The original production of Follies hit Broadway in April of 1971 and lasted a little more than a year (522 performances). The book was by James Goldman, the songs were by Stephen Sondheim, and the whole affair was a critical but not a financial success. Briefly, Follies is the tale of a troupe of former showgirls who once trod the runways for an impresario not unlike Flo Ziegfeld. The theatre where they once starred as Weisman Follies girls is about to be razed to make way for a parking lot…and so they gather for one last celebration, bringing along memories and a few long-unresolved feelings.
Front and center among the dangling problems is that one of them, Sally, still has feelings for an old beau, Ben, who married her best friend, Phyllis. They all sing about their problems, the other showgirls reprise their big numbers of yore and, at times, ghostly images of their younger selves appear to perform flashbacks or even to interact with the present-day players. Everyone, of course, luxuriates in the Sondheim score, which contains some of his richest music and lyrics.
After any number of false alarms, Follies finally returned to Broadway last March with a new production, courtesy of the Roundabout Theatre Company, which offers the world a mix of new, experimental plays and revivals of neglected classics. It stars Blythe Danner, Gregory Harrison, Judith Ivey, Treat Williams, Betty Garrett, Polly Bergen, Marni Nixon and any number of other fine performers. Reviews have been mixed, the Tony awards passed them over, and the production is closing in mid-July, well before its producers hoped. One might say that a few of the actors could have been or should have been stronger in their roles…and one would be correct. One might also say that the sets and costumes are not as opulent as the material requires…and, again, one would be correct. Still, this "one" had an utterly terrific time watching a show that pulls the emotions in any number of directions, often simultaneously.
My friend Carolyn made the comment that she'd loved the score for years and welcomed this chance to hear all those songs in proper dramatic context. That was one of the joys for me, as well…as it will be for anyone who can get to the Belasco Theatre before July 14.