Cute curtains calls can be effective with the right show.  However I'd say most shows do not lend themselves very easily to a gimmick curtain call.  When I stage curtain call I always tell the actors that the show is over, I never have actors bow in character.  They are themselves coming out to acknowledge the applause of the audience.  "You are happy actors, smile, bow and get off stage"

My thought has always been faster is better as well.  You can tell when a curtain call is taking too long because by the end the audience is literally in pain from clapping so long and the final bows, which should be reserved for the whole company and leading players become anti-climactic.  The audience just wants to stop clapping and go home, on overly drawn out curtain calls.

I also rarely give anyone a solo bow, I always try to either pair them up or put them into related groups.  Exceptions are made of course for stand out performances or for characters who were onstage the whole show or something like that.

To echo other comments, ensemble bows, especially in smaller ensemble driven shows are often the most effective solution, satisfying to actors and audience.

My two cents