This school year, the spring musical was Curtains, a murder mystery comedy set in 1959 Boston where the leading lady of a new musical is killed. A local detective is called to solve the case and the entire cast and crew are the suspects. This musical had a two and a half hour run time. Featuring 18 actors, this musical was extra special due to the dance number with the backstage crew.

First we talked to a few members of the cast and crew. Eli Goldman ‘27 was the lead in Curtains, and they played Lieutenant Frank Ciofee. This is their first time being the lead in a musical at FSS. Eli said their favorite part of the play is how funny it is. “It’s really funny, there are parts where I have to hold back from laughing on stage.” Carl Heyne ‘27 is running the spotlight this year. This is his first time running lights but his second year on stage crew. He is up in the balcony with Tr. Ryan, the conductor of the musical. Carl said the play was really entertaining and this production was different from others because it was “more technically complex because it is sent in a theater.” Clara Gluzdov ‘27 was a member of the backstage crew and danced in the musical. When asked about the dancing, she said, “Once we actually started the rehearsals, we had so much fun. It was a really wonderful experience, even when we messed up that made it more funny.”

In addition, the new costume designer, Jojo Siu, and her team have been working hard to find and alter pieces that fit the story and time period. They rented costumes from theaters in town and have over 200 pieces. They were able to obtain authentic vintage silhouettes, some 1880’s bustle skirts, Victorian blouses, and much more. Jojo wrote, “The most important part of this show is getting to see our students come alive in their character once the clothes are on… teaching them to appreciate the beauty and art of wearing clothing is really amazing.”

Lastly, Stephanie Kyung Sun Walters, the US Drama Department Chair, has worked tirelessly to make this performance come together, and this musical holds a special place in her heart. She wrote, “Curtains is a musical that I have always loved. I was introduced to it as I was graduating high school. It was running on Broadway with a star-studded cast. Later in college, I was able to perform in Curtains as Bambi! The best thing about Curtains is it really is a love letter to THE THEATRE. It’s hilarious, it’s heartfelt, and it’s catchy as all heck!”