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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Curtains Also see Gil's reviews of A Christmas Story, The Musical and Topdog/Underdog
The plot centers on the struggling Boston tryout of a new musical called Robbin' Hood. The show's talent-challenged leading lady drops dead on opening night–or was she murdered? Enter Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, a police detective with a passion for musical theatre. As he sequesters the cast and crew inside the theater to track down the killer, he also lends his surprisingly savvy eye to improving the show they are working on. Curtains was a musical that almost didn't happen. The show was originally developed by celebrated bookwriter Peter Stone and the famous writing team of John Kander (music) and Fred Ebb (lyrics) but, sadly, both Stone and Ebb passed away during the musical's development, leaving the project unfinished. Tony-winning writer Rupert Holmes, who won awards for his work on another whodunit musical comedy, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, was brought on to complete the book and contribute additional lyrics, working closely with composer John Kander to shape the final version. While the bouncy score may not be the caliber of celebrated Kander and Ebb scores for Chicago or Cabaret, it does feature many fun songs with witty lyrics. The end result honors the style and wit of Kander and Ebb while also showcasing Holmes' talent for comical mysteries. It is a delightful combination of murder mystery and backstage musical chaos. Chelsea Anderson's direction is bright and energetic, highlighting the comical backstage hijinks as well as the over-the-top world of Robbin' Hood with a great cast who capture the tongue-in-cheek tone of the script while delivering warm comedic performances. The staging makes good use of the boxes and exits in the theater to bring variety to the production; only the aftermath of a scene on a catwalk could be staged better, to make it less vague as to what happened to one of the characters. Almost all of the large ensemble numbers and winning solo numbers build into showstoppers, due to Anderson's fun choreography and Alicia Ferrin's music direction; the 18-piece orchestra sounds fantastic. Dane Burk's scenic design uses just a few set pieces to create the backstage spaces and onstage Robbin' Hood rehearsals and performances, and the costumes by Sharon Jones strike just the right balance between period flair and showbiz exaggeration. Nate Wheatley's lighting is fun and playful. The cast is great, featuring a wonderfully engaging Owen Donsker as Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, playing the lovable character with warmth, charm, and keen comic instincts. Donsker makes Cioffi's enthusiasm for both detective work and musical theatre equally endearing and his singing voice is bright and warm. Kendal Turpin as Carmen Bernstein, the show's producer, steals nearly every scene with her sharp comic timing, take-charge attitude, and beautifully brassy singing voice. Niki Harris, the Robbin' Hood ingenue Cioffi falls for, is portrayed with gentle sweetness and a lovely singing voice by Jasmyn Gade, bringing sincerity to her scenes with Cioffi. As Georgia Hendricks, the lyricist-turned-leading-lady, Nicole Riddering shines with confident and powerful vocals and a grounded emotional presence. Aaron Fox, Georgia's ex-husband and composing partner, is played by Henry Morton with a fun sense of neurotic charm and he sings with a rich tone in his soaring and heartfelt ballads. The supporting cast is equally strong. As Christopher Belling, the flamboyant British director, Derek Carson is an audience favorite, delivering a performance dripping with delicious theatrical flair. Atticus Adair as Bobby Pepper, the leading man of Robbin' Hood, brings buoyant energy and good dance skills to every musical number. Mary Davis provides spirited comic relief as the eager but underestimated Bambi Bernét, who hopes for her big break. The large ensemble play their various roles with polish, including Ki'jon Robinson as the overworked stage manager. Arizona State University's production of Curtains is a spirited, stylish, and thoroughly entertaining evening of musical theatre. While it may not be a perfect musical, with its clever mystery, vibrant performances, and affectionate parody of showbiz culture, the production offers a delightful experience that will keep you trying to identify the murderer while also chuckling at the zany backstage comedy. Curtains runs through November 23, 2025, at Arizona State University Music Theatre and Opera, Evelyn Smith Music Theatre in the ASU School of Music, 50 E. Gammage Pkwy, Tempe AZ. For tickets and information, please visit musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/events. Director/Musical Staging and Choreographer: Chelsea Anderson Cast: |
