Who can possibly pan a show that takes the critics to task in a delightful number called “What kind of man would take a job like that!” Who, indeed! Since “Curtains” opens with a corny song and dance number from its out-of-town tryout of “Robbin’ Hood,” a tale of the Old West, the nasty reviews read by the cast seem quite justified.
“Curtains,” playing at the Ahmanson Theater, is not only a musical about a musical, but a murder mystery to boot. It boasts the wit and style that make for a most enjoyable evening.
Anyone can tell who is going to get snuffed after hearing the leading lady stagger through the opening number of “Robbin’ Hood.” As played by Patty Goble, she deserves her fate. She is not at all missed by the backers and cast members who mourn (?) her in a nifty number called “The Woman’s Dead.” Enter the detective, who turns out to be a theater buff and is more interested in improving “Robbin’ Hood” than in finding the dastard who done it.
Lieutenant Frank Cioffi is played by the mushy faced David Hyde Pierce, who shows he has more skills than his role in “Frazier” would allow. He is hilarious as he muddles through all the detective procedures, seemingly baffled. Certainly a highlight of the musical is his dance number with Jill Paice, which ends as a take-off of Rogers and Astaire.
“Curtains” is aptly named because it is the final musical of that talented duo, John Kander (music) and Fred Ebb (lyrics) who brought us “Cabaret,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman” and many other hits. Fred Ebb died while “Curtains” was a-borning and Rupert Holmes was brought in to finish the book and provide additional lyrics. Well done!
When you’re doing a spoof, you need actors who can pull it off. Co-starring with Pierce is the terrific Debra Monk who plays the show’s co-producer, Carmen. Does she have worries! Her husband, Sidney (Robert Walden), has a mistress, her daughter, Bambi (Megan Sikora), has a difficult dance number to perform, and the show shapes up as a flop. She gives the role panache and really delivers as she sings, “It’s a business.” (Unfortunately, she is burdened with unfunny jokes about her honeymoon.)
Karen Ziemba, a Broadway stalwart for many years, is terrific as a lyrics writer, as is Jason Danieley as her husband and partner. It’s hard to recognize Edward Hibbard who makes waves as the egotistical, swishy director.
“Curtains” fills the requirements of any successful musical. The sets by Anna Louizos are smashing and costumes by William Ivey Long are a delight. The music is catchy and well orchestrated by William David Brohn and David Loud. Terrific dancers attest to the talents of choreographer Robert Ashford. Scott Ellis as director has everything and everybody moving in the right direction.
Kander and Ebb are noted for composing “New York, New York” and it looks like “Curtains,” which is set in Boston, will make it to that great city.