CURTAINS

CURTAINS is one of the lesser-known musicals by the celebrated songwriting duo John Kander and Fred Ebb, renowned for their iconic works Chicago, Cabaret, and Kiss of the Spider Woman. Much like the backstage drama depicted in the show itself, the journey to bring Curtains to the stage was fraught with challenges. The original book writer, Peter Stone, passed away before completing the script. Rupert Holmes subsequently stepped in to revise and complete the book. Tragically, Fred Ebb also died before the musical was finished, adding further emotional weight to the production process.

Upon its Broadway debut, Curtains received mixed critical reviews. However, David Hyde Pierce—best known for his role in the television series Frasier - earned widespread acclaim and won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Lieutenant Frank Cioffi.

A UK tour of the show was launched but was ultimately cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the production was filmed and later broadcast on television, featuring Jason Manford in the role of Lt. Frank Cioffi.

The staging made excellent use of the theatre, incorporating the side staircases and the iconic red curtain to full effect. The initial set for Robbin’ Hood of the Old West featured large, movable flats depicting a Post Office, Saloon, and General Store, with a wicker target positioned Downstage Right. As the narrative progressed, the backstage world was revealed, complete with props and a piano brought onstage. Including dummies falling from the gantry and one suspended in a dramatic hanging. Set Design: Paul Brighouse, Build Team: Alan Brighouse, Anne Brighouse, Josh Thomas & Guy Tudgay. Paint Team: Catherine Taylor & Helen Taylor, Properties: Yvonne Gerrard, Angela Hughes, Zachery David & Louis Gerrity

While the sound design was generally effective, there were some microphone issues on the night I attended, including feedback and crackling—likely due to clothing interference. Lighting was atmospheric and enhanced the mood throughout. Technical Manager: Karl Gerrard, Lighting Design: Josh Smith, Lighting Operator: Andy Garvey, Spotlight Operators: Poppy Ord & Jay Nedaei-Moghanlou. Sound Operation: Callum Bagot.

Wardrobe by Bex Bagot, Angela Hughes & Louise Taaffe. The Robbin’ Hood attire looked good, with Bobby Pepper’s oversized poncho and hat serving as a clever disguise later in the show. While the programme notes the setting as the 1950s, not all costumes reflected the period accurately. For instance, Oscar Shapiro might have benefitted from a more flamboyant outfit, perhaps a cravat or smoking-jacket and Georgia Hendricks could have been styled in a more era-appropriate dress. That said, Bambi Bernet’s shorts suited her character perfectly, and Carmen Bernstein’s wardrobe was spot-on for her character.

Musical Directors Zachery David and Megan Smith brought out the talents in the cast. Highlights included Show People by the principal cast, He Did It by the ensemble, and It’s a Business performed by Jessica Cranshaw (Louise Taaffe). The choreography in He Did It was particularly impressive given its complexity, which stood out for its energy and precision Dance Captains: Athina Aristidou, Emma Taaffe & Bethan Teale, Choreographer & Co-Director: Amy Gaskell.

CURTAINS is a musical within a musical—an absurdist whodunnit where death strikes repeatedly and the show must go on. Thank you to Amy Gaskell and Co-Director Ryan Gerrard for bringing this production to life. The New Garrett Theatre continues to impress with its bold programming choices. On the night I attended, a fire alarm interrupted the final moments of the show. The cast and front-of-house team handled the situation with professionalism and poise, resuming the performance seamlessly where it was stopped. It was a moment that truly embodied the spirit of CURTAINS—live theatre at its most unpredictable. Loved the scene with the Curtains at the end of Act One

The ensemble was strong and versatile, often doubling roles and remaining engaged throughout. Jessica Cranshaw played by Yvonne Gerrard. A delightfully dreadful performer whose untimely death ironically improves the show. Bobby Pepper played by Louis Gerrity confident and charming, showing growth in his performance as an actor. Georgia Hendricks played by Athina Aristidou navigates complex relationships with Bobby and ex-partner Aaron Fox played by James Welsh, both composers of Robbin’ Hood, James gave a convincing performance of pining for his ex.  

Bambi Bernet played by Rebecca Gerrard brings sass with a poignant backstory and reasons about choosing the name Bambi. Oscar Shapiro Played by Marcus Ionnone the anxious financier, worrying about everything. Daryl Grady Played by Zachery David, a jealous theatre critic whose sabotage is convincingly portrayed. Johnny Harman played by Sian Billington gave us a confident and believable stage manager. Well done. Christopher Belling played by Rhys Churchill, the flamboyant English director, delivering sharp one-liners with deadpan expertise which got the laughs. Niki Harris played by Emma Taaffe, sweet and sincere, with a good chemistry opposite Lt. Cioffi, lovely performance.

Carmen Bernstein played by Louise Taaffe was the producer of Robbin Hood with her husband Sidney Bernstein played by Karl Gerrard and she is not happy with him. He is about to get the chop in more ways than one. Louise gave a good performance as the no nonsense business woman and lovely to see Louise taking on a bigger role. Louise commanded the stage and was able to bring in comedy too, working well with Lt. Frank Cioffi played by Guy Tudgay a charming, Columbo-esque detective whose passion for theatre shines through. Frank probably landed his case of a life time with his bumbling manner - his hobby is the theatre and he appeared to have more idea of the show Robbin Hood than the director. Guy was channelling his inner Columbo and it worked. Well played.

Thank you for the warm hospitality from my guest Jane and I. The inclusion of the Colonial Theatre Playbill within the programme a delightful touch. CURTAINS was a collection of dramatic characters, creativity, and resilience from The New Garrett Theatre.

 

Liz Hume-Dawson, D5 Rep.

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