The new musical, which officially opens Aug. 9 at Center Theatre Group's Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, features music by Kander, lyrics by the late Ebb, book by Rupter Holmes, and additional lyrics by Kander and Holmes. The original book and concept for the musical were by the late Peter Stone. Set in 1950's Boston, Curtains tells the story of a new musical in its out-of-town tryout that suffers the myterious death of its leading lady during the show's curtain call. A detective is called in, everyone is a susepct, and as the dead body count rises, its up to him to solve the case and save the show.

At left, Noah Racey and Karen Ziemba, perform the Act One finale Thataway!. Below, David Hyde Pierce, Jill Paice and the Ensemble perform A Tough Act To Follow, and Ward Billeisen, Michael X. Martin, Christopher Spaulding, Debra Monk, Michael McCormick, Jon Aaron Reid and David Eggers perform It's A Business.

Curtains is directed by Scott Ellis and choreographed by Rob Ashford.

Photos by Craig Schwartz