Family life in New York City

Family life in New York City

Falsettos

Sydney Theatre Company

Drama Theatre, Opera House, to March 5

Directed by Wayne Harrison

Music and lyrics by William Finn

Reviewed by Graham Matthews

In this "Year of the Family", Falsettos is the play to see. As the name suggests, it's based on song. A Broadway musical from the 1980s, it is a sympathetic look at the reality of family life.

Marvin has left his wife Trina and son Jason to be with his male lover, Wizzer. The plot is complicated by the family psychiatrist, Melvin, who falls in love with Trina during therapy sessions. The scene is set for a light-hearted look at family life in New York City.

As the plot develops, we realise that all is not really so easy in the middle-class world our actors inhabit. Alienation, identity crises and other catastrophes are sensitively dealt with by the script and sweetly sung by the cast. The play/musical ends with a sting in its tail, which may leave you with a tear in your eye.

Falsettos is a very professional production full of energy and life, which deals well with a very real subject. If you want to cut the crap in this nominated year, give Falsettos a look. You're sure to enjoy it.

From GLW issue 129