How well do you know *Falsettos*, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical by William Finn and James Lapine? Combining *March of the Falsettos* and *Falsettoland*, this critically acclaimed show digs into complex family dynamics, sexuality, and Jewish identity amid the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic. Test your knowledge of *Falsettos* with fascinating trivia about its journey from stage to screen, its Tony Award wins, and unique behind-the-scenes details. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to this musical, there's always more to discover.
International Productions
- The 2019 London production of 'Falsettos' won Best Off-West End Production at the 2020 WhatsOnStage Awards.
- Selladoor Worldwide produced 'Falsettos' at The Other Palace in London for a strictly limited run starting in August 2019.
- The 2014 Sydney revival of Falsettos was part of the Sydney Mardi Gras festival and was directed by Stephen Colyer.
- An Australian production of Falsettos by Sydney Theatre Company opened in January 1994 and featured John O'May as Marvin and Gina Riley as Trina.
Musical Composition
- The musical combines two earlier works, 'March of the Falsettos' (1981) and 'Falsettoland' (1990), which are part of William Finn's trilogy, starting with 'In Trousers'.
- 'Falsettos' won Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical at the 1992 Tony Awards.
- The Broadway revival cast album of 'Falsettos' released in 2017 peaked at number two on the Billboard Cast Albums chart.
- The original cast recordings for 'The March of the Falsettos' and 'Falsettoland' were released on January 1, 1991.
- Falsettos is a sung-through musical with both music and lyrics written by William Finn, and the book co-written by Finn and James Lapine.
- 'Four Jews in a Room Bitching' and several other songs were initially improvised by Finn while walking in New York City.
- The character of Marvin was a continuum from Finn's earlier musical 'In Trousers', which explored Marvin's questioning of his sexuality.
Notable Tours
- The musical 'Falsettos' had a North American tour starting in February 2019, with Max von Essen and Eden Espinosa among the leads.
Production Facts
- The 2016 revival of 'Falsettos' was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.
- Falsettos opened on Broadway at the John Golden Theatre on April 29, 1992, and closed on June 27, 1993, after 487 performances.
- 'Falsettos' explores themes of masculinity and sexuality, with Marvin's son Jason questioning if he might inherit his father's homosexuality.
- Falsettos originally premiered on Broadway in 1992 and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, winning Best Book and Best Original Score.
- The 2016 revival of Falsettos was filmed and aired on PBS for the Live from Lincoln Center series on October 27, 2017.
- Jewish identity and the AIDS epidemic are significant themes of 'Falsettos', each portrayed with historical and cultural accuracy.
- Each act of the musical focuses on different stages in Marvin's life, his relationships, and the evolving dynamics of his family as they confront issues of sexuality, Jewish identity, and the AIDS epidemic.
- Christian Borle, Andrew Rannells, Stephanie J. Block, and Brandon Uranowitz starred in key roles in the 2016 Broadway revival of 'Falsettos'.
- The 2016 Broadway revival of 'Falsettos' incorporated a unique set design featuring a cube made of large blocks that was rearranged by the actors during the performance.
- The racquetball scene in 'Falsettoland' was a creative suggestion from director James Lapine, further developed by Stephen Bogardus, who played Whizzer and was an avid racquetball player.
- The original Broadway cast of Falsettos included Michael Rupert as Marvin, Stephen Bogardus as Whizzer, and Barbara Walsh as Trina.
- Marketing for Falsettos included a promotional campaign that featured a Keith Haring artwork of two adults and a child holding up a bright red heart.
- In January 1993, Broadway and screen star Mandy Patinkin took over the role of Marvin from Michael Rupert in the Broadway production of Falsettos.
- The original Broadway production of Falsettos was directed by James Lapine, with scenic design by Douglas Stein, costumes by Ann Hould-Ward, and lighting by Frances Aronson.
