EVERYTHING WAS POSSIBLE: The Birth of the Musical Follies

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 12/29/03 at 11:52pm

Wow.

I got the book Everything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical Follies and I am enjoying every minute of it. Most people don't realize just how much work goes into a musical. They assume its just a matter of the actors learning their stuff and performing, but this book really offers great insight into the process of bringing a musical to Broadway.

For those who know much of what happens backstage, its really entertaining to watch as the musical Follies evolves from an idea to a Broadway musical. Of course, I haven't finished the book yet, I'm not even half done, but I love it so much already that I have to post something!

Being an aspiring actor myself, its exhilirating to read the first hand accounts of someone telling of all the stresses that come from the budgets and time limits, and all the moments of relief when a number comes together or one of the actresses makes the most of a song. I recommend it to everyone who enjoys musical theatre. It's by Ted Chapin, and I'm sure you can get it in most book stores. Go get it! Updated On: 12/29/03 at 11:52 PM

[bestofbroadway]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 12:06am

It is a really wonderful book. I couldn't put it down. It is fascinating to hear Ted Chapin talk about Sondheim, Prince, Johnathan Tunick and what they were like (at least from his perspective) during the creation of this groundbreaking musical.

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 12:24am

Unfortunately, I've never gotten the chance (yet) to see Follies, but this book's explanation of all the concepts behind the musical is really intriguing and I want to see it so badly. The idea of having these showgirls revisit their past in this "follies" fiasco and physically view their former selves is really creative.

Also, as I read this, I think its so funny the way the older women who were the principals reacted to so many things. For example, they needed to learn some very challenging dance steps (especially for women over 50), and at one point the book said: "Ehtel Barrymore Colt recounted the trials and tribulations involved in learning all the tap steps for the number...And when Michael wanted to add a series of pirouettes to the number, she confessed that she just burst into tears."

Although this is not funny for her, I could just relate to wanting to just cry after hearing that you would have even more of a challenge ahead of. Of course, I've never cried, but I wanted to!

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 1:37am

This book should be on every theatre lover's shelf. It has been discussed on this board before, but always bares repeating. Read this book!

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 6:12am

I got it for Christmas. I have added it to the every growing stack of books I have to read. All I need is enough time in the day.

I actually saw the original production at the Winter Garden & have the Playbill

Updated On: 12/30/03 at 06:12 AM

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 10:37am

And did you enjoy the original production?

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 11:07am

I'm interested in the book, though I simply cannot stand Follies. I know many people love the show and consider it Sondheim's greatest score, but I just don't see it. Maybe this book could enlighten me on what I'm missing.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 1:10pm

Actually, Matt, the book covers alot of Follies criticism. I was surprised, because although it ends up hailing it as a milestone, it presents both sides of the "Love it or Hate it." And even if you hate it, the book is still an insightful journal of the making of a Musical, no matter what the show is.

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 4:24pm

Go get it, Mister Matt!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 4:28pm

I will get it. It sounds intriguing. I liek reading about shows I love or hate or anything in-between if the book is well-written.

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 4:30pm

Does anyone know of any other good books about musicals/theatre? I have a gift certificate to Barnes and Nobles, so I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion. I need to take a break from the cast recordings..

[WOSQ]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 4:39pm

Do you have "Not Since Carrie: 40 years of Broadway Flops" by Ken Mandelbaum?

Essential and also great fun.

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 5:01pm

Lol, nope, I've never heard of that book. Sounds interesting. It sounds big, though, lol. I'm imagining this Bible-sized book for $45. Am I right?

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 5:10pm

Actually, no. It's been published in paperback form and is relatively inexpensive. I've also seen it in several used book stores. Amazon currently has used copies starting at $6.00.

Mandelbaum states his personal criteria for flops and was pretty selective. He knew the book would be huge to try and include everything. What makes the book so marvelous is all the inside info and gossip he collected from decades of these shows. It's truly amazing and so much fun to read. Each show description is only a couple of pages long and are categorized into chapters. You can flip to almost any page and read almost entirely at random and still have the same effect as reading cover-to-cover.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 7:40pm

To Joizey Actor

Does a bear live in a cave ? Hope that answers your question. One of the most monumental shows in years. Imagine if a video tape of this existed

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 12/30/03 at 8:04pm

I wanna' see it now. I want to see those old gals dancing their little legs off.