Falsettos the musical remains relevant

Rachel Stofanak, Staff Writer

Bill Finn’s musical Falsettos is still relevant today, despite being written and originally performed in the ’90s.

Falsettos, which was revived in 2016, filmed, and will air on PBS on Oct. 27, follows a man named Marvin who marries a woman and has a child with her. However, 10 years later, he realizes he is gay, then divorces her and starts dating a man. The show begins just after the divorce, when Marvin has begun dating the guy, but longs for the “tight-knit family” he had previously.

Falsettos finds a perfect balance between funny and touching. Marvin’s wife, Trina, hilariously reacts to Marvin’s revelation about his sexuality in “I’m Breaking Down,” while Marvin’s reflection on his love for his new boyfriend in “What More Can I Say?” is touching.

The acting provides another highlight. Stephanie J. Block perfectly portrays Marvin’s ex-wife as she deals with Marvin’s revelation both seriously and comedically. Christian Borle’s performance of Marvin may overstate his mean streak, but it interestingly portrays a complicated, constantly changing character.

Though the production has many merits, it is not perfect. The plot is hard to follow at times, and the characters are often unlikeable.

Overall, Falsettos is a musical that touches and amuses viewers, as well as providing a look back at a musical from an earlier era.