Falsettos Hits A High Note At The Ahmanson

Cast of Falsettos

By Darlene Donloe

Falsettos starts off rather hilariously with three men and a boy on stage singing Four Jews in a Room Bitching. 

It gives the impression that the show is going to be a straight comedy. And while it has a myriad of comedic moments and dialogue, Falsettos is, instead, a rather touching story about family, but mostly about love – all kinds of love – straight, gay, lesbian, familial, maternal, fraternal, fractured, marital - and how all forms are powerful, meaningful, fragile, controversial, sad and satisfying.

The musical is currently playing at the Ahmanson Theatre through May 19.

When the show opens it's 1979 and Marvin (Max Von Essen) has just left his wife, Trina (Eden Espinosa) and his son Jason (Thatcher Jacobs) for his male lover Whizzer (Nick Adams).  Marvin and Trina go to Mendel, a psychiatrist (Nick Blaemire) to work out their problems. Next thing you know Mendel falls for Trina and when Marvin and Trina divorce – Mendel takes his shot.  Marvin and Whizzer have problems – real problems that they can’t seem to work through. Marvin is possessive and insecure. Whizzer is not.  He’s not so keen on monogamy. He’s a young, great looking, athletic guy. They break up only to reunite later, but this time one of this is facing a life-threatening illness. 

(l-r) Max Von Essen and Nick Adams

In Act Two, which takes place in 1981, Dr. Charlotte and Cordelia move in next door to Marvin and Whizzer. They happen to be lesbians.  Cordelia loves to cook – although her dishes are not appealing to Dr. Charlotte.  They, too, have their issues, but work them out.

Cast of Falsettos

In the mix of all of this is Jason, a 12-year-old boy who is trying to find his way through the mirk and mire that has become his existence. His parents have split. His mother is now with the psychiatrist that counseled him and his father.  Sometimes he feels fatherless. He recognizes that his father has a number of issues, not the least of which is his volatility. He’s also protective of his mother. In the midst of all of this, he is studying for his Bar Mitzvah.  And now that Whizzer has been admitted to the hospital, he has to deal with the grave illness of someone he loves. This Falsettos, originally done on Broadway in 1992, has a lot going on.

(l-r) Eden Espinosa, Thatcher Jacobs, and Max Von Essen

(l-r) Audrey Cardwell and Bryonha Marie Parham

Director James Lapine, who also co-wrote the book has assembled an incredibly talented cast.  While singing their hearts out and staying in character, they effortlessly maneuver the set for various scenes. It’s like a set of children’s blocks being assembled in various shapes for whatever the scene needs. It’s like watching a beautiful dance choreographed by Spencer Liff.

And, of course, there is the music. William Finn’s music is witty, luscious, emotional, comical and heartwarming.

When all of Lapine’s elements come together, Falsettos hits just the right tone!

Falsettos, directed by James Lapine with book by William Finn and Lapine, and music and lyrics by Finn stars Nick Adams, Nick Blaemire, Audrey Cardwell, Eden Espinosa, Thatcher Jacobs, Jonah Mussolino, Bryonha Marie Parham and Max von Essen.

A respectful nod to Spencer Liff (choreographer), Michael Starobin (orchestrations) and David Rockwell (set).

On the DONLOE SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likable), O (oh, yeah) and E (excellent), Falsettos gets an E (excellent).

Falsettos, Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand, Los Angeles; 8 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; 2 and 8 p.m. Sat.; 1 and 6:30 Sun; no performance on Mondays; no public performance on Wed., April 24; added 2 p.m. performance on Thur., May 16; no 6:30 p.m. performance on Sun., May 19; $30-$145; 213 972-4400, www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.