FALSETTOS - SHooSH! Productions

It is very rare in Melbourne to have rarely produced shows that sell out. SHooSH! have done it again with their latest production of William Finn's Falsettos.

The show is a gem of a piece that was written over a period of years by composer William Finn and is made up of two separate musicals, March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland, which form together to make what is now known as Falsettos.

This heart wrenching story tells the tale of Marvin, who was married to Trina, and is now in love with Whizzer. Marvin and Trina's son, Jason is coming to terms with his father's sexuality and the fact that his mother is in love with her ex husband's Psychiatrist, Mendel... and that's only the opening of the show!

The music is beautifully directed by Minna Ikonen and the tunes written are quite memorable, particularly for a sung-through show, this is not often the case.

The cast are ably equipped, particular highlights being Nadia Gianinotti's hilarious and bitter "I'm Breaking Down" and Andrew Strano's understated portrayal of Whizzer, where often it is so easy to go for the campy over-the-top approach. The softer approach leaves the audience shattered at the heartbreaking finale. Shaun Kingma as Marvin is in absolutely fine voice as usual. Is there anything this man can't do? Anthony Sheppard, as Jason, definitely has a long career ahead of him. This kid has some serious acting chops!

Brad Fischer and Nathan Firmin's direction and design have once again utilised the teeny tiny space of the Cromwell Road Theatre to its maximum potential. With a blue floor and all white furniture on wheels, the show moves swiftly and seemlessly through the 2 hours traffic of the story.

Set at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, the show does not shy away from real issues and although it was written some 20-30 years ago, it still feels as fresh today to many. You will definitely want to take your tissues.

Make sure you book now because it WILL sell out!

FALSETTOS - SHooSH! Productions
Cromwell Road Theatre
Until 6th February
Bookings 03 9471 4432