear on stage, they are in new costumes, ranging from rehearsal clothes, to wild western outfits, ballgowns, can can dresses and more wigs than you can shake a stick at. Though shaking a stick at a wig will make you look like a crazy person. My only qualm here is James Fasching's billing as the Costume Designer. I've seen his work in the past, and it has never been this impressive. This leads me to believe that most of the costumes were pulled from stock and that some of the fancier pieces (most of the gowns and fancy dresses for the girls) were rented. Maybe a title like "Costume Coordinator" would have been more fitting. Not to say he didn't design some of the pieces at one time or another, but these were re-used or rented. I may be wrong, but that is how I saw it.

Also, I must take time to give a thumbs up to Stage Manager Margie Lake for what I'm sure is an intense show to call.

Three, the cast. Outstanding to say the least. Every character was perfectly cast and each actor plays with amazing comedic timing and wit. The ensemble of the show isn't just an ensemble, and they are working their butts off. With a ton of scenes and dance work being done, they impress immensely.

Chuck Graham makes for a lovable Frank Cioffi, and has the audience in the palm of his hand from his first scene. He plays with a "good guy" nature and you really can't help but like him. Plain and simple, he was great!

Dori Watson is hysterical in her short-lived time on stage as the terrible Jessica Cranshaw. Watch for her in the kickline, she can't be missed.

Tom Burns works his small comedic bits FANTASTICALLY and stands out as an audience favorite. I couldn't help but watch him when he is on stage. He is a funny man, and he knows how to make you laugh.

Becca Vourvoulas makes a great Bambi, with a killer voice and even better dance moves. Props to her for pulling off a fantastic dance in an over-the-top beaded indian getup.

John Desmone steals almost every scene he is in as director Christopher Belling. He serves up amazing one liners with the pro comedic timing. Mr.Desmone never disappoints, but he is really put to good use in the production.

Amy Pierson is lovably ditzy as ingenue Niki Harris, whom Cioffi is infatuated with. Her beautiful voice and simple but effective acting choices make her time on stage worth watching. Spoiler alert: There was something terribly disturbing about seeing her with a gun in her hand. Disturbing yet laughable.

Of course, my standout. I always have at least one. Liz Boyer Hunnicutt OWNS the show as producer Carmen Bernstein. She is witty, sassy and she knows how to use it. She has a powerhouse voice, as anyone who has seen her perform knows, and frequently had the audience reacting most to her on stage. She is one of my favorite local actresses, and should NOT be missed in this role. She really knocks it out of the park (or theatre) in "Show People" and "It's a Business". Bravo, Bravo, Bravo!

One of my few complaints about the show were music related. At times, there were major tempo problems, which one reviewer blamed on the ensemble. To him I say: Really dude? The ensemble of this show is the hardest working I've seen in a while. They've been rehearsing for months and know the score and choreography inside and out. Any tempo problems fall on the Music Director and pit. The musicians follow the actors, and should be expected to keep up, which at times, they can't. Not to say that they do a bad job, but they need to learn how to find a tempo, and stay there. Actors on stage have enough to worry about.

So, as I warned, I went into detail. But unto you I say this: Curtains and Cockpit is a huge smash. Get your tickets for the last two weekends NOW! If you were impressed by Singin' in the Rain, you need to see the real "Show People" in Curtains. Cockpit has had an amazing season, with a killer closing show (pardon the pun. Read the synopsis from the Curtains entry if you want to know what I'm talking about). Acting, Singing, Dancing and all while trying to escape someone with a death wish for their show. No need for rain on stage when you have real live bats and an epic cast!

A plus plus plus!