Review: FALSETTOS at Dezart Performs

As the end of the theatre season approaches, the best theatres in the desert are finishing with its finest productions. One such case is the exceptional musical produced by Michael Shaw and Clark Dugger at Dezart Performs, as they present FALSETTOS, directed by Dennis Courtney.

With so many choices of theatre to fulfill your entertainment needs, from the lowest level community pickings to the best quality professional production companies, Dezart Performs always strives to raise the bar and succeeds. The final offering at their current location is only the second of two musicals produced there. The first was a revue about Rogers & Hart, and now this, and they have proven they have the talent and the skill to produce many more.

FALSETTOS is a contemporary Broadway musical, a sung-through light operetta, tells the story of a neurotic New Yorker, Marvin (Tim Ewing), who leaves his wife(Stephanie Lynne Mason) and 12 year old son (William Spitz) for his lover, Whizzer (Patrick Wallace), and the resulting impact on their blended family. Much of the first act explores the emotional roller coaster his relationship with Whizzer has had on his family. Marvin’s life choices have imploded all the lives of those around him.

Ewing, as Marvin is older than he should be for the role, dresses older than the rest of the cast, but somehow it works for the character. He no longer comes across as extremely selfish based on his life choices. In a younger man’s hands, that aspect of his personality always made it difficult to understand why anyone would forgive him. Ewing, being older, forces the character to react more by the standards society dictated to him before 1979: The reasons he married a woman in the first place, the reasons he started a family, and the reasons why he started a relationship with a much younger man; they all make sense through the eyes of a man from a differnt generation. Ewing's acting is also broadly old-fashioned in his physicality. His singing voice is smooth and beautiful. His subtle rendition of “What more can I say?” is gorgeous.

Mason, as Trina the wife, has the “it factor” from the moment she steps on the stage. She shines through her bright eyes that would make a Keane painting cry from envy. Her singing voice is crystal clear, her acting is natural and honest, and her comedic talent is exceptional. A tour de force moment is during the song “I’m Breaking Down” where she expresses her emotional decline as she desperately tries to come to terms with her entire life.

Powerhouse desert talent, Wallace as Whizzer, is a young man who never fails to bring his “A game” to the Playing Field. Whizzer is a sexually active young man still sowing his wild oats and is unapologetic about it. Wallace gives a full arc performance that is sexually impactful, and then he breaks your heart. This gifted triple-threat performer is always an outstanding highlight.

The hardest role to cast is that of 12-year-old son Jason. However, Spitz plays this incredibly difficult character as if he were born into the role. Impressive as hell and holds his perfect musical skill among the proven professionals on the stage. He deftly handles the mature subject matter with ease and grace years beyond his own; especially when singing “My Father’s A Homo/Everyone Tells Jason To See A Psychiatrist”.

As the psychiatrist with the conflict of interest, Mendal, the scene and show-stealer is charming, funny man, Skylar Gaines. With a fearless Dick Van Dyke/Jim Carrey physicality that had the opening night audience howling. His balancing act between a quirky caricature and a poignant, heartfelt 3-dimensional man is beautifully executed. Gaines brings a varied quality to every conversation, and it is sheer flawlessness.

The second act explores family dynamics that evolve as Marvin and his ex-wife plan his son's bar mitzvah, which is complicated as the family deals with a health crisis. Two lesbian characters are introduced to help facilitate the heavy storyline which turns this over-the top whimsical musical into a historical period piece.

Housewife/homemaker Cordelia (Maggie Barry) is sweet and charming as she constantly tries to perfect Jewish/Yiddish cuisine. A throwaway role, but it is played with such gentleness and caring that you want her multiple food attempts to be a triumph.

Dr Charlotte (Laura Stearns) has the daunting task of being the dark cloud that changes the trajectory of the characters. Stearns has a tall stage presence that is reminiscent of Jane Lynch, and she is perfect for the role. Her smile alone gives the audience a sense of well-being. A lesser capable actress would have given it too heavy a delivery and made it too maudlin. For characters that don’t appear until the second act, Barry and Stearns get the audience to like them, then love them in a very short time. Brava, Ladies.

None of these incredible performances would have been given the praise they deserve if it weren’t for the insightful, detailed direction of Dennis Courtney. His masterful eye made every staging moment, exciting choreographed section, and quick set change on that tiny stage into a visual work of art. Courtney now places his name in the upper echelon as one of the best director/choreographers in the desert. His vision was impeccable.

Whenever a theatre company uses live musicians, that is a well-overdue gift to the desert audience, who usually must suffer through lackluster and dismal canned karaoke performances. A shout-out of praise goes wholeheartedly to music director/conductor, Stephen Hulsey (keyboards) and his fantastic musicians: David Young (reeds), Brent Alan Huffman (synth), and Brad Vaughn(percussion). A job well done.

The outstanding Production Team of costumer – Chistopher Metzgher, lighting design – Chase Potter, head prop master – Greg Thorneycroft, and set design – Rick Bluhm; all contributed to the style and overall look of this marvelous local revival.

For the close of the theatre season this is a must-see production. Run, don’t walk to see this well-thought-out, superbly acted, and across the board perfectly executed offering. Well. What are you waiting for? GO!

 Please note that for next season, Dezart Performs will be moving to The First Church of Christ, Scientist at 605 South Riverside Drive in Palm Springs to convert into a fully equipped professional theatre. Designed by Albert Frey in 1957, the building is a pristine, perfectly preserved architectural gem.

 The 6,000 sq. ft. Dezart Playhouse will help meet the expanding needs of the Company’s continuous growth in addition to serving as a hub for diverse activities, community events, and cultural engagement. The new playhouse will enhance the vibrancy of the local arts scene, ensuring a variety of voices and talents are represented and celebrated. The space will be converted to include a 150-seat fully-equipped theatre, dressing rooms, a rehearsal hall, meeting rooms, and a lobby with a box office and bar.

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