Welcome to Falsettoland! Where lovers come and go, and love is utterly blind. Rep Stage in Columbia closes its final season with a poignant and superb production of Falsettos. With Music and Lyrics by William Finn and Book by William Finn and James Lapine such a prolific piece of theater can remind you of the importance of love and friendship. You can clearly sense the passion and expertise that Director and Choreographer Joseph W. Ritsch and Musical Director Tiffany Underwood Holmes brought to this production throughout the performance.
The story centers in the late 1970’s around the life of a neurotic yet charismatic gay man by the name of Marvin and all the messy but beautiful relationships in his life. Relationships include his ex-wife, his psychiatrist, his lover, his young son and later the lesbians next door to his New York City apartment. Filled with moments of familial struggles, infectious laughter, and heartbreak, you would be hard pressed to not find yourself relating to each of these characters at some point throughout the show.
The intricacies and web of relationships is stunningly highlighted and weaved together by the craftsmanship and genius of both the Lightning Designer Conor Mulligan and Scenic Designer Daniel Ettinger. Each scene highlighted quite literally by a checkered tile floor and backlit door rather than large, physical set pieces and constantly moving backdrops. The only consistent back drop being five doors and a stunningly designed minimalist New York City Skyline lit by gorgeous neon lighting. This neon lit backdrop is prominently displayed during “March of the Falsettos” with gorgeous multicolored neon lighting reminding one of a show in a three-ring circus.
The only drawback to the rich and emotion-filled performance was the inequality of sound levels. At times I found it difficult to hear or even fully understand the lyrics being sung over the music, especially for some of the son’s, Jason, songs. Jason, played by Grayden Goldman truly overcame the sound issues. Even though it was difficult to understand him at points Goldman truly embodied the struggling, prepubescent child in an adult’s world. Goldman’s youthful exuberance and mannerisms allow the audience to empathize with the troubles the character faced through the show. One of those issues being his father, Marvin, leaving home to live with his lover.
Marvin, played by Jake Loewenthal, is a truly realistic representation of the struggles that the LGBTQ+ community faced and still currently experience when coming out. Loewenthal masterfully captures both the internal and external struggles of the character with such ease and with a natural flow. Loewenthal breathes life into this performance through the use of expressive vocals that allows the audience to understand the emotional and mental turmoil that Marvin experiences. Loewenthal’s nuanced understanding of comedic and dramatic timing are evident in every scene with a passionate and relatable rendition of “Marvin Goes Crazy”. Loewenthal exudes natural chemistry with every character but the chemistry between him and his lover Whizzer is one of the most honest and believable on the stage.
Whizzer played by Davon Williams also exudes genuine chemistry with Marvin in every scene they share. Williams’ crystal clear tone and presence help to bring the vision of the noncommittal lover to life. While some might see a one dimensional love interest for the main character, Williams brings depth and subtlety helping the audience to share in his emotional revelations like in his soulful rendition of “The Games I Play”. One can believe that Whizzer is not much of a family man to start based on Williams’ subtle yet expressive movements. He eventually becomes part of Marvin’s chaotic family web and even convinces the son to see Marvin’s psychiatrist, Mendel.
Mendel played by Michael Perrie Jr. was an absolute joy to watch throughout the performance with his impressive comedic timing and clear vocals. Although I have never been to a psychiatrist personally, Perrie’s authentic portrayal lent itself to be easily believed. Pierre’s comedic prowess shines thoroughly during “A Marriage Proposal” with sharp diction and side-splitting facial expressions. Pierre’s humanistic portrayal shows that even society’s helpers also need help from time to time.
One of the absolute highlights of the performance was Sarah Corey as Trina. It is never easy watching a relationship break apart especially when a factor has to do with your spouse’s sexuality. Corey’s attention to all of the emotional facets and factors concerning her character’s emotional turmoil is fully noticed by the audience. It was refreshing to see Corey emote almost every stage of grief regarding her character’s relationship rather than playing the jaded ex for the entire duration. Corey’s comedic sensibilities should also be commended particularly in her hysterical performance of “I’m Breaking Down”. Not only can one relate to the witty lyrics they can also relate to Corey’s superbly funny mannerisms and movement for the song.
While not introduced until the second act Justine “Icy” Moral who plays Dr. Charlotte and Cordelia played by Amber Wood are such seamless additions to the stage you don’t even realize that they have just been introduced. Moral and Wood both are excellent at blending into the group dynamic and give the audience the sense that they have been friends with Marvin for several years even though the characters are new to us. Moral particularly lends herself to the chosen family dynamic with her genuine expressions and mannerisms. One of my favorite numbers in the show “Unlikely Lovers” have Wood, Moral, Loewenthal and Williams singing about how rare yet beautiful your chosen family can be. I’ve found myself humming the tune several times since the performance, each time remembering the sincerity of the emotion and crisp harmonies of the four.
In such tumultuous times as these, such an important piece of theater is such a treat to witness in person. Falsettos is such a prolific work and the talented cast and crew of Rep Stage have created a spectacular performance that serves to teach us all that family is not just about blood, but who you choose to love.
Running Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes with one intermission
Falsettos plays through May 14th 2023 at Rep Stage in the Studio Theatre of the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center on the campus of Howard Community College— 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, in Columbia, MD. For tickets call the box office at 443-518-1500 or purchase them online.
