Falsettos
William Finn (Music & Lyrics); William Finn & James Lapine (Book)
The Pear Theatre
For me as an avid theatregoer and a critic, nothing is more upsetting than to see the applaudable efforts of a talented cast squandered by the choices and/or oversights by those who direct the production, both stage and musical. Unfortunately, such was the case in spades on opening night of The Pear Theatre’s ambitious season-ending undertaking of William Finn and James Lapine’s Falsettos.
On the day another Supreme Court ruling threatened the liberties of LGBTQ citizens and in a time when conservative state legislatures are passing anti-LGBTQ laws by the dozens, The Pear’s opening of Falsettos could hardly be timelier. Despite a number of production issues, the cast of seven powerfully conveys the musical’s core messages of life and love among family and friends and among new lovers and ex-lovers – whether gay or straight, living or dying. Their intertwined, rollercoaster lives of being happy, angry, and sad vividly illustrates the complicated ups and downs of growing up, of being in relationship, and of finally feeling comfortable figuring out what it means to be human.
For my full review, please continue to Talkin’ Broadway.
Rating: 3.5 E
Falsettos continues through July 23, 2023, in production by The Pear Theatre, 1110 La Avenida Avenue, Suite A, Mountain View, CA. Tickets are available online at https://www.thepear.org .
Photo Credit: Caitlin Stone-Collonge
