Customer Reviews

March Of The Falsettos (1981 Original Off-Broadway Cast)

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Although it is the second chapter in the "Marvin" musical trilogy, "March of the Falsettos" is, perhaps, the best known of William Finn's works thanks to 20 years of continued revivals in regional theaters around the country. "In Trousers," the first part of the story, is the most obscure. "Falsettoland" followed "March..." ten years later and then was paired with "March..." as a two act Broadway musical titled "Falsettos" which won critical acclaim as well as a Tony Award for Finn's wonderful score. "March of the Falsettos" tells the story of Marvin, a previously closeted gay man who leaves his wife and son for his male lover, Whizzer Brown. This sets into motion an alternately hilarious and touching turn of events as Marvin's wife, Trina, finds love in the arms of Marvin's psychiatrist, Mendel, and all the adults concerned try to do what's best for Marvin and Trina's 10-year-old son, Jason, who turns out to be smarter than any of his extended family. "March..." is about love and loss, about ecstasy and jealousy, but finally about parents and children. When all is said and done, Marvin shares the stage with his son, Jason, in a touching, quiet finale. "Sing for yourself as we march along," Marvin encourages his son, and therein lies Finn's message: embrace your individuality. Being brave enough to choose what you know is right for you is never easy, but essential.

March of the Falsettos is one of those rare anomalies in musical theater. It's a show that is catchy, infectious, and utterly enjoyable without being Disney-produced schlock. William Finn is truly a master of interesting compositions, and I think this cycle, this show in particular, is the pinnacle of his work.

Althpugh it's especially familiar to Jews, the show can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. Finn creates such memorable and likable characters that you find yourself completely invested in their lives regardless of how messed up they all are. He is a brilliant composer as well, occasionally parodying operatic stylings and using scansion that would even impress Sondheim. Definitely a great cast recording to a great show.

If you enjoy this show, I also recommend the novel "An Almost Perfect Moment" by Binnie Kirshenbaum. Again, it will be familiar to Jews, but is definitely accessible to anyone. It's about a jewish girl growing up in Brooklyn in the 70s who has a fascination with the Virgin Mary. It has a quirkyness about it that makes it seems a lot like the literary version of this show, although tyhe subject matters are somewhat different. I recommend it as well as this fabulous cast recording.

William Finn wrote a very good show. Great show for any Musical Theatre lover. A definite must-have. (See also: A New Brain, In Trousers, and Fallsettoeland.)

William Finn. What is there to say? This man has created the most memorable family in the history of Musical Theatre. And here they are. Marvin, Trina, Jason, Whizzer, and Mendel will sing their way into your heart in this powerfully funny tale of broken marriage and self-discovery. A must for every serious Musical Theatre lover. "March of the Falsettos" is actually the second part in the Marvin Trilogy. Perhaps with enough pressure, we can get the first installment, "In Trousers" released on CD! Hmmmm. See also "Falsettoland."