Curtains

Curtains is a musical with a difference – it’s also a who-dunnit? Set in the 1950s, it’s the opening night in Boston for the cast of Robbin’ Hood Of The Old Wild West (a barely disguised Americanised Robin Hood). The show is not going well as leading lady Jessica Cranshaw, played with great expertise by Caroline Fenwick, is downright atrocious. The initial fear is that the show will not survive the critics but the problem is solved when she is murdered! Stage struck Lieutenant Frank Cioffi of Boston police played with great charm and abundant humour by Graeme Baird, is brought in to investigate. Tough talking producer Carmen Bernstein  has stepped on more than a few toes in her career and Aileen Fairweather’s  gutsy performance with some powerful singing reflects this. She is ably supported by Pete Coady as her ruthless philandering husband, Sidney and Brian Matheson as Oscar Shapiro long suffering money man. Cioffi immediately falls under the charms of ingénue Niki Harris. Laura Ferguson gives a lovely performance as the sweet and gentle Niki, but there are more troubled relationships on the go with song -writing team Aaron Fox and Georgia Hendricks. A real highlight of the show, the ballad I Miss The Music has some stunning singing by Alan Matheson and his duet with Georgia (Gill Smith) is wonderful, their voices blending beautifully. Ross Robertson is very convincing and watchable in the role of  choreographer Bobby Pepper. Erin Smith is delightful as the rising ambitious young star Bambi Bernet and her dancing  excels. Soon Cioffi is solving murders and re- inventing the show with hilarious results. Interspersed thoughout Keith Cuthill’s hilarious portrayal  of camp director Christopher was superb and Teresa Warden was convincing as Joany, the ever patient stage manager while jeering theatre critic Daryl Grady was played  with aplomb by Chris Taylor. Steve Middleton as Randy Dexter/Parson Tuck  handled his dual roles with style and Millar Young gave a lively performance  as Harv. Ingeniously directed by Graeme Baird (also the leading man!) and with lively choreography by Liz Smith and musical director Gordon Smith (also in a small cameo role as Sasha) competently leading a talented chorus and slick orchestra through some fabulous numbers. It didn’t really matter “who dunnit”! Well done BAOS!

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