Follies in Los Angeles 1990

I was watching the clip on Ann Miller singing "I'm Still Here" on YouTube and I saw that there were clips from the 1990s version of "Follies" that features some of the greatest voices to never have success on the Broadway stage.

The Incredible Karen "I Had a Ball" Morrow singing "I'm Still Here"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoJP_bV5Lso&feature=related

Susan "Most Happy Fella" Johnson singing "Who's That Woman"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOahWAFYbQI&feature=related

Yma "Flahooley" Sumac singing "One More Kiss"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os6X8aqCysg&feature=channel

Shani "A Time for Singing" Film version of "Oliver" Wallis singing "Losing My Mind"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zws19Y1JZ-w

Enjoy!

---

That production was at the Long Beach Civic Light Opera. Is Long Beach considered part of Los Angeles?

I saw this production! I saw MANY of the Long Beach productions.

I still have the special Byrd poster designed specifically for this production.

I remember they had to practically wheel Dorothy Lamour on stage to sing BROADWAY BABY.

Karen Marrow brought down the house (and woke up the mostly clueless audience) with her I'M STILL HERE.

Juliet Prowes, whom I've always found rather bland onstage, was a pretty solid Phyllis.

Shanni Wallace really had you feeling for her throughout the evening. You really got the sense that she was emotionally lost and masking her pain by trying to act "normal." It was pretty stunning when she cracked open during LOSING MY MIND.

The real thrill from a FOLLIES fan perspective was seeing Harvey Evans (who originated the role of Young Buddy, in the Broadway Production) now play Buddy.

That bit of casting... while lost on most of the audience...really put the past-confronting-the-present emotional potency in the production.

---

Updated On: 11/1/08 at 11:41 AM

Yes, it was a wonderful production...absolutely! One of the best that they did back then. Around the time of "Follies," it was the beginning of the end of LBCLO.

Regarding LBCLO's production of CHICAGO.

Neuwirth was Velma (in a black Louise Brooks/Dutch Boy wig); Prowse was Roxie and Kaye Ballard was Matron "Mama" Rose.

Yes, it included the complete book (unlike the current revival), the original 1975 Broadway set design, but it did not entirely include Bob Fosse's original choreography. Choreographer Ann Reinking used most of Fosse's original choreography but took heavy liberties throughout. Ironically, the "Hot Honey Rag" was entirely and completely different from Fosse's. If I find time, I'll post it as evidence.

Incidentally, the director of this production was some choreographer named Rob Marshall. Many still wonder what ever became of him.

Yeah.. pity about the CLO. I remember being there for the COMPANY reunion concert... that was an especially glowing night. I think they were at there zenith then.

As for their low points.. I am sorry I missed the Pia Zadora FUNNY GIRL. My friends said it was an unintentional HOOT!

It seems most CLO's tank eventually... at least Long Beach can say it put on some interesting productions.




===

I stand corrected on that bit of the choreography.

If you are in a posting mood, I'd love to see the second act(?) "card game" scene.

I'd like to see if the staging is as clever and funny as I remember it to be.

---

Updated On: 11/1/08 at 01:26 PM

OH!!!!

*pulls up a chair*


I *heard* that for FUNNY GIRL.. Zadora's VERY VERY VERY rich and VERY VERY VERY old husband put up most of the money to showcase his child bride.

...but of course, I'm not one to gossip...

---

Updated On: 11/1/08 at 01:43 PM

I forgot!!! Yes! Zmed was Arnstein.. and Kaye Ballard was Fanny's Mother.

My friends who saw it, said that for the IF A GIRL ISN'T PRETTY number, they had Zadora (who is rather conventionally pretty) wear a pair of big glasses and awkwardly strut around the stage.

...ah.. I'm truly sorry I missed that one!

---

Updated On: 11/1/08 at 01:55 PM

Great stories! Yes, I remember seeing pics of Pia as Fanny with the big glasses. I had completely forgotten about that.

Thanks for the pics. That hair on Pia and the ladies.....it's so big. Well, the bigger the hair - the closer to God.