Venice Theatre

Venice's “Falsettos” hits its high notes in Act 2

January 10, 2011
Jay Handelman, Herald-Tribune

From the opening song "Four Jews in a Room Bitching," "Falsettos" sets audiences off on a refreshingly comic and emotional journey through love, family dynamics and the specter of AIDS. The musical follows Marvin as he tries to maintain a sense of family after he leaves his wife, Trina, and son, Jason, to live with his lover, Whizzer. The story is told solely through songs by William Finn that alternate between tender ballads and humorous patter numbers.

The cast struggles to establish a sense of purpose and character in the weaker first act, which sets up relationships, including Marvin's psychiatrist. But the performances grow touching in the involving second act, which focuses on Jason's bar mitzvah and introduces a lesbian couple -- a kosher caterer and a doctor who first sees signs of a disease claiming the lives of gay men.

Brad Wages has staged the show with great spirit, matched by musical director Michelle Kasanofsky. It is at times a bit too fast, leaving the actors unable to enunciate the lyrics. They have a better chance to display emotions in quieter songs.

Jason Kimble … has a strong voice and he plays Marvin as an average guy going through a major life change. As Whizzer, Kristofer Geddie also sings with power …

… Gianna Campo makes Trina a compelling figure, and Timothy J. Fitzgerald is heartwarming as Mendel. Eli Schildkraut is just right as Jason struggles with all sorts of issues. Linda Mounce is touching as the doctor and Debbi White has charm as Cordelia.

Priscilla Boyd's costumes suit the 1980s period, and Kirk V. Hughes has designed a playful set inspired by the art work of Keith Haring. The production lags on occasion, but it rebounds into a fresh, life-affirming show.