Review by Becky Evans, Front Row Reviewers
Each fall, Farmington City sponsors a dinner theater in an intimate gathering of good food and fun that is just delightful. This year’s production of Curtains is their first murder mystery musical and keeps audiences guessing throughout the night. Curtains is based on a book by Rupert Holmes, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander, with additional lyrics by Kander and Holmes. It is kind of a show within a show and follows a murder that occurs on opening night and the investigation thereof. It is full of zany characters and pays homage to musical theater people or “show people.” Director Becca Rhodes states, “”There’s a special kind of people known as show people” and this show does a great job showcasing just that. All of the unique humans that come together to create the art that is musical theater.”
Speaking of all the humans that it takes to put on a production, a dinner theater takes even more. Tia Trevino, the producer and Arts and Special Events Director from Farmington City coordinates a huge group of volunteers and youth council members to prepare and serve food to patrons. The food this year is a delicious combination of salad, rolls, chicken and pulled pork with a vegetarian option as well. Director Rhodes has taught choir for 12 years and directed the musicals at Farmington High School. Because of her experience mentoring teens, she brought on Koa Griffiths to stage manage this production and Farmington alum Kaylie Uzelac to choreograph. They both have done excellent work and Becca should be very proud.
The cast of Curtains includes many familiar faces and a few new ones. Joe Nichols was born for dinner theater and plays a very convincing Lieutenant Cioffi. Nichols brings his character a full measure of charisma and an innocence that endears him to the audience as well as his love interest Niki Harris (played by Arianna Evans). Evans is a beautiful ingenue whose character is sweet and innocently naïve. Her beautiful soprano in the song “A Tough Act to Follow” is just enchanting.
Ali Trevino shines in her role as Georgia Hendricks and one would never have guessed that she has been on a long theater hiatus. A standout performer to me is Cayden Wooton (Aaron Fox) who plays the songwriter for the play within a play. He sings with such warmth and tender emotion that you really feel for what his character is going through. Cody Eisenbarth plays one of the funniest characters, the director, and absolutely nails each of his hilariously egotistical director lines. Ali Arbuckle also stands out in her role as Bambi. She performs a dance duet with grace and style and is just beautiful to watch. She took on double duty in this production as she also costumed the show. Many small productions like this stick to minimal costumes but Ali decked out the whole cast in numerous outfits including pajamas, and spectacular matching costumes for the show within a show. This group of show people have come together to create wonderful art for the people of Farmington and friends. All of the cast members and production team are volunteers, and many wore extra hats spending long hours helping with painting, sewing, set building (Spencer Bawden), music directing (Sarah Johnson), sound (Tery Binkhard), Lights (Sarah Wheelwright, Mike Wheeler), Deveri Thorton, and an awesome live pianist Jen Morgan who performed the part of Sasha Iljinski.
If you are in the mood for a funny light-hearted Who Dun it show, Curtains at Farmington City is where you want to be. Seats are almost sold out but there are still a few available.
More information can be found at https://farmington.utah.gov/parks-rec/performing-arts/
Farmington presents Curtains, based on a book by Rupert Holmes, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander, with additional lyrics by Kander and Holmes.
120 S Main St, Farmington, UT 84025
Dinner theater show run October 3,4,5,10,11,12, 2024
Tickets: $25/ includes dinner and show
Contact: (801) 451-0953
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