Follies Revival in the Fall? — Page 2

The difference is CHICAGO isn't trying to emulate the Ziegfeld Follies. I didn't see the production live but have since seen the archival video of the Encores FOLLIES - and its great for a concert production, but I maintain it would be hugely disappointing to have that minimalist production as the actual Broadway revival.

I'd rather see City Opera do it with the budget it deserves.

Maybe she'll realize Grease is not the word if she wants to do something artistically fruitful.
Here's a thought, perhaps we shouldn't trust this article. It did talk about Christine Ebersole losing a Tony and we all know that won't happen.

Updated On: 4/6/07 at 01:38 PM

So shoot me but I think Rizzo is one of the most fun roles for a woman in musical theatre. I think its a way more artistically satisfying role than "Young Phyllis."

Apparently they tried every key ever written for Baranski and she sounded terrible in all of them.

Updated On: 4/6/07 at 01:47 PM

If the transfer indeed happens (as slim as the chances are), they should keep every single person in the cast except for Baranski. Although, I thought she was excellent in the book scenes, her "I'm Still Here" was the most disappointing moment in the show for me. However, if she gets enough rehearsal time, she might do a better job with the song. I cannot imagine this FOLLIES without JoAnne Worley, though. She was the best in an incredibly talented and ingenious supporting cast (Mimi Hines, Anne Rogers, Robert E. Flitch, Dorothy Stanley et al were top-notch), and her "Who's That Woman?" stopped the show opening night.
I'm glad that they're waiting for Murphy to finish her LoveMusik run, though I highly doubt the Weisslers are the ones behind this project if Donna Murphy is indeed taking part of it. Though perhaps they put their issues in the past the way Arthur Laurents did with Patti LuPone (after all, I think if Murphy's Phyllis were eligible for the Tonys this season, she'd be Ebersole's biggest competition).
Who knows? Call me naive but this article made my day.

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While Carlotta is a fantastic role. I don't think Ebersole will want to downsize like that after her amazing role(s) in Gardens.
Plus I think she'll need some much deserved rest after GG.

^ She couldn't properly sing I'M STILL HERE. The ending was too much of a stretch for her, and she strained to sing it.

Otherwise, I thought her acting was fabulous.

^ I don't know what performance you saw on the "archival video."

But by the latter performances it was said she improved A LOT all around. And even she said her performance grew a ton by Monday's performance.

I was going to say that either Roundabout or MTC would be smart to pick this one up....then I realized that Roundabout produced the last one.

I agree with MB about Baranski. Her acting was nothing to write home about, cold and remote and then downright hostile when it came to her song.

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He was near their hit production of GYPSY...

I know for a fact that Mike Nichols SAID he wanted to do it after the Encores staging--but everythign else is speculation

Ditto.

Folks, when Sondheim endorsed a Weissler production, that was before Grease and Chicago and before stunt casting. Though Zorba starred Tony Quinn and Gypsy starred Tyne Daily, two big stars, they were stage vets and didn't run nearly as long as their other two shows. I doubt he'll let Follies go down the same path as Chicago. It's a shame John Kander has, though not all of the stunt casting has been that bad. As of late though...

a little off topic but not really...

It was mentioned that the transfer would be lacking in sets and costumes, obviously thats how it occurred with Chicago, but when they transferred Wonderful Town was it kept at a concert like production or made into more of a full-scale revival?