William Finn and James Lapine’s Falsettos is a rare gem of musical theater — filled with humor, heartbreak, and humanity that feels as fresh today as it did when it first appeared in 1992. With its intelligent lyrics, quirky characters, and deeply-affecting storyline, this musical beautifully balances sharp wit with genuine emotional weight.
The musical is actually a combination of two previous musicals, March of the Falsettos (1981) and Falsettoland (1990) , The result is an even stronger experience than the originals. By cutting out any excess or redundant material, the combined musical is indeed greater than the sum of its parts.
The story follows Marvin (Tim Ewing), a neurotic, yet somewhat-charming man trying to build his own version of a “tight-knit family” after leaving his wife, Trina (Stephanie Lynne Mason), for his male lover, Whizzer (Patrick Joseph Wallace). Marvin’s journey is layered with comedy and heartache as he navigates the complexities of love, parenting, and unconventional relationships, all while seeking acceptance and stability. During this trying time, Jason (William Spitz), Trina and Marvin’s son, is turning 13 and facing bar-mitzvah anxieties along with all the other issues being an adolescent crazily supplies. Complicating matters even more, Trina starts having a relationship with Marvin’s psychiatrist, Mendel (Skylar Gaines) which is tricky for Jason but especially for Marvin.
In Act II things become more somber as AIDS enters the picture and begins to affect every character. We also meet Marvin and Whizzer’s friends Cordelia (Maggie Barry), a struggling caterer and her life-partner Charlotte (Laura Stearns), a successful doctor. While putting on a happy exterior, there are some underlying issues that threaten their relationship.
One of the musical’s standout comedic moments comes when Trina, overwhelmed by Marvin’s erratic behavior and her own chaotic love life, belts out the iconic “I’m Breaking Down.” With manic energy, she laments, “The only thing that’s breaking up is my family; but me, I’m breaking down.” A line that perfectly captures the absurdity of her crumbling world. Mason ‘s franticly funny delivery of this number stops the show and deservedly so.
Kudos also are earned for William Spitz’s Jason, who comes off as precocious, but not to the point of being freakish. He is wise in the way that kids can often cut right to the core of an issue sometimes without even realizing it. Yet, as he turns 13, he is still a kid who seems to privately harbor the need to be more popular with his peers. It’s a touching performance that is a formidable match to any of the adults onstage.
Meanwhile, Marvin and Whizzer’s relationship is filled with both biting banter and deep affection. Whizzer, the charismatic (he is) yet aloof (he is) counterpart to Marvin’s anxious overthinking, teases him: “You’re so clever, you can tell us what comes next!” To which Marvin retorts, “I can’t help it that I’m smart!” I liked Mr. Ewing’s performance, but I would have liked it even more had he allowed a bit more warmth to enter into his Act I scenes and occasionally let up a bit on the power and dominance side of his character, thus making a smoother transition to his scenes in Act II.
For all its humor, Falsettos delivers an undeniable emotional impact, particularly in the second act, as the AIDS crisis looms over the characters. The musical’s shift from comedic dysfunction to profound tragedy is seamless, leaving audiences laughing one moment and in tears the next. Songs like “What Would I Do?” are devastating in their simplicity and honesty, proving Finn’s genius in storytelling through music.
Ultimately, Falsettos is a masterclass, balancing hilarity with heartbreak while offering a deeply human story filled with flawed but lovable characters. It’s a musical that lingers long after the final note — a celebration of love in all its messy, imperfect glory. If you haven’t experienced it yet, grab a ticket (and some tissues) and let yourself be swept up in its brilliance.
Falsettos runs through April 27, 2025. For tickets or more information, visit their website at https://dezartperforms.org/