Follies

Synopsis

A celebration set in an empty theatre in New York where a reunion party is being thrown for several generations of "Follies" performers and their escorts. Includes "Beautiful Girls", "Losing My Mind", "I'm Still Here" and "Broadway Baby".

Our Review:

7 August 2002

Few could argue that Stephen Sondheim's Follies is about as magnificent as musicals get.

The story - about a group of ageing showgirls who reunite in the now-dilapidated theatre (about to be turned into a parking lot) where they once performed - is devastatingly poignant and the score that accompanies it incredible. Thirty years ago, best friends and showgirls Sally and Phyllis married Buddy and Ben and, as they return to the theatre where they met, their pasts rise up to confront them at every turn.

Given that there hasn't been a major London production of Follies in 15 years, it's understandable that expectations have been running high for Paul Kerryson's revival.

First impressions are good, thanks to designer Paul Farnsworth's elegant transformation of the Royal Festival Hall. A concert hall isn't geared towards musicals (especially not one that pines so for a theatre), but Farnsworth overcomes all emotional and logistical hurd...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com - 21 August 2002:

Sorry. Didnt see anything more than 2 stars in this. Slow, ponderous, with adequate performances and static direction... ...

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