From Bonnie Weiss, showtune@mindspring.com
A MUST SEE MUSICAL
Date: Saturday, February 20, 2010, 3:46 PM
Dear Musical Theatre Lover:
I fell in love with the score of CURTAINS (the last musical that Kander & Ebb penned before the latter's death). (Thank you, George Moffatt, for turning me on the superb CD.) The lyrics were completed by the show's librettist, Rupert Holmes (Tony-award winner for "The Mystery of Edwin Drood".
So, I was not surprised by the great score and terrific book (script), but what really knocked my socks off were the performances and production values. The DiabloTheatre Company has put together a show that rivals the best of any touring company. What's more, many of the voices in the show surpass those on the original cast recording. Just about every lead and featured performer is not only a powerful, resonant singer and strong actor, but also an accomplished dancer. Talk about triple threats! The Tony-nominated Broadway production starred David Hyde Pierce (from TV's "Frasier") as a N.Y.C. detective obsessed with musicals. When he's assigned to investigate a murder of a musical theatre diva, he uses his wits to both solve the case and turn the doomed musical into a hit.
In the Diablo Theatre Production, the detective is played by Tom Reardon, who performs with flair, charm, and great comic timing. He could have easily replace Hyde Pierce in the Broadway production. Another standout is Jessica Fisher, as the brassy, super-ambitious producer, who'll do anything to get her show to Broadway. As a singer, Fisher has the most powerful Broadway belt West of the Big White Way! She nearly puts Ethel Merman to shame!! And she's a wonderful comic actress as well.
I could go on and on, but I'll be writing a review in the next couple of days for my Footlight Reviews column. Meanwhile, I urge you to get tickets to this rare treat.
It's at my favorite Bay Area Theatre: The stunning Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. (Easy inexpensive parking, and a 7 minute walk from BART.)
Dates: Now through Feb. 28th (this show deserves an extension!)
Tickets: 925/943.SHOW (7469)
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