FOLLIES in Phoenix

[everythingISpossible]

Posted: 2/17/15 at 12:57pm

“Now folks we bring you, Direct from Phoenix, Live and in person…”

I know this show is very near and dear to a lot of hearts on this board, so I just wanted to alert those interested that I’m directing a production of Follies in Arizona. This will be the first time that Follies has ever been produced by a local theater company. We open on Friday and run through March 15th.

While I rarely post anything, I’ve been reading this board for about a decade. Throughout that time I’ve loved all the stories, faded memories, and staunch opinions everyone has shared about this beautiful musical. From Reginald Tresilian and Pal Joey’s tale of the “crazed collector” to all the generous posters who sent me unofficial audio recordings (they know who they are), so many people on this board are to thank for helping me solidify my directorial vision for Follies.

Our cast features two legitimate Broadway Babies in Kelli James Chase as Carlotta Campion and Patti Davis Suarez as Hattie Walker. Kelli James Chase was in the original Broadway cast of Les Miserables and later became the first replacement Eponine after Frances Ruffelle left the company. Before making her Broadway debut, Ms. James Chase portrayed the role of Peron’s Mistress in the Los Angeles production of Evita. Patti Davis Suarez made her Broadway debut in How Now, Dow Jones. She then appeared in the original Broadway production of Promises, Promises and later joined the Broadway cast of Applause, performing the role of Eve Harrington opposite the Margo Channing of Lauren Bacall and Anne Baxter.

As I’m sure you can imagine, getting the opportunity to tackle this rarely produced show is a dream come true. I’m very lucky to be surrounded by not only a top notch cast of all star Arizona actors, but also a phenomenal production team. Misha Shields (Off Broadway’s The Orion Experience) is creating some truly spectacular original choreography (and yes, we are doing the Bolero) and our musical director, Steve Hilderbrand, will be conducting a live orchestra of 15 musicians in the pit.

You can read more about our production in the articles below. If anyone has any questions, thoughts, etc. please feel free to post them here or send me a PM. And if you happen to be in Phoenix, come check it out. You’ll be so glad you came.

Your fellow Follies fanatic,
Phillip

https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/arts/2015/02/13/follies-features-broadway-actress-kelli-james-chase/23306973/?fb_ref=%5B%27Default%27%5D

https://www.broadwayworld.com/phoenix/article/Kelli-James-Chase-and-More-to-Star-in-Theater-Works-FOLLIES-Opening-220-20141204

[Starship]

Posted: 2/17/15 at 1:45pm

I live in Phoenix and Kelli James is a sweetheart. Will definitely check this out.

[everythingISpossible]

Posted: 2/20/15 at 6:34pm

44 years ago today, Follies played its very first performance in Boston at the Colonial Theatre...

[everythingISpossible]

Posted: 2/25/15 at 12:30pm

Incase anyone is interested, here are some of our production photos -

https://www.broadwayworld.com/phoenix/article/Photo-Flash-First-Look-at-Theater-Works-AZ-Premiere-of-FOLLIES-20150224

And here are some of the reviews we've received so far -

https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/arts/2015/02/23/theater-works-follies-hits-high-notes/23904965/

https://www.talkinbroadway.com/regional/phoenix/phnx180.html

https://appleford.leftcoastx.com/follies-theater-works-peoria-center-for-the-performing-arts-peoria/

[FrontRowDress]

Posted: 2/25/15 at 6:21pm

Looks amazing, congratulations.