Little Theatre's 'Falsettos' overflows with emotion

By Richard Pacheco, Standard-Times correspondent

The Fall River Little Theatre production of the highly acclaimed William Finn-James Lapine musical "Falsettos" is often pure delight, packed with some terrific performances and a fine mixture of the funny and the touching.

The play concerns the trials and tribulations of Marvin, a middle-aged Jewish man in the midst of his mid-life crisis. Marvin has decided to leave his wife and son for a male lover. Yet he desires that they all somehow live in harmony, even after his ex-wife marries his therapist. Amid the total chaos and the near-total singing (there is little dialogue in "Falsettos" at all) there is great heart and solid performances.

Jay Burke is a delight as Marvin. He is picture-perfect as the man struggling with a variety of changes in his life that threaten to demolish everything he values. Mr. Burke has a robust voice and bold presence. His performance is ripe with humor and sensitivity.

John Ashley is another delight as his male lover, Whizzer. He is personable and poised, full of zest and vigor in the role. His songs, like "You Gotta Die Sometime," are chilling and touching.

Jennifer Morin is charming as Marvin's enraged wife, who struggles to untangle her feelings amid the chaos in her life. She is neurotic and angry, but Ms. Morin also makes her very, very funny.

The young Chris Melanson delivers a convincing performance as Marvin's son, Jason. He is sensitive and searching, probing for the new bounds defined by his father's actions. It is a charming portrayal, even if some of the music proves to be a bit difficult for him. When he sings "My Father's a Homo and My Mother's Not Thrilled" he is at his best with wry humor and sincerity.

Brian McCann is hilarious as the wacky therapist, Mendel. He is bold and smart in the role, with a keen sense of comic timing and a vivid presence that is endearing and enjoyable.

Deborah Sadler is Cordelia, the lesbian Kosher caterer who's friends with Marvin. Ms. Sadler is full of sassy comic touches, the right blend of kitsch and fun.

Finally, Cindy Stillings rounds out the cast as Cordelia's lover, Dr. Charlotte. She is poised and polished in the role, full of confidence and style. Her rendition of the almost tragic and terrifying song about the rise of HIV, "Something Bad Is Happening Here," is elegantly poignant and haunting.

The show opens with a very funny song, "Four Jews Bitching." It's packed with wacky humor as the sprightly cast glides its way through with flair and finesse.

The gang together singing "Watching Jewish Boys Play Baseball" is deliciously funny and raucous, high-spirited and fun.

The songs in "Falsettos," while not familiar, are full of humor and at times touching. They relate the joys and confusions of relationships. Jane Fiore Bigelow's accompaniment and musical direction is poised and polished. She keeps the musical aspects well in hand.

Robbie Morgan Burke's direction is apt and keen. She keeps everything gliding along gracefully, always perky and full of spirit. There's never a dull moment here.

"Falsettos" is an engaging and unusual production, brought vividly to life by a talented cast. It can be downright funny and frantic, piling laugh upon laugh in a rich and elegant musical tapestry. It can also be eminently touching and revealing as it is with its unexpected and poignant ending. It is the deft and rousing cast that gives this delightful work such warmth and often ferocious humor.

"Falsettos" will be repeated at 8 p.m. tomorrow through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at The Firebarn, Prospect Street and Highland Avenue, Fall River. Call (508) 675-1852 for ticket information.

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