“Curtains” last night with my friend Wayne and his folks. It's a lot of fun – tuneful, zips along, some great raunchy laughs. It didn't change my life, but I didn't want my life changed this week. David Hyde Pierce is the most unlikely musical comedy lead, but he makes it all work. He’s a gifted actor, and seems to wink at the audience and say “OK, I’m your romantic lead. Work with me here and you’ll have a good time, I promise.” And we do.
Didn’t get to see Debra Monk, which was disappointing. Edward Hibbert does Baby Stewie in a tux. Did get to see Jason Daniely, who I don’t think I’ve seen do anything since “Candide.” He’s fine in a thankless part. He does get to sing the hell out of one Kander & Ebb song, written by one after the other one had passed away. (I forget which is which, honestly.) And he does have that glorious voice. Karen Ziemba is a joy to watch and hell's bells she doesn’t age at all. I’ve been seeing her in shows since “And the World Goes Round,” at the West Side Arts Theatre. They do give her a number – the act one closer – where she gets to show off what a wonderful dancer she still is. She’s always been a trouper, a real treasure, but never had the career of a Bernadette Peters or a Kristin Chenoweth or a Betty Buckley. She’s just a hardworking gal who gets the job done and I loved seeing her again.
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I am a *huge* fan of CURTAINS (seen it 10x) and I'm glad you enjoyed the show. I'm sorry you didn't get to see Debra Monk - she's fabulous - though I hear her understudy is great, too. My first time seeing the show was the first time I saw David Hyde Pierce, Debra Monk and Karen Ziemba onstage. The whole cast was wonderful, but of course I thought the three of them were amazing. And I really fell in love with Karen Ziemba. How have I never seen her onstage before this?!?! I had listened to the AND THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND album years ago, didn't know any of the performers on the album but remembered really loving the songs, the singers and the arrangements.
CURTAINS is my "feel-good" show - I smile from beginning to end every time I see it. I would see it once a week if I had the time and money!
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