Anyone going to the first preview of FOLLIES? — Page 3

Glad to see you agree about Karen Black, AC, but turns out I have to amend part of my post. I thought she had been in the Broadway production of Forum, but it turns out she was replaced out of town.

I've long been among those who've supported Vanessa Williams as Phyllis, and while I still think she'd be terrific in that role, she would also be a good fit as Carlotta. Ideally, she'd be a bit older, but at 48 shows at the low end of the age range.

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p.s. Can't believe in this light I didn't mention Polly Bergen, who not only fits my preferred casting profile, but gave a wonderful performance.

I too was at the first preview (the 9th show in 6 whirlwind days in NYC).

I've loved the music lyrics of 'Follies' since I was in college in the late-70s, but this was the first time I have seen the production performed. I changed my flight home just to be sure I could finally see this missing jewel in my personal Sondheim Canon. And I very glad I did.

First impressions: I loved the environmental scenery as you enter the Marquis. It looks like a very different house and sets a good mood. I thought the opening montage (through 'Beautiful Girls') was magical and breath-taking. When the book scenes started in full, things became more uneven.

Other impressions: Terri White's number (Whose That Woman) nearly brings down the house and was the highlight of Act 1. I feel it received the most extended ovation of the performance. Taking this number to Today, Good Morning America, etc, will sell seats. I also really enjoyed 'One More Kiss'.

Jan Maxwell was phenomenal, and I truly believed her Phyllis throughout the show. I preferred Bernadette's book scenes to some of her songs. She looked great in 'Losing My Mind', but that song (and dress) seemed right of a BC/EFA gala than as Sally Durant in Loveland. All that missing was the red ribbon.

None of the four adult leads are likeable characters, but I've known plenty of Bens and Phyllises from my past life in DC. I find Ben the most intriguing character, and Ron Raines did a very fine job with his acting. Ben just does not have the showier songs. Burstein was a surprise (a good one), and he played well off of Peters.

Disappointments: Something seemed off with Elaine Paige's performance. She forgot the lyrics in 'I'm Still Here' and I did not buy her as a faded anything. She looked great (nice wig, gown, furs), but her Carlotta seemed right out of Cougartown or Dynasty. The young foursome are also a bit bland -- but that is more a fault of the book/director than the four actors.

Conclusion: A strong production of a flawed classic. Maxwell and White were my personal favorites. The rest of the preview time will make the show tighter, and I hope that it runs for man months. The set/costumes/lighting/sound are all very strong and likely Tony contenders (though I too wish there was the ability to silence all cell phones!).

To quote from the show -- I'm So Glad I Came. I hope that many others come too and plunk down their cash. I paid full price for K center orchestra, and it was worth it.

How was the sound/orchestra? It was flawless in DC, I am hoping it will continue to be that way in NY.

Who are the understudies, same as in DC? I wouldn't be surprised if Mary Beth Piel was an understudy for Heidi.

and, just confirming, the set has not changed at all? (aside from the material on the walls and ceiling.)

What color is Paige's dress and wig? And what about Maxwell's dress for Lucy and Jesse? and Houdyshell's outfit (and wig?)?

Houdyshell is much more "Ethel Shutta-like" than Linda Lavin was. Orthopedic shoes, uncoiffed grey hair, boring brown suit. Not the "sexy grandma" of DC.

Jan Maxwell's dress for Lucy/Jessie is different from the one she wore in DC. It has sleeves for one thing. The choreography is somewhat tamed. She doesn't offer up a lot of jerky movements like the Washington number.

Paige is still wearing a blue gown, but now it has fur on it and it's more tapered. Her hair is now "done up." It looks like a hairstyle that a TV star in the 70s would have. She definitely looks more like a "celebrity" now.

BTW, Mary Beth Piel wears a tight-fitting black gown and doesn't have a feather sticking out of her head like Solange in DC. Her dialogue is also very different--and much extended--from Regine's. (And she got through the entire song without a hitch. )

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Karen Black as Carlotta? I LOVE it! I'd kill to see her in that role! She'd be sublime! I always loved her voice and wish she had the opportunity to sing more. I saw the production in D.C. and Elaine was merely decent. Not horrible, but just sort of...there.

I'm sorry, but how the F0CK is EP still going up on "I'm Still Here"?

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Does Paige's up-do make her look taller?
I also wonder why she is having lyric trouble,
is this typical of her?
Steve can't be happy about this....

^

Same problem with the lighting in NY.

The show as a whole looks too drab.

Random thoughts:

I am amazed that Jayne Houdyshell is actually younger than Bernadette Peters. I can't believe some of us were worried at first that Bernadette would be too old for this role. She is completely believable as a 49-year-old. Jayne was fantastic, and certainly pulled off late 60s.

Updated On: 8/8/11 at 09:54 PM

"Does Paige's up-do make her look taller?
I also wonder why she is having lyric trouble,
is this typical of her?
Steve can't be happy about this...."

I saw her twice in the City Opera production of Sweeney Todd and both times she flubbed/mixed up lines during By the Sea. Maybe she just has bad luck with Sondheim?

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