The show veers dangerously into reality when there's a second and then a third murder and does its own hatchet job - criticizing theater critics as if Kander and Ebb couldn't resist one last jab back. Pierce is charming as the detective and amateur musical doctor and this alone is enough to carry this lightweight show. Anna Louizos' sets and William Ivey Long's costumes are strong, detailed and playful but not over the top.
With the death of Ebb, Kander's writing partner for 40 years and the death of the original book writer Peter Stone in 2003, this musical about troubled a troubled musical had its own problems getting on stage. Rupert Holmes is credited with the book and additional lyrics were supplied by Kander and Holmes. Despite its flaws, under the deft direction of Scott Ells, "Curtains" is a winsome little show that will leave you with a smile and feeling that all is well in the world, even if you don't have purple shoes.
Curtains closed at the Ahmanson on September 10, 2006 and will open at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on February 27. Hyde was previously seen on Broadway in Spamalot.
Sister Act: The Musical closed at the Pasadena Playhouse in December and opens on January 17, 2007 at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA.
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