The cast of the Talent Machine Company’s “Curtains: School Edition.” Photo by Robin Shotola.
What happens when a murder mystery and a musical comedy collide? The result is pure entertainment and mayhem in the form of “Curtains: School Edition.” The Talent Machine Company is currently staging this madcap homage to old-fashioned Broadway, performed by a wonderfully talented teenage cast. Expertly led by Director Justin Brill and Music Director Brian Shatt, the troupe displays impressive skills in singing, acting, and dance. With a toe-tapping score by John Kander and Fred Ebb (the celebrated songwriting duo behind the hit Broadway musicals, “Chicago” and “Cabaret”) and a clever book by Rupert Holmes, “Curtains: School Edition” delivers a humorous, engaging journey teeming with backstage hijinks.
…pure entertainment…wonderfully talented teenage cast…a humorous, engaging journey…
Set in 1959, the play revolves around “Robbin’ Hood,” a struggling new musical going through its out-of-town tryout at Boston’s legendary Colonial Theatre. On opening night, the lead actress mysteriously dies onstage, causing the entire company to become murder suspects. Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, an accomplished Boston detective, is assigned to the case and quarantines the entire cast and crew for interrogation. A lifelong musical theater aficionado, Cioffi finds himself immersed in his passion while offering suggestions for improving the show as the investigation unfolds. During questioning, Cioffi falls in love with the lead actress’ understudy, Niki Harris, who aspires to make her Broadway debut. Along the way, hilarity ensues as rehearsals are interrupted and secrets are uncovered.
Austin Starkey (Lieutenant Frank Cioffi) and Lily Abbott (Niki Harris) each gave marvelous performances. Both were excellent vocalists, and their rousing duet, “A Tough Act to Follow,” was a delightful highlight. Starkey maintained a flawless Boston accent for the entire production, delivering his lines with enthusiasm while conveying Cioffi’s dedication to his work. Abbott was endearing when expressing her affection for Cioffi. Together, Starkey and Abbott were captivating, with magnetic chemistry.
Other noteworthy performances included Paige O’Neil as songwriter-turned-leading lady, Georgia Hendricks; Liam Cool as composer, Aaron Fox; Caleb Matson as director, Christopher Belling); Reagan Scott as producer, Carmen Bernstein; and Gabriella Daniel as chorus member, Bambi Bernèt. O’Neil was dynamic in her solo, “Thataway,” where she excelled in an energetic song-and-dance routine. In the poignant ballad, “I Miss the Music,” Cool relayed longing and frustration with sincerity. Matson was tremendously entertaining as the pompous and arrogant director of “Robbin’ Hood,” demonstrating exceptional, comedic finesse. As a featured soloist in “Show People” and “It’s a Business,” Scott filled the room with her phenomenal vocals, perfectly matching her character’s brassy demeanor. A gifted dancer, Daniel brilliantly executed a complex dance solo in “Kansasland” while expertly conveying Bambi’s conceit and career ambition.
Vicki Smith, Andrew Gordon, and Whitney Green skillfully choreographed complex dances spanning a wide range of styles, from raucous hoedowns to rhythmic tap sequences. The costumes team of Karin Abbott, Lisa Van Wormer, Carrie Scott, Natalie Dixon, and Kate Roberts outfitted the cast in eye-popping designs displaying detailed Western attire and glittering dance outfits. Sound Mixer Jesse Freiland smoothly balanced the levels of the background music and microphones, ensuring that neither overwhelmed the other.
The Talent Machine Company embraces all aspects of theater to make “Curtains: School Edition” a heartwarming tribute to the joy, chaos, and camaraderie that define theater and the guiding principle that the show must go on despite the unexpected. Audiences are sure to walk away with a renewed appreciation for the magic of musicals.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission
“Curtains: School Edition” runs through July 19, 2026 at the Pascal Center for the Performing Arts at Anne Arundel Community College, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. (with an additional 7 p.m. performance on Thursday, July 16) and Sundays at 2 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go online or visit the box office prior to the performance.
