Curtains

Curtains – a most unusual musical murder mystery comedy.  A great deal wrapped up in one evening however the opening ‘murder’ of a star of the show “Robbin’ Hood of the Wild West” sets off a train of events leading to further murders all investigated by Lieutenant Cioffi, a Boston detective.  The very able detective who is also aspiring to be a musical theatre performer falls in love, saves the show, solves the cases all without getting himself killed.

It was exciting to see the credit being given to members with the NODA 25 year Long Service Award or more in the programme.

The in-house designed and built set was simple and consisted primarily of pieces of furniture for example the bar and the piano which could be pushed on and off. The minimal props were all effective and appropriate.  The deaths and bodies were very well accounted for.  There was good use of lighting techniques to create atmosphere when needed and the sound enhancement was well managed.  Costumes were many and varied as required for day to day rehearsal wear and on stage in Kansasland.  All the cast were well shod and it was a pleasure to see such smooth and elegant tight-clad legs.

The 10-piece band directed by Mark Turvill created an excellent sound.    The overture and entr’acte to act 2 were thrilling to listen to with such upbeat beginnings to both acts.  The quality of the singing was well-balanced across the whole ensemble.

The director, Jenny Jones, in this her first major production is to be congratulated for bringing all the various aspects together so smoothly.  With no popular tunes or characters it is difficult to get the cohesion necessary to drive a show forward.  The cast obviously worked hard to achieve all the various characters both ‘on’ and ‘off stage’.  The overall casting was well balanced and played everyone’s strengths. The opening of the show with the ’cringe-making’ performance of  Jessica Cranshawe was very ably created by Lianne Dempsey.  ‘What Kind of Man’ a very notable number is sung by Carmen (Francesca McPhee), Oscar (Andy Cox), Aaron (Will Parsons) & Georgia (Claire Leonard).  Francesca maintained her aloofness and stage presence throughout particularly in relation to Bambi, her daughter played by Claire Gray who was so desperate to get a break without nepotism.  Aaron Fox, the composer of the ‘show within a show’ was played by Will Parsons who displayed an air of vulnerability and sadness having to watch his writing partner become involved with the Lieutenant.  Andy Cox (Oscar Shapiro) played the role of the show’s sole investor well – he could perhaps have been a little more demanding.  Lewis Padgett very quietly played the role of the ‘show’s’ lead singer and dancer, Bobby Pepper, with some confident singing and nimble footwork.  Georgia Hendricks was very effectively played by Claire Leonard as the female half of the song-writing team  who ends up as the ‘lead’ within the show-within-the-show.  She had enthusiasm and vitality which transmitted itself to those around her.  Jonathan Payne as Lieutenant Cioffi was excellent – he commanded the stage and spoke and sang with authority.  This was a very demanding role which he seemed to take in his stride.  His manner helped Beth Robinson, who in the role of Nikki Harris who has the part of the naïve but pretty ingenue who is the understudy for Jessica Cranshaw. Jonathan and Nikki worked well together to form a credible pair.

The production team did a great job with this little-known musical and the cast excelled themselves.  A most entertaining evening.

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