March Of The Falsettos - Falsettoland [Soundtrack]

I have never felt for characters like I have in "Falsettos". Each character is extremely complex and realistic. William Finn and James Lapine have crafted "a tight-knit family" that is likeable, comical, and loving. I think it was Frank Rich who wrote an article saying that "Falsettos" was the only show on Broadway that was a show about family values.

Indeed, "Falsettos" is a show that celebrates family values. More conservative people may disagree. After all, this is a musical about a married man, Marvin, who leaves his wife and son for a male lover, Whizzer. And yet, Marvin still longs for a family, and, in the last scene, one feels that he has achieved this goal. Everyone: Marvin, Trina, Jason, Mendel, Whizzer, and the "two lesbians from next door", Dr. Charlotte and Cordelia, gather together in one room, celebrating Jason's bar mitzvah, and mourning for the dying Whizzer. In that scene, there is one great family, a family which loves and "harmonizes".

William Finn's music may take some getting used to. However, the score is more complex and intelligent than most musicals out there. Finn has a very original style, though the lyrics and song patterns are similar to songs like "Light My Candle" and "Goodbye Love" from RENT. Great and memorable numbers about in "Falsettos" mainly: "4 Jews In A Room Bitching", "A Marriage Proposal", "A Tight Knit Family/Love Is Blind/ Thrill of First Love", "The Games I Play", "I Never Wanted To Love You", "Father To Son", "Holding to the Ground", "Everybody Hates His Parents", "A Day In Falsettoland", "You Gotta Die Sometime", "What More Can I Say", and "What Would I Do". Each song is pertinent to the story, developing characters and situations.

Now, years after "Falsettos" appeared on Broadway, it seems like it has been forgotten in the general public. It pains me to think that such a wonderful, touching show will not be remembered. Please, if you are can, buy this CD and listen to it carefully. Don't let "Falsettos" die out; it's much too good for that.

CD one which features a stellar cast such as Stephen Bogardus as Whizzer, Alison Frasier as Trina (so DIVA), and Chip Zien as Mendel (From Into the Woods) to name a few. It tells the story of how Marivn left his wife Trina and 10 year old son Jason, for Whizzer, another man. While trying to cope with the shock Trina falls in love with her psychiatrist, Mendel. Hilarious and fast past Act I. With Tremendous belting by Frasier and Bogardus. Act II CD 2, introduces some new characters and brings back the old.

On CD 2 the adult male characters are portrayed by the same actors as ten years before (CD 1). Trina is now played by Broadway Diva Faith Prince (Guys and Dolls) But the actresses sound so much a like I didn't realize they were different until a few months after I had purchased the CD. Also enter Janet Metz (Joseph...) (a role the Carolee Carmello (Parade) took over) and Heather MacRae as the Lesbian Nieghbors.. Act II begins with Marivn and Whizzer fighting, newlyweds Trina and Mendel, and a confused 13 year old Jason. Whizzer becomes suddenly ill, an illness which is dumbfounding all the doctors (HIV), even his friend Doctor Charlette (MacRae). His illness brings the whole gang together again. Act 2 is brilliant. Lots of love songs and songs of torment and distress. "Unlikely Lovers" "You Gotta Die Sometime" "Holding To The Ground" "What More Can I Say?" "What Would I Do?" Extremely beautiful and heartfelt. Brilliantly displayed on this CD. You MUST buy this CD. Anyone with a heart and a good sense of Musical Theatre should have this in their collection.

And for you DIEHARD Falsettos fans out there you must know that March of Falsettos and Falsettoland are part 2 and 3 of a trilogy. The first is IN TROUSERS. With Marvin (This time played by Chip Zion), Trina (Alison Fraser), His High School Sweatheart, and Teacher (Mary Testa). It's hilarious! The Cd is hard to find but available. Also as a real treat, the Falsettos showstopper "I'm Breaking Down" which is not on Falsettos CD IS on the TROUSERS CD, sung to schizo perfection by Fraser. Once again you won't be disappointed! :)