“Falsettos” has an interesting history in that it is a contemporary “classic” of gay theatre that is comprised of two muical plays about the same set of characters. One was written and produced just before the start of the AIDS epidemic (“March of the Falsettos”) and the second (“Falsettoland”) was written and produced ten years later when the world had changed and the stories of gay people were transformed by the plague. They plays work together seamlessly, and “Falsettos” is a gem.
This production by 42nd Street Moon is thoroughly professional and satisfying. The story of four neurotic Jews (introduced by the gloriously hilarious opening novelty song “Four Jews in A Room Bitching”). The four Jews are newly out-of-the-closet Marvin, his understandably irritated wife, Trina, his much younger lover Whizzer, and Marvin & Trina’s psychiatrist, Mendel. The fifth wheel in this quaternity is 11-year-old Jason, introduced by the song “My Father’s A Homo/Everyone tells Jason to See a Psychiatrist.”
That song title is a good example of the show’s rich humor. The humor was shocking fun when show was new, and remains fun, if not shocking, today. Other song titles include: “Marvin at the Psychiatrist,” “March of the Falsettos,” and “Miracle of Judaism.” I think you’ll get the idea. The miracle is deep and funny.
It is not too much of a spoiler to reveal that Marvin’s and Trina’s marriage does not survive the advent of Whizzer. By the of the first act, Marvin’s neurotic life is a neurotic mess, he’s alone, Trinaha s found new love from an unexpected quarter, and Whizzer remains friendly with young Jason.
In Act II, however, set a few years later, as Jason is preparing for his bar mitzvah, AIDS has roared into the picture, and everybody’s life has changed. The big question of Act II is whether it is possible to proceed with a bar mitzvah celebration in such a world.
All of it is lovely, moving and fun. The heart of it all is the marvelous score and this cast performs it well.
Highlights include Trina singing “I’m Breaking Down” (Ariella Morgenstern), “Four Jews In A Room Bitching” (Samuel Prince, Gary Brintz, Will Giammona and Ariela Morgenstern), and, most especially, Whizzer’s showstopping “You Gotta Die Sometime” (Samuel Prince.)
As a lesbian couple who are friends of the extended family, Cindy Goldfield and Monica Rose Slater are excellent both singing and acting.
The band, directed by Dave Dobrinsky, is better than good. The directing is brisk. The design elements serve the production well, and the choreography is lively.
You’ll want to march out to see this lovely production of “Falsettos”.
“Falsettos” will play at the Gateway Theatre in San Francisco through March 17, 2024.
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Rating: *** (For an explanation of Theatrestorm’s rating scale, click here.)
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“Falsettos” produced by 42nd Street Moon. Book by William Finn and James Lapine. Muic and lyrics by William Finn. Director: Denni Licteig. Muic Director: Dave Dobrusky. Choreographer: Leslie Waggoner. Scenic Designer: Iaac Fine. Costume Designer: Stephanie Dittbern. Lighting Designer: Danielle Ferguson.
Cast:
Mendel: Gary Brintz. Marvin: William Giammona. Charlotte: Cindy Goldfield. Trina: Angela Morgenstern. Whizzer: Samuel Prince. Jason: Madelyn Simon/Yuval Weissberg (alternating). Cordelia: Monica Rose Slater.
The Band:
Dave Dubrosky: Piano. Ken Brill: Syntheizer. Woodwinds: Terry Halvorson. Percussion: Kirk Durplantis.
TheatreStorm 