Curtains
at NSU University School

Reviewed on March 2, 2019

Dylan Jost
North Broward Preparatory School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

"There's a special kind of people known as show people!" Well, the "show people" at NSU University School definitely proved how special they are. Their production of "Curtains" was a captivating show full of knee-slapping comedy. From the scandalous storyline to the larger-than-life characters, this show was certainly "A Tough Act to Follow".

First performed on Broadway in 2007, "Curtains" is a musical murder mystery with a book by Rupert Holmes and music and lyrics by the legendary songwriting team of John Kander and Fred Ebb. Set in Boston in 1959, "Curtains" follows the cast of the critically detested musical "Robbin' Hood of the Old West" when its dreadfully untalented leading lady is murdered on opening night. The mystery unfolds melodically when Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, a detective, and musical theatre aficionado, is called to the case.

In the role of Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, Sebastian Rabassa commanded the show with his authentic dialect, charming personality, and obvious commitment to the role. Notably, his vocals were commendable, especially in the songs "Coffee Shop Nights" and "Show People". He seemed to establish a unique relationship with each person he interacted with onstage, showing his extensive understanding of Cioffi's character. Rabassa and Julia Musso, who played the adorably spunky Niki Harris, created a relationship that kept the audience captivated with their undeniable stage chemistry. Christina Maineri showed off her strong vocal ability, mature characterization skills, and flawless comedic timing as Carmen Bernstein, the domineering producer of "Robbin' Hood".

A performance that must be mentioned is that of Jared Cohen as Aaron Fox. Cohen's vocals, particularly in his solo "I Miss the Music" were fantastic. Cohen's vibrato and timbre were engaging and memorable, and allowed him to deliver a performance that was superb. As the flamboyant director of "Robbin' Hood", Christopher Belling, Anthony Langone gave a truly terrific comedic performance. From cracking jokes about the show's late leading lady to patronizing the living members of his cast, Langone always managed to elicit chuckles. Gabriel Feldenkrais exhibited his sensational dancing skills in his role of the lovesick Bobby Pepper. Feldenkrais's skill was particularly notable in his dance in the song "Kansasland".

Technically the show was masterfully executed. Creativity was impressive, with Jared Cohen serving as the student vocal director and successfully teaching the other students harmonies. Hair and makeup were very well done, with wigs that flawlessly remained sturdy. The marketing and publicity were accomplished exquisitely, with very creative posters and promotional campaigns being utilized. Lightning was also smoothly executed, with colored gels being used in various instances to add to the overall mood of the scene, such as the pink gel used during "A Tough Act to Follow". The special effects were creatively executed, particularly in the example of the blood capsules used to replicate gunshot wounds.

NSU University School expertly unraveled a murder mystery in their extremely well-executed production of "Curtains". Transporting the audience to a theater laden with peculiar murders, elaborate and spectacular dance numbers, and love stories beyond one's wildest dreams, the actors of "Curtains" proved that the show must always go on.

Madeline Finkelman
North Broward Preparatory School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Curtain up on an Old West tumbleweed town teeming with spirited locals cheering the masked hero who has saved their fair city. After a rousing, boot-stomping finale, the cast members take their bows. Just then, the show's leading lady drops dead on the stage. And scene! So begins NSU University School's Curtains, a riotous and rollicking murder mystery... within a musical... within another musical that shines a spotlight on the production of a 1950's era show and the shady backstage shenanigans of its cast and crew.

Curtains is a whodunit musical comedy with book by Rupert Holmes, lyrics by Fred Ebb and music by John Kander, with additional lyrics by Kander and Holmes after Ebb's passing. Curtains premiered on Broadway in 2007 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, receiving eight Tony award nominations and running for over 500 performances. The story follows the cast and crew of the dreadfully corny western themed "Robbin' Hood" after the sudden death of their talentless leading lady- but this death was no accident… dun dun duuuun. When a detective comes on the scene to investigate the murder, he realizes everyone is a suspect and sequesters the entire cast and crew. But the killer isn't finished and that's where the fun begins.

As the sweet-natured stagestruck detective Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, Sebastian Rabassa's charm and charisma grounded the show while also helping it soar. Cioffi becomes increasingly more invested in solving the problems of the show's troubled production numbers than of actually catching the bad guy. Cioffi's blinding obsession with all things theater was a constant comedic highlight that carried the production. As the show's strict and stressed producer, Carmen, Christina Maineri was consistent and convincing with her delightfully distinct dialect and purposeful and poised physicality. Maineri's droll delivery of double entendres and hurled insults made her rough-around-the-edges character likable and fun. Another noteworthy performance was that of Camden Stankus. As Georgia, Stankus' strong vocals and sweet persona believably took her character from lyricist to lovely leading lady.

The delightfully ditzy Niki was portrayed by Julia Musso. With bouncy and boundless energy, Musso's movement made her a standout in every dance number. With bemused and bubble headed appeal, Musso created a simply sweet relationship with Cioffi, best conveyed in their mutual dream duet "Tough Act to Follow". Aaron, the lonesomely lovesick composer was played with humble wholeheartedness by Jared Cohen. Cohen's impressive vocals helped convey emotional depth and heartache in his song "I Miss the Music".

Curtains' effervescent ensemble breathed life into both the fictional show and the actual one. With high energy dance numbers and expressive facials, the ensemble acted as an elevating element helping to joyfully propel the plot's unfolding mystery. Notable performances from Nicolette Nunziato as the bratty bitter Bambi and Gabriel Feldenkrais as the dashing dancing Bobby further amplified the entertainment.

From mood-enhancing lighting to perfect period appropriate costumes, the technical aspects of the show were virtually flawless. With commendable attention to detail, the cast and crew pulled off the potentially confusing show-within-a-show concept smoothly and seamlessly, transporting the audience from onstage to backstage with ease and artistry.

A humorous and heartfelt homage to old timey Broadway, it's no mystery how NSU University School's cast and crew used their soaring voices, skillful staging, and sensational choreography to make Curtains a show that was simply to die for.

Gabriela Phillips
Cooper City High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Travel back to 1959 with NSU University School's production of "Curtains," and experience the shocking truth behind Boston Colonial Theatre's production of "Robbin' Hood."

The musical "Curtains" first premiered on Broadway on March 22, 2007. The original Broadway show got 8 Tony nominations and won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. Rupert Holmes and John Kander picked up the project of "Curtains" after both the original author and lyricist passed away. The show is a comedic whodunnit parody in which Lieutenant Frank Cioffi investigates a murder that occurs during the run of a theatre's production of Robbin' Hood. This show takes the audience through a tale of blame, fear, greed, and success.

Christina Maineri portrayed the character of Carmen Bernstein beautifully, her physicality remained consistent throughout the entire show. She tackled this difficult task with ease, since playing someone significantly older is challenging. Her vocal strength was showcased in "It's a Business." The dedication to her character was clear through her emotional devotion during all of her scenes and songs. Playing the Boston detective and theatre aficionado Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, Sebastian Rabassa did an exceptional job portraying the various levels of his character. When seen with his love interest Niki Harris, he often exploded with joy or nervousness which added a level of relatable humor. The relationship between Niki, played by Julia Musso, and Cioffi was truly exemplified in the song "A Tough Act to Follow." The connection between Musso and Rabassa was very genuine, watching their bond develop from the beginning to the end was truly intriguing.

A standout performance was that of Anthony Langone who played the character Christopher Belling. Langone had phenomenal comedic timing and his energy never faltered. He remained engaging throughout the entire performance, and it was evident that he was incredibly devoted to the character of Belling. Another standout was that of Nicolas Barron who played the character, Oscar Shapiro. Even when Barron was not the center of attention he never failed to remain in character, through his small comedic accents he brought an extra level of humor to this production.

Fueling the show was the ensemble. Their harmonies were outstanding, there was never a time where someone was off-key. Although this faltered at times, the ensemble matched energy levels and had incredible facial expressions. Their reactions towards all the murders and threats occurring made it feel as if they were experiencing everything for the first time. This truly helped make the production seem much more real as if the audience was experiencing everything at the same time that the characters were.

Technically, the show excelled. The lighting was amazing, it aided in portraying the theme and mood occurring at the time, especially during the duet between Niki and Cioffi "A Tough Act to Follow." The special effects team did an incredible job of making the wounds and shots seem very real. Their use of fake blood under their shirts helped make the production seem truly professional.

Having tackled the difficult themes as well as the challenging energy demand, NSU University School's production of "Curtains" is going to be "A Tough Act to Follow."

Nicole Sugarman
JP Taravella High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

In times of trying circumstances, thespians cope by uttering five simple words: "The show must go on!" In NSU University School's delightful production of "Curtains," this grand theatrical tradition was severely tested as the whimsical characters faced more mortality than just the deadly reviews.

When a mysterious murder takes place on the opening night of "Robbin' Hood," a new musical mounted by the Boston Colonial Theatre in 1959, Lieutenant Frank Cioffi sweeps in to crack the case and save the lives of these petrified performers. Ultimately, he breathes life into the dying show one "stomp hop slap step slap stamp stamp stamp" at a time. With a hilarious book by Rupert Holmes, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander, "Curtains" opened on Broadway in 2007 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. Based on the original book and concept of the same name by Peter Stone, this hysterical musical earned 8 Tony Award nominations before closing in 2008.

Sebastian Rabassa, playing Frank Cioffi, the police detective and self-proclaimed musical theatre fan, wonderfully embodied the goofy and loveable nature of his character through superb characterization and well-executed comedic moments. Julia Musso, portraying the small-town starlet Niki Harris, consistently carried her sugary persona throughout the production, skillfully seeping this sweetness into her energetic dancing and delicate vocals. Rabassa and Harris displayed impeccable chemistry with one another, exhibited primarily in their lovely number "Tough Act to Follow."

Playing Carmen Bernstein, the brash and bold producer, Christina Maineri showcased stellar stage presence, physicality, and characterization. Portraying the lyricist turned Leading Lady, Georgia Hendricks, Camden Stankus displayed beautiful vocals and a clear rendering of the character's initial butterflies that dissipate into Broadway brilliance. Jared Cohen, playing Aaron Fox, the troubled composer, presented a charming sense of longing, accentuated by his splendid vocal ability.

Although very infrequently lacking in the abounding energy and facial expressions demanded by this production, the ensemble remained consistently engaging. Their reactions and discoveries as new plot information was revealed captured the musical's enthrallment. The cast created a commendable differentiation between when they were playing the "actors" and when they were playing their roles in "Robbin' Hood."

All technical aspects within the show were spectacular. The lighting gorgeously underscored each scene in a non-distracting manner and the scene changes were flawlessly executed. The hair, makeup, and costumes fit the time period and served to wonderfully capture the productions playfulness and light-hearted nature.

There was no magnifying glass necessary to see the pure pizzazz and sheer elation exuding from the students of NSU University School's radiant production of "Curtains." As the spotlight glowed, mysteries unfolded, and smiles beamed, the devoted cast reminded all performers what an honor and a joy it is to be in the wacky world of show business.

Emma Sugarman
JP Taravella High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Top of show, house lights are dimming and stage lights come up, but the life of leading lady, Jessica Cranshaw, has come to a complete blackout. As the curtains are rising, the death rates are as well. This opening night catastrophe will have you asking "whodunnit", until the spotlight hits the culprit and the curtains can close on the conundrum. Uncover the mysteries when the drama unravels behind the scenes with NSU University School's exhilarating production of "Curtains."

Based on Peter Stone's original book of the same name, this 1959, murder mystery musical earned eight Tony nominations before closing on Broadway in 2008. With a book by Rupert Holmes, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander, and additional lyrics by Kander and Holmes, the show follows the story of a group of thespians quarantined into their theatre when the lead actress in their production of "Robin' Hood" is murdered on opening night. Theatre enthusiast, Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, is enlisted to crack the case and save the show before it reopens.

Sebastian Rabassa lead the show as Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, the endearing Boston detective. Rabassa displayed impeccable comedic timing accompanied by his stunning vocals. Along with many other cast members, Rabassa created a performance with a perfect balance between satire and authenticity. The bold Broadway producer, Carmen Bernstein, was played by Christina Maineri. Maineri's comedic performance consisted of strong vocals and a well developed character. She did a magnificent job embodying a character much older than herself. From songwritwer to leading lady, Georgia Hendricks was brought to the stage by Camden Stankus. Stankus captured the charismatic role with her incredible tone and beautiful vibrato.

With her mind set on Broadway and her heart set on Lieutenant Cioffi, the pretty and innocent starlet, Niki Harris, was played by Julia Musso. Musso exhibited a consistently sweet character and high-pitched voice. Her clear vocals and clean dancing was showcased in songs such as "A Tough Act to Follow." Anthony Langone portrayed Christopher Belling, the over the top director. Langone commanded the stage with his powerful accent and hilarious comedic moments.

Although occasionally lacking energy, every member of the ensemble displayed unique characterization. The ensemble was always engaged and showcased brilliant facials. The contrast between the off stage moments and on stage moments were evident due to the addition of the over exaggerated movements and facials.

The technical aspects of the production were very well done. The lighting was magnificent throughout the entire show but really shined in Niki and Lieutenant Cioffi's duet, "A Tough Act to Follow." Thanks to Jared Cohen's student vocal direction the harmonies were lovely, and the vocals incorporated great dynamics.

In the theatrical world of "Show People" find out "whodunnit" in NSU University School's thrilling production of "Curtains."