Falsettos
Falsettos is a poignant and vibrant musical crafted from a book by William Finn and James Lapine. It showcases Finn's captivating music and poignant lyrics, which resonate with listeners and create an unforgettable emotional connection. Falsettos, the groundbreaking musical that hit the Broadway stage in 1992, garnered significant acclaim, receiving nominations for seven Tony Awards and triumphing with wins for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. The story unfolds with the opening number, "Four Jews In A Room Bitching," a lively and humorous introduction that features a twelve-year-old boy casually using the word "bitch," which felt a bit jarring given his age and the playful context of the song. At the heart of this narrative is Marvin, a complex and self-absorbed character wrestling with his choices as he seeks to rationalize his decision to leave his wife in pursuit of love with his same-sex partner, Whizzer. Despite a noticeable lack of common interests, Whizzer, portrayed as a companion, shares an intense physical attraction with Marvin. Their relationship is explored in the song "The Thrill of First Love," where both men express their fears about the vulnerability of their emotions and the potential fading of their passionate connection. In an explosive confrontation, Trina confronts Marvin about his decision to leave her for another man, feeling betrayed and hurt. To help her process her emotions, Marvin suggests that she seek the guidance of Mendel, his psychiatrist. When Trina pours her heart out to Mendel during their sessions, he is captivated by her vibrant spirit and unique charm.
In an extraordinary and comedic moment within the play, Mendel awkwardly broaches the topic of Trina's private life with Marvin, seeking insights into her bedroom habits. Mendel and Trina's professional relationship soon blossomed into romance, culminating in a surprise wedding that stunned everyone. This amusing yet bizarre scenario raises eyebrows, showcasing the absurdity of a situation in which a therapist marries his patient's ex-wife, turning what was meant to be a therapeutic dialogue into a tangled web of personal relationships. The juxtaposition of therapy and romance leads to both laughter and bewilderment, highlighting the unconventional path their lives have taken. Marvin and Trina suggest that their adolescent son Jason, who is grappling with his father's romantic entanglements, including Marvin's passionate but tumultuous relationship with Whizzer, meet Mendel for counseling. Marvin finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his deep feelings for Whizzer and his responsibilities as a father and ex-husband. When the narrative includes Marvin's quirky neighbors, Cordelia and Dr. Charlotte, who add humor and depth to the unfolding drama, the musical captures the intricate balance of love, heartbreak, and the search for connection in a constantly evolving world.
Falsettos poignantly seeks to tell a story about how same-sex love relationships can overcome and deal with the same life obstacles as a heterosexual relationship, how a neurotic gay man and his narcissistic lover are the new modern family, even with a lesbian couple living next door. Still, many of its issues are relevant. How does this non-traditional family structure impact everyone involved? Marvin and Trina's son, Jason, worries that his father's sexuality might affect him and fears he might develop the same feelings. In the song "'My Father's a Homo," Jason expresses his feelings of withdrawal from his parents and even decides not to have a Bar Mitzvah, believing it might frustrate them. This performance's intricate fabric of relationships vividly reflects the evolving dynamics of contemporary family structures. Falsetto's ambition to educate and entertain elicits a complex mix of delight and discomfort among the audience. As societal norms continue to shift, it's evident that while strides have been made since its original premiere, a significant portion of the American population still grapples with the acceptance of same-sex relationships, which could find itself in an inclusivity battle during the upcoming Republican lead, House, Senate, and presidency. In the second act, the play includes scenes featuring Whizzer and Marvin as they navigate the challenges of a life-threatening illness. Although the number of people living with AIDS is declining in some areas due to better treatment, it is rising in others due to inadequate access to prevention, social stigma, risky sexual behaviors, poverty, gender inequality, and a lack of education about HIV transmission.
Initially, I wasn't particularly fond of Falsettos. However, this production, including memorable performances by Stephen Schellhardt, Jack Ball, Jackson Evans, and young star Charlie Long as "Four Jews In A Room Bitching," Sharriese Hamilton, Elizabeth Stenholt, and an outstanding performance by Sarah Bockel as Trina captivated me with its delightful blend of humor and poignant heartache. It skillfully navigates the intricacies of love's complexities, leaving a lasting impression. The characters' struggles and triumphs make it a memorable and thought-provoking musical experience.
⭐⭐⭐
Court Theatre & Timeline Theatre Company
Falsettos
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by William Finn and James Lapine
Directed by Nick Bowling
November 8 - December 8, 2024
