New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Fuse Theatre’s ‘Falsettos’ characters seek connections
NEW HAVEN — Marvin is a complicated man, as created by composer William Finn and storyteller James Lapine, one willing to take risks and welcome change.
Right now, he is in the middle of a unique situation he created for himself when he left his marriage to Trina and his teenage son Jason for a new relationship with Whizzer in the highly entertaining production musical “Falsettos” on stage at the Fuse Theatre in New Haven until Sunday.
Be prepared to deal with social issues such as divorce, mental health, religious beliefs, a bar mitzvah, sexuality and AIDS.
Andy Friedland's Marvin is open to new possibilities for himself, even if it means causing chaos with Johanna Milani's Trina and his son, alternately played by Preston Ottaviani, Graeme Kennedy and Luke Cashman. No wonder everyone is seeking the services of Noah Golden's Mendel, the psychiatrist.
Once Danial Sbriglio's Whizzer enters Marvin's world, major changes take place. It's 1979 and the world is in flux. Trina expresses it beautifully and poignantly in “I'm Breaking Down,” while Jason feels his parents have failed him and clings to his chess board for structure he can control.
Everyone is seeking connections, whether it is on the racketball court or Little League field, but few are as successful as Dr.Charlotte, a role shared by Jonna Capone and Kate Stango; and Ronnie McLaren's Cordelia, a caterer.
When Mendel finds Trina charming and needy, his admiration turns romantic, an eventuality Marvin takes poorly.
This singing musical deals with many issues, both humorous and serious
as roles shift and miracles are requested.
Lara Morton is the creative producer and director of this heartbreakingly sweet exploration of life events.
For tickets ($25 and $20 for adults, seniors, and student pre-sale); and $30 and $25 at the door, go online
to fusetheatrect.org.
Performances are at the Bregamos Theatre, 491 Blatchley Ave., New Haven, Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 and 5 p.m.
Come witness Marvin learn that “life is never what you plan.”