CURTAINS

7/28/06
I saw CURTAINS, the new Kander & Ebb musical at the Ahmanson (supposedly pre-Bdwy) well, let's first say it's no Cabaret or Chicago, but thats not to say it's not entertaining, it's very entertaining, very clever, very funny, a bit odd - imagine Kiss Me Kate crossed with Clue, a back-stage murder mystery during the out-of-town tryout of a bad musical version of Robin Hood set in the Old West (Madame Marion runs the local bordello).
The staging, sets, costumes and cast are all first rate. Being that this was only the 3rd performance, the timing and pace aren't quite there yet, so when it tightens up will be a hoot.
The score is very Kander & Ebbish, you will definitely leave humming the tunes (for both Acts) but no one number stands outs as a classic.
David Hyde Pierce is very charming & amusing, Debroah Monk is her usual fun self as the stage-mom from hell, watching Karen Ziemba dance is always a treat & Edward Hibbert as a bitch-queen director is enjoyable.
The orchestrations & orchestra are fantastic, very old school Broadway. The choreography is fun and very lively with a stand-out Marge & Gower champion number!
The script is clever, witty & wise. With all it has going for it, it is a bit odd and not quite yet reached fruition, but an audience pleaser none-the-less. With a little work will be a hit in NY