Review of Curtains

This review was published in the Ft. Collins Coloradoan on 10/29/09:

"Curtains" a delightful comedy about theatre
By Tom Jones for the Coloradoan

The new musical production "Robbin' Hood of the Old West" is in trouble.

The show has a lot going for it, including a youthful and talented cast; it is previewing in Boston, prior to moving to New York. However, the leading lady is so dreadful that there is a sense of relief when she is murdered during her curtain call. This leaves at least two options: cancel the show or replace the leading lady.

This all takes place in the first few minutes of the delightful musical comedy "Curtains," produced by Up in Lights Productions at Loveland's Rialto Theater.

While the show's cast and crew try to come to terms with what has happened, in walks police officer Frank Cioffi from the Boston Police Force. Determined to find the murderer, Cioffi announces that none of the cast or crew is to leave the theater until he solves the crime. Turns out, Cioffi is not only a respected police officer but also a thwarted thespian who spends his vacations appearing in regional theater.

And the fun begins. Cioffi is not only interested in finding the guilty murderer, but also in seeing that the show itself be improved and continue on its road to Broadway. Jordan Roberts, as Cioffi, is a real find. He has great stage presence, an excellent singing and speaking voice and super comic timing, and he puts the audience completely at ease to sit back and enjoy the antics while he is in charge.

While Officer Cioffi hilariously follows leads to solve the crime, several sub-plots surface, including the desire of an imposing stage mother to find fame for her daughter, the rekindled romance of the show's recently divorced composer and lyricist interrupted by the lead dancer's love for the lyricist, backstage fighting over who should take over the leading role and the basic concern for the show's survival.

Music and lyrics for "Curtains" are provided by John Kander and Fred Ebb, with additional lyrics by Rupert Holmes. Kander and Ebb are among musical theater's most respected composers, providing the world with such shows as "Cabaret," "Chicago," "Zorba" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman." While "Curtains" doesn't have the memorable songs to match Kander and Ebb's earlier work, it is a charmer, from beginning murder to concluding bows.

The show also looks terrific; the sets and costumes are very good and the staging is clever. The show is under the direction of Britni Girard, who wows the audience with her sensational choreography. Jalyn Webb is music director, with Jeremy Girard as orchestra director.

The large cast features several supporting players featured in standout performances. Steffan Scrogan is in excellent voice as the show's composer, Aaron Fox. He is particularly effective singing "I Miss the Music." Meanwhile his stage ex-wife, Georgia (played by Amanda Smith), steals the spotlight at the conclusion of the first act with the visually dazzling and musically fun number "Thataway." Paula Satchell is feisty as Carmen Bernstein, a stage mother and a producer reminding everyone in the show that "It's a Business." Lynzee Newton is very good as Bambi, the producer's daughter, whom everyone loves to hate, but who has been elected to serve as the union's rep. Breanna Kreager, as Cloffi's love interest, Niki Harris, is spotlighted late in the show with "Tough Act to Follow." Brinn McNally is fun as the self-absorbed, clueless director.

Special mention also must be made of Angela Johnson as Jessica Cranshaw, the no-talent star whose murder at the beginning of the show is the premise for the entire production. Johnson appears only briefly but is memorably funny as she unwittingly prepares to die.

"Curtains" is a loving look at the highs and lows in the world of musical theater. The bodies mount up, critics are skewered and the songs and dances keep coming. The accomplishments of the entire cast are substantial; especially rewarding are the talented singers who don't let orchestral problems interfere with their delivery. The combined efforts result in a standing ovation - and this time no one gets killed.

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THANK YOU, TOM!!!!!!