How Falsettos Redefines Masculinity (Diving Deep S1E1)

Today we Dive Deep with this video essay into the dizzying world of the 2016 broadway revival of the Falsettos musical. This fast paced musical follows four men on their journey to manhood, and as they march along we see how they each come to their own conclusion of what it means to be a man. In this video we analyze the characteristics of Marvin, Whizzer, Trina, Mendel, and Jason as they take part in the march of the falsettos and discuss how each of them help contribute to the themes displayed throughout this musical.
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Credits:
Written and Recorded by: Gillian S.
Edited by: Gillian S. & Brendon H.
Intro graphics by: Wyatt B.
Music:
Music by Ryan Little - fast ones. - thmatc.co/?l=3A7CB2AF
Music by DJ GONZ - Ride The Wave - thmatc.co/?l=F815C8B8
Music by Clueless Kit - Rooftop - thmatc.co/?l=F669AC61
Music by Ryan Little - Body Language - thmatc.co/?l=A37F6D5A
Music by DVNNYBEATS - Drip - thmatc.co/?l=E4A512CD
Music by Singto Conley - Daybreak - thmatc.co/?l=A9B45702
Music by Syphax - Rose Lips - thmatc.co/?l=17A3F5E2
Music by MÅRRØ - Alive - thmatc.co/?l=318A48FE
Music by Cailee Rae - Deeper - thmatc.co/?l=11EBFF0
Music by Ryan Little - stress signal. - thmatc.co/?l=C484586D

[@WaitintheWings]

We're baaaacccckkkk and better than ever! In the time away we reapproached how to make this channel better for you all and how to increase the sense of community that is crucial to Wait in the Wings. As a result, we've officially launched our patreon page with an exclusive discord to talk theater, film, music and any other weird subjects you can come up with, as well as a place to motivate and support you if you're trying to break into this crazy little world called show biz. Of course, there's a lot more going on over there like an exclusive voting and recommendations hub and a lost episode of What Went Wrong, but I'm only allowed so many words! Check it out to learn more! www.patreon.com/waitinthewings

[@roguewave4396]

Please do more Diving Deep videos!

[@adamwise1111]

Sometimes a family is a boy, his mom, his mom's boyfriend, his mom's ex-husband, and his mom's ex-husband's boyfriend.

[@maura2409]

....and the lesbians from next door

[@earthtominiryu]

and the lesbians next door!

[@Apollo9898LP]

And the lesbians from next door. :)

[@kaitlynreedy2427]

and the lesbians from next door

[@trinaweisenbachfeld6402]

@Signaco Scuba They are so happy it makes me stressed.

[@cooper8184]

This is great but where is the representation of the lesbians from next door

[@sidneylemon1951]

This is mostly about March of the Falsettos! They’re only in Falsettoland

[@sidneylemon1951]

And by that I mean the themes of March of Falsettos, lmao.

[@trickytreyperfected1482]

@@sidneylemon1951 The better question is: The themes of March of the Falsettos the musical (the first act of Falsettos)? Or The themes of March of the Falsettos the song?

[@confetti_kisses427]

@@trickytreyperfected1482 the musical

[@mollie1421]

I love the lesbians from next door (especially their entrance and "Be Alright"[ I think that's what it is called])

[@deadchannel9105]

I never actually realized how messed Mendel's character is

[@morganstauter8660]

Grinning_ Boi Same

[@hooey4362]

mendel is wild ngl

[@confetti_kisses427]

Same. I was so focused on Marvin

[@trickytreyperfected1482]

The funny thing is, it really isn't that hidden. He literally shows no passion for his job, he admits to just wanting people's money, he flaunts about how he has everything, he spends Marvin's therapy time talking about Trina, he's actively taking Marvin's wife, etc.

[@hooey4362]

@@trickytreyperfected1482 the dude is terrible at his job... like, seriously, mendel is just as if not more messed up than his patients (hard to beat marvin in that field but yk) and i think that's meant to be the irony

[@misslaurabolt]

Hi guys, amazing video, but I do wish you touched on the lesbians from next door more than just mentioning them once! They were written into the show for a reason. Charlotte and Cordelia are meant to be the foil to Marvin and Whizzer's initially unhealthy relationship, modeling a healthy same sex couple. While they have arguments like Marvin and Whizzer do, they resolve them in a healthy way. This is meant to show the growth that Marvin and Whizzer go through as a couple as their relationship becomes stronger. The lesbians also not only show the audience the solidarity between wlw/mlm during the AIDS epidemic, they also stress how found family can become just as important as blood. The lesbians help Marvin and Whizzer navigate joy, love, family, illness, and eventually, death. Dr. Charlotte shows that sometimes even intelligence and logic (things Marvin values deeply) aren't enough to make certain woes in life better. This is integral to his character development. Cordelia on the other hand, is in her very core a nurturer, and shows us what Trina could have been like in a happier, healthier relationship. Charlotte and Cordelia also model a happy and healthy same sex relationship which is something that Trina has never seen before, and I think this adds a lot to Trina's development. Anyway, I could go on about my favorite lesbians, but I just wanted to make sure they got their chance to shine too! (I may be biased as I am currently playing Cordelia in a production of Falsettos, haha.) Loved this video and I will definitely be subscribing! :)

[@Sam-vd1md]

This comment is so good ur absolutely galaxy braining

[@ay7164]

This comment needs more likes fr

[@kali3968]

Thank you for giving the lesbians the love they deserve.

[@trickytreyperfected1482]

They didn't touch on them much because they aren't part of March of the Falsettos. They were only introduced when Falsettoland was created. The title of the video does specifically state that it's an analysis of March of the Falsettos, so it makes sense why they weren't included.

[@marcusmcpherson7535]

@@trickytreyperfected1482 They go pretty deep with everything else they speak about in act two although its only the last few minutes of the video, and while you're right that this focuses on act one characters, Charlotte and Cordelia help bring the family to new heights they would have never been to otherwise.

[@anthonyrosenthal3674]

Hey, Jason here (lol)! I can’t believe it took me this long to find this, but I’m very glad I did! It was insanely thorough and smart, and even made me think of the show in ways I haven’t before! It’s great hearing such a great analysis of something so important to me, so great work!

[@thatssofetch3481]

You’re good 👍

[@joespooky5789]

Gaspp Anthony hello!!! i sound so dumb g

[@emmaplocharsky9882]

WHAT IS YOU DOIN HERE

[@caleb3175]

Hey Anthony bud, congrats on everything you've got going and great job in this play. You were wonderful!

[@andii-]

OMFG HI AHHSHAHSGSAJHSHAJA

[@makennapatton3680]

I never thought anyone would call whizzer stable lol

[@numerousfrogsinacoat607]

Makenna Patton I actually always saw him as the most stable character in the show. He’s pretty much the only who who’s sure of who he is and true to that, he’s emotionally and mentally composed far more than any of the others

[@lucyschraff4893]

Wick Animation I agree. That’s what makes You Gotta Die Sometime even more heart breaking. It’s the Strong One™️ trying to convince himself he’s fine and that he’ll go out with the same attitude, that he doesn’t need help and is too good to care, that he has carried himself with despite the very toxic relationship and stressful situations. Then throughout the course of the song tho you start to see him break down and realize that he isn’t ready to die. All of this occurring about 10 minutes before he actually does die. Then again leaving us with the sentiment that he isn’t ready and is more complex then originally thought. This same vulnerability is shown in the chess game as he tries to reassure how much he doesn’t care abt Marvin just to how insecure he is about actually needing him. Again shown in The Games I Play where he again reassured himself that he didn’t need him as much as one would think he does. All in all he was the one that was so “strong” he wouldn’t let himself be compromised, even with his own relationship, and you finally get to seem him waver in the face of the future or rather lack there of

[@numerousfrogsinacoat607]

[some funny and unique name] yes exactly. Also the reason why Jason looked up to him so much and only listened to whizzer’s advice was because he saw him as the only stable and reliable adult in his life, he was a strong role model for Jason, so my heart always just broke as the end when Jason puts the chess piece on whizzer’s grave, also in You Gotta Die sometime for the exact reasons you said

[@lucyschraff4893]

Wick Animation lemme tell your ive seen this thing a total of eight times and I still break down in sobs everytime he puts the chess piece down and they all look at him

[@numerousfrogsinacoat607]

[some funny and unique name] I’ve seen the filmed revival three or four times and saw the live touring cast last year. Every time, sobs. It’s just such a sweet, simple gesture from a child, that also is just so impactful and meaningful and symbolic

[@BrandyLee01]

I’m a little disappointed that she didn’t mention the little part during Whizzer’s wake where Jason places a chess piece on Whizzer’s gravestone. Also, the set progressively changes from black box to real props. I’m pretty sure that it’s a metaphor for the characters taking their lives more seriously and the games ending.

[@hannahosb5132]

Brandy Haynes the only props not made from the cube were parts of the hospital room and a few items in making a home. This was to signify that they weren’t is ‘Falsettoland’ anymore when Whizzer was Ill

[@addiemay9518]

i know this comment was a while ago lmao but i think that the realistic props were integrated more when the characters were facing harsh reality etc, whizzers hosptial bed, trina and mendals home, and the chess board

[@firstcanonkill1767]

dont forget that the chess piece mimics the Jewish tradition of leaving small stones at graves.

[@shaylee2821]

I though of it as kinda the death of Jason’s childhood innocence, because the foam set pieces remind me of play toys, so when whizzer falls ill he’s forced to grow up and see life in a different light

[@blue.berry.b]

Don’t forget the cooking props during “I’m breaking down”

[@emilyc9492]

Marvin’s character arch of needing affection from his family and lover, (I want it all) to only needing Whizzer (All I want is you), just for Whizzer to die makes my heart ACHE!!! 😭

[@morganstauter8660]

Emily C Not to mention that him wanting Whizzer didn’t remain a selfish thing. It means that he wants to love Whizzer wholeheartedly, not just needing Whizzer’s constant attention.

[@emilyc9492]

The Tired Meetbal Memory YES! Exactly!

[@morganstauter8660]

Emily C Thank you. I spend most of my time analyzing and thinking about this show.

[@trinaweisenbachfeld6402]

I have to go slit my wrists alone in the bathroom with the door locked! *I mean* Everything's fine :>

[@helenmorris1360]

I'm assuming you meant arc, but Marvin's character arch,,,,, which just makes me think of when he knocks down the arch that is mendel and trina's home he is at his Abyssss

[@fishsodas3629]

i thought the bed mightve repersented family, as whizzer says "i lost it twice" that being marvin breaking up with him and then death.

[@jbean5082]

Just guessing bc I dont have any proof but bc of the time he might have lost his biological family when he came out and then marvin

[@sidneylemon1951]

The bed is actually a returning theme from In Trousers.

[@blazerheata6479]

maybe this is where the bed went, kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZDViJ9jn8Z0n7c

[@checkm8964]

I feel like the more simple harmonies also represent Whizzer's emotional growth, instead of standing out and being the center of attention he is completely working in harmony with this people his relationship with Marvin is now healthy, they aren't fighting for power as much they are working together

[@morganstauter8660]

CheckM8 I don’t think of it so much as a ‘center of attention’ thing. It’s more of just a separation I suppose. He was sort of the outcast in this complicated family during the first act, but I do agree with the change in harmonies to be symbolic of how he grows.

[@atticus3690]

@@morganstauter8660 I agree. The less complicated harmonies are a representation of the fact that he fits in, and is now a complete part of the family.

[@amyvaneekeren6548]

You didn't talk about this in the video but what really made me emotionally unstable in the entire musical was the very end when Jason puts the chess piece on whizzers grave. It really shows how although there are lots of different things causing the characters to mature, they needed Whizzer's illness and his death to fully mature and Jason is showing respect for this considering Whizzzer was the sort of first to mature and maybe this is why it had to be him that fell ill. It makes sense that it was Jason to me because it concludes their friendship as it started to grow a lot more throughout act 2. It's also Jason's way of showing that he has fully matured. He's saying he's at peace with Whizzer's death and Marvin's possible death. Another point regarding the chess piece. At the start of the musical he saud that chess was the most beautiful thing in the world but now he's grown up and he's putting the chess piece down and he's ready to face the actual "most beautiful thing in the world" which is love. His love for Whizzer. And for his Dad. And for everyone. Ps: none if this probably makes any sense. It's very late and I'm probably talking nonsense but this is just my opinion. Also that was very long but it just kept making more sense in my head so

[@yowassup6098]

Amy Van Eekeren ur comment made me cry stOP

[@amyvaneekeren6548]

@@yowassup6098 oops sorry, but I cry at anything falsettos act 2 related anyway so 🤷‍♀️😂

[@suzannahe.h6596]

I think it was also him letting Whizzer win, which is something he promised the last time they played chess a few songs ago

[@amyvaneekeren6548]

@@suzannahe.h6596 I never thought about it like that I'm kinda shook it's a good point and it kinda shows the sweet innocence that Jason has he's just such a bb 🥺🥰🥺🥰🥺🥰🥺🥰

[@trickytreyperfected1482]

They didn't touch on it because that's part of Falsettoland, not March of the Falsettos.

[@luanders5232]

I love this video. But there's one thing, in "What Would I Do?" They sing "Once I was told that good men get better with age/We're just gonna skip that stage", implying Marvin is going to die, too.

[@leahflaherty9756]

Lu Anders Charlotte basically told Marvin he was going to die in the reprise of something bad is happening

[@luanders5232]

@@leahflaherty9756 yeah, that's true. But within the video Marvin's future death isn't acknowledged, so I felt like mentioning it with the first thing that came to mind to back it up.

[@Sunnyy3D]

But it also explain how Whizzer died at a younger age then most at the time. Marvin basically was hoping Whizzer would grow old with him, and that their love would grow. But they had to skip that stage, since Whizzer died.

[@cooper8184]

Lu Anders 😭

[@mjljohnson]

Also whizzer said "who knew it could end your life" talking about being with men ending his life

[@robin-un8ry]

I’m upset you didn’t include the line “Don’t know why, but he looks like Marvin” which assumes that Jason is stepping into that mature role both mentally and physically. It also confirms that Marvin is being viewed by the other characters as mature (contrary to the first act).

[@h3arts..4morg]

wait, when is this line said? i feel so stupid, ive never heard it

[@robin-un8ry]

@@h3arts..4morg dw it’s ok! it’s during the bar mitzvah

[@h3arts..4morg]

@@robin-un8ry Just realized that! I was showing my best friend the bar mitzvah scene because why not and I realized that (Also he watched Whizzer die and thought it was funny. sorry im oversharing)

[@Potatoes654]

@@h3arts..4morg *is your friend mentally ok*

[@h3arts..4morg]

@@Potatoes654 yeah. They just don’t like falsettos for some reason haha

[@suzannahe.h6596]

another thing to mention is that as the characters mature more and more real objects and furniture replace the blocks. you see it a lot in making a home and when Whizzer gets sick. it's a lot more present when Whizzer is in hospital as the entire set is comprised of real objects and the block isn't used at all. but it is interesting that the block is back at Whizzer's funeral

[@Marispider]

And that one block is taken out of the big cube in order to make a gravestone... If the block is supposed to represent childishness and games, then I'd reckon this symbolizes how everyone's innocence and immaturity died along with Whizzer - not even to mention how Jason puts a chess piece on his grave.

[@heisenberglary]

hi i’m SO LATE to this comment but i also wanna point out the fact that at the beginning of act 2 right between the transition from falsettoland to about time, the tower that has been created using the foam blocks is toppled over by marvin and he proceeds to sing about how “it’s about time to grow up and face the music”. it’s as if he’s recognizing their immaturity and acknowledging the fact that act 2 is a time for growth. after 2 years have passed, its time for everyone to grow up, mature, and face the real world from a realistic perspective. i think the use of foam blocks in act 1 as opposed to more concrete set pieces in act 2 was definitely intentional and i love how it’s used:)

[@oliveintheroom1336]

Late to this conversation, but another take I’ve seen is that the block represents familiarity, it’s used somehow in all of the sets because the group have been there often, the hospital is unfamiliar. When it shows back up at the funeral, it’s because Whizzer is familiar.

[@aleksandrkobrynich7174]

One big thing I found that wasn’t really talked about here was Whizzer and Jason’s relationship. In “What Would I Do” Marvin says, “the only one my child would allow” this may be because he plays games and Jason thinks games are the most beautiful thing in the world. Whizzer was the one that Jason could trust because he loves games too. That’s why Whizzer is called upon in “Everyone Tells Jason to See a Psychologist” and after the confused Whizzer says “daaaabsolutly Jason” Jason says, “Okay, I’ll go” Whizzer convinced him but not his own parents. In short Jason loved Whizzer.

[@roberjalil9856]

also they kept in contact even though his mother didn't get along with whizzer and his father was no longer dating him, wizzer was the first to have a healthy fatherly role with jason

[@finn8460]

Falsettos is my favorite musical and I'm so glad to see an analysis of it!

[@WaitintheWings]

Thank you! It was so much fun to dive deeper into this amazing musical, glad you liked it! - Gillian

[@Marispider]

So let's look over what each character learned from Whizzer and his sickness/passing: ~Marvin figured out how to love beautifully ~Trina put aside her anger and resentment ~Mendel finally faces his problems and gives solid advice ~Jason grows up and out of his immature selfishness ~Charlotte realizes how dire things can turn when people ignore others ~Cordelia... learns how to cook

[@IfIHadMyTimeAgain]

Cordelia really got the short end of the stick with no solo songs (she’s the only one in the entire musical without one) and no character arc

[@jessica23claire]

Maybe let's look at the cooking a little deeper. Cordelia really stresses about the cooking throughout the act. I can't remember if she's Jewish or not, but I remember her saying what she was cooking was "nouvelle bar mitzvah cuisine", so she was really trying to get the cooking authentic and correct for Jason's bar mitzvah. So by the end when I think Charlotte or Trina (I can't remember) says it's delicious, that's affirming that she managed to get it right. Cordelia's arc is cultural appreciation, and being able to care for Charlotte and the family during their time of crisis. It's small, but it's there.

[@highoninfinity]

@@jessica23claire i love this take, but the one flaw is that when in jason's bar mitzvah charlotte says "the food tastes very yummy", she's lying. both her and trina make a face when they eat the food, but charlotte says it's good as to not hurt cordelia's feelings, something we've seen before in a day in falsettoland. cordelia recognizes that she's lying and kisses her, thinking it's sweet she tries to like the food even though its awful

[@overlydramaticpanda]

@@highoninfinity I honestly don't think Charlotte's lying about the food being good at that point. They lie about the food being good every other time they try it, sure, but when they try it before the ceremony you can see both Trina and Charlotte sort of bracing themselves before they eat it (in a "I really don't want to put this in my mouth" way) but then they both look surprised rather than disgusted as they're eating it. And they both do actually eat it rather than outright avoiding it as Trina does in Year Of The Child or Whizzer does in Days Like This, or spitting it out once her back is turned as Charlotte does in A Day In Falsettoland. In short, there's really nothing to say that Charlotte complimenting Cordelia's cooking in that moment at the end *isn't* completely sincere.

[@gregorywiederecht]

@@jessica23claire sometimes Cordelia is jewish, and sometimes she's not. It depends on the casting. If the actress is Jewish, they keep the line "kosher caterer." If she's not, they change it to "shiksa caterer."

[@ollaraborealis1164]

When Whizzer mentions that it ended Marvins life he was also implying that Marvin will pass away from AIDS after him. There's a scene where the doctor tells Marvin it's a contagious disease implying Marvin was infected by Whizzer and will also pass away.

[@gianinamorales8597]

I actually think that Whizzer and Mendel take turns playing the Only Sane Man role in Jason's life. Like, Mendel's "immaturity" helps him relate more to how Jason is growing up into the confused, hormonal kid. Hence, the 'everyone hates their parents' and 'girls from the wrong side of the tracks.' Jason refers to Whizzer as his friend several times, because the people carrying the name of 'parents' are... Well, crazy, and his psychiatrist stepdad is only sometimes helpful. Strangely enough, Whizzer and Jason have the easiest relationship here, next to Cordelia and Charlotte. Also, I feel like Mendel in the original production is much more creepy and kind of an ass. Revival Mendel is, strangely, kind of adorkable.

[@h3arts..4morg]

but chip zein killed the role tbh

[@rhyss.3689]

I might have missed you saying this but it’s important to note that the first act of Falsettos was largely written at the very beginning of the aids crisis and the second was written at the height of it. For me ‘What would I do’ is heartbreaking because it is Marvin realizing that he’s next, and that he doesn’t regret it at all. Especially in the 2016 revival rendition of the song, Marvin’s voice catching on the line “we’re just going to skip that stage” is him realizing the inevitability that he’ll die too and the fact that he stands by loving Whizzer just moves me so much. Marvin for me is one of the prime (and one of the only) examples of a ‘redemptive’ character arc where at first you understand why he’s a bad person but still judge him for it, then see him make horrible mistakes and horrible actions, see him learn from the consequences of those actions, and finally grow as a person without a personality lobotomy or ignoring the past mistakes and still-current flaws. The character work in this musical is what makes it stand out to me so much

[@peggy2983]

In the end of "Falsettoland (Reprise)" (or just the end of the musical, for that matter), Jason puts a king chess piece on Whizzer's grave. Earlier in the musical, Jason challenged Whizzer to a game of chess and promised him that he would win, but Whizzer had died of AIDS before they finished. Remember how I said that Jason put a king chess piece on Whizzer's grave, and how he promised to let him win? He kept his promise by putting the king piece on Whizzer's grave.

[@poosay2808]

Peggy! DUUUUDDDEEEE

[@paigehorrocks1495]

That hurted

[@addisynwade9718]

I can make this more depressing: during "What Would I Do" Whizzer is wearing white and Marvin is wearing black. In a game of chess, white is the first to make a move. This symbolizes that since Whizzer died first, Marvin will die next.

[@justash3665]

bro don’t make me cry again

[@theo_tr4aut]

Ok can y’all not make me cry 3 YEARS AFTER YOUR COMMENT

[@laurenjcoates]

Pretty sure James Lapine said in an interview that the bed isn’t a metaphor for anything and is just a bed

[@wah3009]

why is this so funny to me

[@mariajosefenton3728]

Lmao

[@dannypreklas]

I don’t want it to be a metaphor it just being a bed is hilarious

[@IfIHadMyTimeAgain]

Me, just thinking about what the bed really means, essentially becoming an English teacher: ...oh

[@camicaceres4299]

This won't stop me from over analyzing things haha

[@jmdietr4172]

Mendel compared himself with jung and Freud because both had relationships with their patients

[@Em-zo6uy]

Genius

[@LeonSKennedysHoe]

i was looking for this comment

[@Dani-it9vc]

"I can't help but wonder what William Finn has against me and why he personally wants to see me suffer" That's the whole Falsettos fandom summed up in one sentence right there.

[@manda._.panda65]

i’m literally sobbing right now like once the started talking about unlikely lovers is started bawling my eyes out

[@makennapatton3680]

When we got to the part where Jason decides to have his bar mitzvah at whizzers hospital room I started crying then when you started talking about what would I do I started sobbing help

[@hooey4362]

it's bar mitzvah, lol, but same

[@makennapatton3680]

ເມື່ອຍ thank you so much for spelling😂😂

[@nadiahill2399]

i actually took Mendels advice in “Please Come to Our House” as saying, Jason has no control in his situation, being that he is a child , and has no real power in the Trina and Marvin fight. Mendel is telling Jason to savor the little moments and stretch them out. he can’t control is situation so he might as well make the most out of them. You really went hard on Mendel. Yes he is childish but he provided a stable relationship for Trina and basically parented Jason throughout the acts.

[@999murimdumplings]

Right! I really think Mendel deserves more credit, a lot of the time he seems to be the only one really seeing things from Jasons side and helping him cope with all the things going on around him

[@_gremlinboy]

Yeah the whole point is that every character is complicated and flawed and also has really good aspects. And she did kind of gloss over/misunderstand all his best scenes. He's totally a wreck and kind of a huge perv but he really cares about Trina and Jason, and Marvin and Whizzer as well (haven't finished the video yet so not sure if she mentions it, but he lists all four of them as Jason's parents during the bar mitzvah, not even thinking about illegitimizing Whizzer's role in Jason's life, which was my personal favorite moment of his.)

[@insertname1857]

@@_gremlinboy mendel is one of my favorite characters for that reason. he calls all four of them Jason's parents, recognizing they are all important to Jason equally and they they all love each other. he also recognizes the lesbians from next door as Jason's godmothers- showing that although they don't have the same relationship, they are just as important to everyone else and the entire group make a loving family.

[@trinaweisenbachfeld6402]

Finally! Somebody who understands my husbands... confused mind :')

[@IfIHadMyTimeAgain]

My analysis of it was I love Mendel but he is an AWFUL psychiatrist

[@puddsmax863]

I'm not going to lie, the first time I watched this musical I had an absolute breakdown over it. I just love this musical so much and it makes me so happy that others love it as much as I do. I saw it when it was touring last year and it was the best show I've ever seen. Thank you for diving into the complexity of this musical.

[@princetore3640]

Me: *has seen the musical twice, knows what happens* This video: and then Jason has his Bar Mitzvah in the hospital Me: *crying* oh my god Jason has his Bar Mitzvah in the hospital

[@tiredenby705]

I believe you missed a small yet crucial detail of this show. It's implied, both in Something Bad Is Happening (Reprise) and in the line "I guess _we're_ gonna skip that stage" in What Would I Do, that Marvin has also been infected with AIDS.

[@holleabeck8442]

Yeah I'm not sure how people missed that, when Marvin and whizzer get back together they're clearly monogamous, and back before the aids crisis as long as neither of them had a known std (*ahem* HEPATITIS AND SYPHILIS but I'm assuming Marvin had those treated lol) they probably weren't having protected sex, which is how aids spread so easily before it was discovered. Really don't know how people don't see that.

[@IrvineL525]

One other thing about the harmonies is that in the first act Whizzers' harmonies are more bigger and flamboyant but somewhat detached from the rest of the "family" but in the second act his harmonies are less flamboyant due to his declining health but they seemed more attached to the lyrics and the family that he now feels that he is actually a part of . I don't know it's just something I thought of.

[@morganstauter8660]

I always saw Jason’s original intention to cancel the Bar mitzvah as him just being frustrated with his parents making such a big deal over it and fighting. He also sees it in sort of an immature light. That is, he thinks this is all just so he can get presents and money and things. However, throughout the second act, we start to see his perspective shift and he realizes that it’s not all about getting presents and attention. All of the characters do. It becomes this idea of gathering as a family. It’s not this grand, extravagant event anymore. Hopefully that made sense, and I apologize for any typos.

[@DittoAPokemon]

Marvin's life isn't just metaphorically over in "What Would I Do", they are referencing the fact that Marvin has HIV and is dying too. It's heavily implied in "Something Bad is Happening (Reprise)" that Charlotte is telling Marvin he has it too, "something that spreads from one man (breath) to another". "And then in What Would I Do" the Whizzer and Marvin harmonize "Once I was told good men get better with age" and then Marvin alone sings "WE'RE just gonna skip that stage". William Finn has confirmed that was his intention as well.

[@martinsorenson1055]

For me, the song that really sums up the whole theme of Falsettos is Trina's second act "Holding To The Ground". First, it brings into focus her character's arc - how she never liked Whizzer, but now she is forced to deal with his dying ("but that's my life...") ; then, she sees the bigger picture ("families aren't what they were.") and how her family has expanded ("but then there's more, so many more..."). She feels like the world around her is collapsing - she's completely unstable - but she chooses to march forward with her new family, unsteady as it is ("everything will be all right."). This sums up the theme - a group of neurotics, just outside the range of "normal", unstable as they all are - coming together to form a family.

[@mvs1122]

You can tell this show really gets me when I cry at an analysis video where you can’t even hear the music

[@cascharles3838]

I get the feeling someone's not a Mendel fan

[@cryptikkcries]

LMAO

[@bayleecubbfrazette]

Welllllllllllll he did literally make the family collapse

[@camilatempesta4283]

@@bayleecubbfrazette i mean that was mostly marvins fault

[@IfIHadMyTimeAgain]

I adore Mendel but they are kind of right

[@h3arts..4morg]

mendel is adorable and all, but he’s not a good dude

[@havenclark4663]

I have a lot of thoughts on this analysis of Mendal. The whole thing with his character is that there is a lot conveyed through irony which explains why he is portrayed as incredibly inarticulate despite being a psychiatrist, even though you can see later in the show that Mendel and Trina are capable of communication. Also, even though him falling for a patient is wildly inappropriate, it does add to the message of the show that not only is love blind and often times unintentional, it is also the most beautiful thing and the thing most worth fighting for. I also have a theory about the advice that Mendel gives Jason "why dont you feel alright for the rest of your life" . I dont think Mendel sincerely means for Jason to "suck it up" but rather that Jason should fake it until he makes it. Which makes sense to me because this is exactly what everyone else in the show is doing and the only way they really know how to live.

[@longlivethegays]

23:05 I am really enjoying this analysis and noticing new things now that you point them out it's pretty cool but... I don't agree with your saying that Jason talking about wanting "dangerous", "promiscuous", "sexy" girls is immature... he's literally 13. His sexual awakening is happening. And he's straight. Of course he's looking everywhere for boobs and "bad girls" (ugh, that expression hurt to write but it paints the picture).

[@ChelCM03]

are we not going to talk about how in Act One Marvin says, "love is pretty often debris when you find, then never never never never never do it over again" and then in Act Two when Whizzer asks "Do you regret?" Marvin responds with "I'd do it again. I'd like to believe I'd do it again and again and again" Because thinking about that breaks me every time :,)

[@LeeExe]

I'm only halfway through the video, but I have to say, I think you were being too hard on Mendel. Other people said this before, but what made me comment is what you said about "A Tight Knit Family (Reprise)". Mendel never says he "Bought a family". He says "I just got a family"

[@user-iz8rr1kt5w]

Something I realised the other day: if Jason hadn’t had his bar mitzvah in Whizzer’s room, Whizzer would have probably died alone

[@caesium0810]

In the third part of 'Marvin at the Psychiatrist' I think it's more like Marvin is only paying attention to the things he finds important ("the pitcher's handsome") and Jason's pointing out that what he thinks Marvin should care about is the fact that his team lost the game.

[@hooey4362]

i'm obsessed with this musical. like, seriously, every time i listen to it i find another detail that i just love. the original, revival, in trousers and everything are all amazing. *cough* also, i'd reccommend a new brain to anyone who likes falsettos. it's written by william finn and christian borle plays the homophobic frog man in the 2015 version which is on youtube.

[@chalkkish]

holy crap yes this is my favorite musical im so glad it’s still being talked about

[@ElinorMahoney]

It got a West End run too, which was brilliant when I saw it!

[@deadchannel9105]

West End Wonder oh yeah that's right

[@imayhaveasmalldickbut3125]

relatable

[@peggy2983]

omg exactly

[@ashleyl2395]

I understand the points about Mendel but I feel like we read the character entirely differently. I always saw him as my favorite because he was so raw and good hearted but never knew how to place it. The song “Jason at the Psychiatrist” always held a special place in my heart, to me it was less of a “things aren’t so bad, get better” and more of an acknowledgement that the only person in control of your feelings is yourself and that it’s possible to get out of a bad mental state with baby steps (which was the exact mentality that got me out of the hospital a few years ago). In addition, I don’t think he’s necessarily that bad of a psychiatrist (granted: he’s not good). “Marvin at the Psychiatrist” is very weird and sexual and Mendel invades their privacy, but I think it comes from a lack of understanding of his own feelings rather than pure horny energy. Mendel has a lot of trouble discussing his emotions (see: “A Marriage Proposal”) which makes it all the more powerful when he’s able to help others cope. These are just my opinions on Mendel in Act One, I just wanted to offer an alternative perspective :)

[@ashleyl2395]

ALSO! I haven’t gotten through the video all the way yet but I wanted to add that Mendel’s spiel in “Canceling the Bar Mitzvah” is all the more powerful after seeing his inability to articulate his own emotions in the songs before. His growth as a character, through both marrying Trina and the events he has to endure, never fails to make me emotional.

[@j0sh_u_a892]

Whizzer and Trina are the only adults in act one that weren’t literally insane

[@annanasdeinum1565]

Love the analysis, als wanted specifically wanted to put out the ‘fatherly’ lines of Mendel: Tell him things happen For no damned good reason And his lack of control Kills what's best in your soul And this is the start To his becoming a man

[@AlwaysGZ]

* completely destroys my heart * “oh but here’s some pop music”

[@janaweber2255]

Is it bad i was able to sing along with the clips with no audio cause I've watched the bootleg so many times and know it way too well ahhhhh

[@irelandgrace4404]

Jana Weber me too bud, me too

[@jbean5082]

I'm crying just seeing the clips

[@simon4632]

that music that played while whizzers death is discussed mocked me as i cried

[@classicalheroes8910]

i think that whizzer knew he was the one stable thing in jasons life, so he kept in contact

[@sydneylamothe8002]

the shade thrown at Mendel 🤣

[@macdhaibhidhdyke]

I always interpreted it that Marvin didn't actually give Trina the STIs and that they were excuses he made so he wouldn't have to have sex with her, "He took lengths to not excite us." Plus in "I'm Breaking Down" she calls herself an almost virgin and makes multiple references to her desires that were clearly not being met by Marvin. Love the video!

[@awkwardbi3900]

7:13 I remember seeing somewhere that the reason why Marvin says 10 months is because he's counting the month he was still with Trina. While Whizzer only counts the time that he and Marvin were together without Trina. Sorry if doesn't make sense I'm half asleep

[@minirth.maggie]

I love this!

[@thetreacherousleech8990]

jeez no wonder i relate to this musical so much. Thanks this vid is wonderful and intelligent. EDIT: But the chess game is a little different I think. It's the first real look at their relationship. Thril of first love serves as an introduction to the characters. The chess game however serves as an introduction to their relationship. Showing the reason why they lasted so long which is that despite everything they're still on somewhat even ground throughout. That there has to be a balance for this to work. So when Whizzer wins he breaks that very fragile balance and ends the relationship. So Marvin in his insecurity having been attacked in his one strenght that being intelligience runs from the relationship throwing Whizzer out. That's the other thing. Whizzer is not allowed to be what Marvin is. Marvin wants a partner who completes him and doesn't challange him in the areas he feels secure in. When Whizzer finally gives up on that notion here they break up.

[@lucicorinne297]

somebody doesn't like mendel

[@trinaweisenbachfeld6402]

My husband deserves not to be constantly hated on by this narrator.

[@bayleecubbfrazette]

Wellllllllllll he technically made the whole family collapse sooo

[@IfIHadMyTimeAgain]

I love him but they are right

[@peterk7931]

I was fully expecting this to be a retrospective about the use of falsetto singing and how its role has changed in theater.

[@hannahflowers6609]

“They say men get better with age.... we’re just gonna skip that’s stage” I will never be emotional stable enough to listen to that line.

[@vvvvinvasion]

sad when you realize whizzer passed after finally getting into a real and stable relationship for the first time in his life

[@jbean5082]

This my favorite musical of all time and I'm so glad to understand it more and I can send it to ppl I wanna explain this to bc I cant

[@IfIHadMyTimeAgain]

Me, a Mendel fan completely agreeing with you: I love Mendel but this is *not* his venue

[@IrvineL525]

I've never cried over melodies until now

[@VannahSavage]

medel... Mend. All. how did I not catch that before? 🤦 also the name itself come from "comforter" in yiddish. heckin brilliant.

[@shrimpnugget_05]

Boy oh boy this only scratches the surface

[@ohleyer123]

i think that whizzer's different harmonies in the first act represent how he feels out of place in the home with trina and marvin. but they become more uniform in the second act which reflects how he's feeling like hes a part of their extended, chosen family

[@sophiereisner2930]

This is really great, but I wish you'd spoken about the lesbians (as many other people have mentioned), and I also wish you'd touched on the jewish themes interwoven into this show. An example of something influenced by jewish culture in this show would be at the end, when Jason places his chess piece on top of Whizzer's gravestone. It is a jewish custom to place stones/ pebbles on top of a loved ones tombstone, and Jason's gesture is a twist on this.

[@froggyfun1830]

I would like to add also the wondeful symbolism in the word falsetto it self. It means fake voice. And with that context adds so much to the show. March of the flashettos along with what you said can also be representative of how they all march along in a happy but fake world and how truly ridiculous and childish it is that they do so. They are all faking something which stops them from realizing all the problems in their lives and it they slowly grow show their true colors good and bad. And in the second act they work on the bad and grow again into better people and strengthen their relationships. I could rant about this for paragraphs but I will stop here frick I love this show.

[@matthewr.h.5190]

God I love Falsettos! This video left me in tears, falsettos means so much to me and this video help me realize that falsettos has made an impact in my life, in the way I view myself, my sexuality and my relationships. Thank you for making this incredible video 🏳️‍🌈✨🖤

[@beepbeepeddie8010]

ive watched the falsettos proshot + listened to the entire soundtrack about 70 something times and this video somehow made me think differently about everything

[@Mucch1424]

Kudos to whoever edited this video for putting in the shot of Prior from Angels in America right as she says " _Prior_ to this... " at 29:41. It was a nice touch.

[@WaitintheWings]

I really wish I could say I did that on purpose 😂 -Brendon-

[@camilla8129]

The thing I love most about Falsettos is that this video is 30 minutes long and there's still so much more you haven't covered. The characters feel so alive and it's truly one of the most human (and painful) pieces of media I've ever encountered

[@Sunnyy3D]

I just found out about Falsettos in the summer, and I l o v e it! It’s so complex and beautiful! And the obc is so amazing, not to mention the character! I mean I didn’t really like Marvin in act 1 but like..I can’t stop listening to it! And I always end up crying! I know all the words and the choreography... P.s.: Mendel is a horrible physiatrist. He can’t remember names, he doesn’t let you ask questions, tells you to feel alright, and steals people’s wife. But I can’t help but to like him.

[@evaperez5625]

This put my complex feelings about Falsettos into words perfectly! Thank you!

[@Lario64]

This lady really likes Whizzer and really hates Mendel.

[@nicewalrus997]

Isn't it fandom in general, haha? :D I adore the all of characters equally and I don't get why someone says that any character sucks. It's your favourite show, dude- Anyway, it's their opinion 👌👀 I know everyone in this show has a bad side, like abuse or manipulation, but hey. It is life. And as I say If you think character sucks and deserves everything good at the same time, this character is good👌

[@maddisynwholikesmusicals5444]

Jason didn’t deserve the stuff in this musical....

[@elleLilly23]

I LOVE FALSETTOS!!! My favorite musical of all time!! Thank you!

[@qwertyqwerty-jy9fc]

i absolutely adore all 3/2 musicals like its so disfunctional and sometimes just seems weird but its also sweet and dives into many issues and just

[@mckenziefraser8310]

Love this video so much! I literally just released my short essay explaining my perceived meaning behind the set in Falsettos on my blog! I love that more people are actually putting time and effort into actually showing the creativity and thought behind musicals.

[@statkid7156]

In the traveling tour edition one of my best friend (Thatcher Jacobs) auditions and got the part. We. Are still friends. He played Jason. This introduced me to falsettos and I love it now. Thanks for this vid

[@WaitintheWings]

I'm happy you fell in love with the show! There can never be too many Falsettos lovers. Thanks for the kind words!! -Gillian

[@bat5092]

Do you mean Jason?

[@katecastreviews4639]

The channel lives!! I know it hasn't been that long, but not having a proper video since the Spongebob musical was really making me miss this content. But it's good to be back! Welcome Gillian! It's really interesting to see what you'll be bringing to the channel. Like with Brendon, I don't see this kind of analysis and "deep dive" into Broadway musicals as much as I would like. You guys are definitely filling a much needed genre of discussion. I had no idea what Falsettos was about either before this video, but as a fan of Next To Normal, I'm really interested in checking this out for myself and adding it to my "bittersweet dysfunctional family musical" collection. Also you can't go wrong with Andrew Rannells and Christian Borle in the same show. I don't think it's scientifically possible. Great to see the channel expanding with such an interesting video. (although now that Wait in the Wings is a team I might have to start calling Brendon by his name and not just Wings)

[@WaitintheWings]

Haha I will always be Wings and it was literally killing me to not be able to make a video! Thankfully I have a new computer (that is 1000% faster than the old one) a great team, and a fun patreon discord that will hopefully keep the fire fueled! :) I'm happy to see you didn't forget about us lol. -Brendon-

[@WaitintheWings]

I’m glad we could introduce you to a new musical! That’s what it’s all about haha. And Andrew and Christian literally both have my entire heart, it’s amazing to see them together on stage! - Gillian

[@anongarcia]

What a great analysis of Falsettos! It's one of my all time favorite musicals and I'm glad to see people are still discussing it.

[@bruhmoment6838]

Falsettos (2016)has been my favorite musical for like a years the music is absolutely amazing and catchy the characters feel so real and it’s just very appealing to me specifically because I love the 80’s and family story behind it and I somehow recently realized there’s an original and I also love it it’s just so complex yet simple and I just kinda like it idk

[@sophiebean4238]

I liked this video and I absolutely love Falsettos. I feel like this musical and what happens in the show/ how the characters act can be interpreted in MANY different ways. I interpreted everything differently than the video said.

[@classicalheroes8910]

throughout the show, it was made out of the unit set all together. and to me, these are fake things. unimportant. the first real thing we see in the show is a chess board, which means a lot to marvin, jason, and whizzer. all of them stratigize life like a game of chess. the next real thing we see is the utensils in breaking down. in this number trina realized she can be happy, and dosnt need to live for marvin. the next is the suitcase. this is the final thing for marvin and whizzer. soon, trina and mendel are together. they have a house filled with real objects. something meaningful for both. then we get to the end. hospital beds. this is real life and shocks them to the point of growing up

[@SorrowPea]

This was great! Thanks for the vid on one of my favorite musicals!

[@WaitintheWings]

Thank you for the kind words! You've got great taste in shows!

[@stahppls2293]

I thought this was gonna be an essay on briadway men singing in falsettos

[@stephpiano2908]

I’m so excited to watch this oh my gosh

[@eli5950]

Something that makes me incredibly sad is that Marvin probably died a year or so after Whizzer. They actually point this out in the musical by Charlotte telling him, and this is important because Marvin isn't scared by this. In the first act he would've panicked but now he's okay with dying because he wouldn't trade his and Whizzer's relationship for the world. This is emphized a lot in Marvin's last song.

[@marvinatthepsychiatrist6827]

This is my favorite musical, im glad to see so many fans :D

[@adriannawelch7670]

I have always loved that whizzer doesn't treat jason like a insignificant peace of marvin's old life, also I want to spend the afternoon with the lesbians next door

[@noels__]

something important that a couple of people (including myself) have noticed is that during jason's slew of random hebrew words, the last one he says is 'aba', or 'father'. and as he says it, he looks to whizzer.

[@noels__]

also, "something bad is happening (reprise)" is just charlotte telling marvin ur gonna die too lol

[@PV401]

You know the musical traumatized you when just by watching a video about it you start crying (I'm literally sobbing rn)

[@jasmynjohnson4346]

I have an addiction to analyzing characters in shows thank you so much

[@aidan.2263]

What’s the pun in Mendel’s name? I’m guessing it’s something like “Mend All”

[@fangirlandproud6442]

Gregor Mendel is the father of genetics. Mendel the character in this show joins a family even though he isn’t related to them via genetics.

[@dexterkmet2231]

I have things to add abt second act Trina cause yall didnt touch on it Trina’s struggle is mainly an internal one, and her growth is mainly how she feels about Whizzer. In act one, she feels torn between hating him for breaking her life and liking him because hes an ok guy (which yall said,) and this mentality comes with her into the second act, until Holding To The Ground For those who dont know, Holding to the Ground is a song sung by Trina between More Racquetball(Whizzer falling ill) and Cancelling the Bar Mitzvah and its just a song where she belts about how she feels about things. This is the song where Trina herself finally acknowledges all of the similarities between herself and Whizzer, and how she sees him as part of her family (with the lyrics “families arent what they are” and “he shared my life.”) Until this point, shes seen him as an “enemy” in her life, and how she really wants to hate him. But in this song, she finally admits to caring about him and seeing him as part of her family. ALSO now its time to talk about some heart-wrenching stuff concerning Trina 1. The Everything Will Be Alright Chorus In “A Day in Falsettoland” Trina and Marvin sing this little tune saying that everything is gonna be ok, and eventually the whole cast picks it up. This isnt heart-wrenching on its own but every time i listen to Holding to the Ground (which ends with the exact chorus) and hearing the previous overwhelmingly positive chorus be turned into a chant that even Trina doesnt seem to believe just UGH 2. Trina’s Parts in Jason’s Bar Mitzvah Man these get me every time Yes this song is in general a happy song, but throughout, Trina sings about how she has to make things lovely when this is such a bittersweet day, and when she says the line “I feel more helpless than i have in years” i just feel so bad for her 3. The contrast between “A Day in Falsettoland” and “Something Bad is Happening” Charlotte and Cordelia dont have much character but William Finn did NOT have to make the character weve seen so happy about saving people be so frustrated and upset (also that song does a really good job of explaining how the government & media were agonizingly slow on the uptake to the whole AIDS thing because of obvious reasons) Anyways this comment is getting long and rambly cause i love this musical too much and its late

[@miablatz3064]

And why did I think I WOULDNT cry???

[@Alison.taylor.c]

Falsettos is a beautiful musical and Andrew Rannells is a beautiful man.

[@llathem2212]

Agreed. And his duets with Marvin are sooo beautiful.

[@devvygreves]

I’m sending this video to my friends who don’t watch falsettos. It’s retold in an incredibly well done way, but it’s still the most incomprehensible thing to anyone who’s never seen it.

[@lukecentanni7490]

This is the kind of content the new theatere world needs