Ep 3. Falsettos

In season 42 episode 3 of Live From Lincoln Center, viewers are treated to a screening of the Tony Award-nominated revival of "Falsettos" at the Walter Kerr Theater in New York City.

Set in the early 1980s, "Falsettos" tells the story of a non-traditional family as they navigate their relationships, careers, and the impact of the AIDS epidemic. The production features an incredible cast of Broadway stars, including Christian Borle, Andrew Rannells, Stephanie J. Block, and Brandon Uranowitz.

As the show begins, the audience is immediately drawn in by the gorgeous set design, which includes a large, colorful Lego-inspired backdrop that sets the tone for the quirky and unconventional story to come. The first act introduces us to Marvin (played by Borle), a Jewish man who leaves his wife Trina (Block) and young son Jason (Anthony Rosenthal) to be with his lover Whizzer (Rannells). As Marvin and Whizzer navigate their relationship and the challenges of coming out in the early 1980s, Trina begins to explore her own identity and finds herself falling for their neurotic but lovable family friend Mendel (Uranowitz).

Throughout the show, the cast impresses with their vocal prowess, particularly in group numbers like "March of the Falsettos" and "The Baseball Game," which feature tight harmonies and clever lyrics. But it's the smaller, more intimate numbers that truly shine, like Block's heart-wrenching solo "I'm Breaking Down" and Borle and Rannells' duet "What Would I Do?"

As the story unfolds, the gravity of the AIDS epidemic begins to weigh heavily on the characters, and the show takes on a more serious tone in the second act. But despite the heavy subject matter, the production manages to strike a balance between heartbreak and humor, with Borle and Uranowitz providing many of the show's comedic moments.

One of the most impressive aspects of this production is the staging. Director James Lapine makes excellent use of the stage, with actors often entering and exiting through various openings in the set. The choreography is also inventive, particularly in numbers like "The Baseball Game," where the characters move in an almost robotic manner to reflect the game's scorekeeping.

Overall, Live From Lincoln Center's screening of "Falsettos" is a must-see for any Broadway fan. The show's incredible cast and catchy score will leave audiences humming long after the final bow.