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Curtains

Author: Paul M Holgate

Information

Date
7th April 2022
Society
ELODS
Venue
Wyllyotts Theatre
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Gail Ashwell
Musical Director
Mark Newport
Choreographer
Paula Bland

This late piece by Kander and Ebb was an interesting choice.  It has a meandering plot, bordering on the unintelligible; has just one number that is well known out of context.  However, this was a colourful and busy production, well suited to this company’s talents.
Chorus was well drilled, and enunciation was good – important in a show that is less well known.
There were several outstanding set pieces and show pieces including Thataway; It's a Business and Show People
Set design suited the production and there was a good selection of costumes although show girl costumes were badly matched and needed to be more uniform.           
A strong cast was led by an excellent Cioffi and Harris.  Carmen Bernstein, was a great characterisation with a top-notch American accent and never upstaged,
The climactic standoff between Cioffi and Grady (usually involving a trap – not available at this theatre) was exceptionally well presented and full of dramatic tension.  The split scene with the catwalk while the chorus rehearsed ‘below’ was also well blocked. 

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