Chanticleer Community Theater’s production of “Curtains” is a wonderful addition to the theater’s already fantastic season, all wonderful shows showcasing many wonderful talents.
Beauty and the Beast jr this last fall, followed by White Christmas, and then She Kills Monsters. The final show this season will be Steel Magnolias, running weekends from May 9th to the 18th.
The plot of Curtains, a murder mystery set during the tenuous production of a retelling of Robin Hood, can be hard to get right. A mix of comedy, romance, mystery, and drama requires an incredible cast and crew. This is further shown by the production’s phenomenal acting, music, and technical design.
Curtain’s main cast executes the mystery of the show perfectly, with each person a credible suspect, which left me unsure of who to trust from the beginning well into Act 2. Thomas Stoysich, playing Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, and Jill Stark, playing actress Niki Harris, play off each other well. Creating a consistent throughline for the various character stories explored in the show. These include: the writers of the show Georgia Hendricks and Aaron Fox, a divorced couple reuniting for the first time in years (played by Sarah Ebke and John Arnsdorff respectively), the producer of the show, Carmen Bernstein, feuding with her daughter, Bambi Bernet, (played by Beth King and Bee Hampton respectively), and the director Christopher Belling (played by Mark Reid) who just wants the show to go on to broadway.
The smaller roles are not to be overlooked either. Adam Fulbright excels as Bobby Pepper, the titular “Rob Hood” the show’s show within the show. He not only propels the show’s show along but is instrumental in reuniting the writers as Georgia’s seemingly reignited flame. He and Bambi have a spectacular dance number, concluding Bambi’s character arc and adding a touching piece to Bobby’s. The other producer of the show, Sidney Bernstein played by Ron Hines, effortlessly casts a long shadow over the show considering his short-lived appearance. It leaves the question in the audience’s mind of why in the world would anyone agree to work for him.
The chorus and ensemble of the show support the entire production, allowing the leads to carry the story without fear of the songs or dances failing. No number in the show is left wanting, with each feeling having been done with confidence in the actor’s performance. Aaron’s solo “I miss the music”, lamenting the loss of his marriage and partnership, is somber and mournful piece. The large ensemble number towards the beginning of the show “The Woman’s Dead” firmly establishes the comedic tone of the show while also setting up the plot of the leading lady’s murder on opening night. “A Tough Act To Follow”, Cioffi and Stark’s duet, is a funny and lovely song that culminates in their relationship coming to fruition
The stage work of the show is most impressive. Almost each piece of technical work is highlighted in the show. The curtain, lights, and set pieces all play some piece in not only solving the mystery but also fixing the show post opening night. There is a scene where the curtain and a set piece must move simultaneously and create a comedic moment, not somthing easily achieved.
Curtains is a show celebrating the journey that goes into creating theater. A show done justice by the Council Bluffs Community. The cast and crew should be proud of the show they put on, another by the Chanticleer Theater. The final shows that the time of writing are this evening, march 21st, and the 22nd and 23rd.
Note: Dean Pope’s sister is the stage manager of this production.
