Search - William Finn :: March Of The Falsettos (1981 Original Off-Broadway Cast) / Falsettoland (1990 Off-Off-Broadway Cast)

A brilliant musical.

08/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was introduced to "Falsettos" (the combination of "March of the Falsettos" and "Falsettoland") when a friend mentioned its similarity in themes to RENT. I was curious and found this double disc while browsing through CDs. After purchasing it and listening to it, I found that I got the same feeling that I got after watching RENT for the first time... A strange emotion which isn't exactly catharsis, but a mix of joy, sadness, and the desire to change things in one's life... I have never felt for characters like I have in "Falsettos". Each character is extremely complex and realistic. William Finn and James Lapine have crafted "a tight-knit family" that is likeable, comical, and loving. I think it was Frank Rich who wrote an article saying that "Falsettos" was the only show on Broadway that was a show about family values.Indeed, "Falsettos" is a show that celebrates family values. More conservative people may disagree. After all, this is a musical about a married man, Marvin, who leaves his wife and son for a male lover, Whizzer. And yet, Marvin still longs for a family, and, in the last scene, one feels that he has achieved this goal. Everyone: Marvin, Trina, Jason, Mendel, Whizzer, and the "two lesbians from next door", Dr. Charlotte and Cordelia, gather together in one room, celebrating Jason's bar mitzvah, and mourning for the dying Whizzer. In that scene, there is one great family, a family which loves and "harmonizes".William Finn's music may take some getting used to. However, the score is more complex and intelligent than most musicals out there. Finn has a very original style, though the lyrics and song patterns are similar to songs like "Light My Candle" and "Goodbye Love" from RENT. Great and memorable numbers about in "Falsettos" mainly: "4 Jews In A Room Bitching", "A Marriage Proposal", "A Tight Knit Family/Love Is Blind/ Thrill of First Love", "The Games I Play", "I Never Wanted To Love You", "Father To Son", "Holding to the Ground", "Everybody Hates His Parents", "A Day In Falsettoland", "You Gotta Die Sometime", "What More Can I Say", and "What Would I Do". Each song is pertinent to the story, developing characters and situations.Now, years after "Falsettos" appeared on Broadway, it seems like it has been forgotten in the general public. It pains me to think that such a wonderful, touching show will not be remembered. Please, if you are can, buy this CD and listen to it carefully. Don't let "Falsettos" die out; it's much too good for that."

Falsettos is incredible!

Robert Lopez | California | 06/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Falsettos is an absolutely phenomenal show with a fantastic CD too have. The double disc set has March of the Falsettos from the early 80's and Falsettoland from early 90's combined to make Falsettos. (I know it's confusing) but originally they were written as separate one acts but Finn and Lapine decided to put them together to create Falsettos. Brilliant idea. CD one which features a stellar cast such as Stephen Bogardus as Whizzer, Alison Frasier as Trina (so DIVA), and Chip Zien as Mendel (From Into the Woods) to name a few. It tells the story of how Marivn left his wife Trina and 10 year old son Jason, for Whizzer, another man. While trying to cope with the shock Trina falls in love with her psychiatrist, Mendel. Hilarious and fast past Act I. With Tremendous belting by Frasier and Bogardus. Act II CD 2, introduces some new characters and brings back the old. On CD 2 the adult male characters are portrayed by the same actors as ten years before (CD 1). Trina is now played by Broadway Diva Faith Prince (Guys and Dolls) But the actresses sound so much a like I didn't realize they were different until a few months after I had purchased the CD. Also enter Janet Metz (Joseph...) (a role the Carolee Carmello (Parade) took over) and Heather MacRae as the Lesbian Nieghbors.. Act II begins with Marivn and Whizzer fighting, newlyweds Trina and Mendel, and a confused 13 year old Jason. Whizzer becomes suddenly ill, an illness which is dumbfounding all the doctors (HIV), even his friend Doctor Charlette (MacRae). His illness brings the whole gang together again. Act 2 is brilliant. Lots of love songs and songs of torment and distress. "Unlikely Lovers" "You Gotta Die Sometime" "Holding To The Ground" "What More Can I Say?" "What Would I Do?" Extremely beautiful and heartfelt. Brilliantly displayed on this CD. You MUST buy this CD. Anyone with a heart and a good sense of Musical Theatre should have this in their collection. And for you DIEHARD Falsettos fans out there you must know that March of Falsettos and Falsettoland are part 2 and 3 of a trilogy. The first is IN TROUSERS. With Marvin (This time played by Chip Zion), Trina (Alison Fraser), His High School Sweatheart, and Teacher (Mary Testa). It's hilarious! The Cd is hard to find but available. Also as a real treat, the Falsettos showstopper "I'm Breaking Down" which is not on Falsettos CD IS on the TROUSERS CD, sung to schizo perfection by Fraser. Once again you won't be disappointed! :)"

Politics and musical comedy, blended and REFINED!

Robert Lopez | 01/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A man -- a vortex of vanity and insecurity -- leaves his wife for a male lover. In his selfishness, he expects his family to stay "together." It doesn't. At least not in the way he expected. Instead, the family unit breaks apart, only to come together again in different alignment, and most certainly in the face of AIDS and death and a growing sense of love and respect. This show is the musical comedy equivalent of ANGELS IN AMERICA -- lighter, funnier, but no less political or heart rending. If you want entertainment with a bite, songs that advance characters, and musical theater that makes you do more than hum the songs, THIS is a show you should hear. The two little musicals were written and performed about 10 years apart, and you can see how the composer matured in that time. But they work together, and they work in your heart and in your mind. Buy this. Listen. Learn."