"Follies" Survey!

[Ciaron McCarthy]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 10:58pm

It's being talked about so much and people have so many interesting takes on the show I was just curious about a couple of things. Please indulge me. Thanks! Also please state why you made your choices.

Favorite recording: OBC Soundboard recording

Least Favorite Recording: London Cast

Favorite book song: Could I Leave You?. It is probably the best book song ever written

Favorite pastiche song: How can you not pick "Losing My Mind"?

Phyllis or Sally: Phyllis!! She is so much more fleshed out

Some have said (and I agree) that the show is really a study of the character Ben. All three of the other leads have a strong connection to him while lacking a conection to each other. Is this valid: I do agree with that...to an extent

Were "The Team" (Sondheim, Prince, Goldman and Bennett) kidding themselves with the whole ghost concept: I think it was what dug Bennet and Princes grave. The idea is so fantastic it became too impossible to actually bring to life. That said I do think it would work now. Audiences are a lot more comfortable with experimental theater these days

Favorite version of "Losing My Mind": I love Dorothys but to be honest my favorite is Maria Friedmans. Soooooo heartbreaking

Favorite version of "Broadway Baby": ETHEL SHUTTA!! A genius as far as I'm concerned

"I'm Still Here": Yvonne de Carlo. The song was written for her and is basically her life!

"Could I Leave You?": Alexis Smith. Nobody can touch her version

Have you heard the OBC opening night soundboard recording?: Listening to it now. Yvonne is screwing up her lines to "I'm Still Here" as I type this

What did you think?: Words cannot describe what a gem it is. It is perfection! To be able to hear Dorothy Collins' "Ta daaaaaaa" at the beginning of "Don't Look at Me (1)", "Loveland", Yvonnes FULL "I'm Still Here", Alexis' FULL "Lucy and Jessie", The dancing in "Who's that Woman". AMAZING

You favorite...

Sally? Dorothy Collins. Followed by Julia McKenzie

Ben? John McMartin

Phyllis? Alexis Smith

Carlotta? Again, Yvonne!!

Buddy? GENE GENE GENE!!! One of the greatest performances EVER. Even Sondheim lists him as one of his personal favorites

Hattie? Ethel!

Was "Follies" robbed of the Best Musical Tony? Biggest mistake in Tony history

Did Alexis Smith deserve her Tony? Yes. Especially after reading "Everything Was Possible".

Did you read "Everything Was Possible" see above

Were you aware that when the show started production only 18 and a half minutes of the score were finished? I did





Updated On: 10/27/06 at 10:58 PM

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 11:45pm

Favorite recording: OBC Soundboard recording

Least Favorite Recording: London Cast

Favorite book song: The Road You Didn't Take

Favorite pastiche song: Losing My Mind

Phyllis or Sally: Phyllis

Some have said (and I agree) that the show is really a study of the character Ben. All three of the other leads have a strong connection to him while lacking a conection to each other. Is this valid: Yes, absolutely. It's unfocused approach is part of the problem with the structure of the show and it's book

Were "The Team" (Sondheim, Prince, Goldman and Bennett) kidding themselves with the whole ghost concept: I never saw the show live, so I wouldn't know how well it worked or not.

Favorite version of "Losing My Mind": I love Dorothy Collins - she is probably the best - but Donna McKechnie is a close second.

Favorite version of "Broadway Baby": Ethel Shutta. Elaine Stritch gives her a run for her money, but Shutta hands down. I haven't seen her performance life, but the sheer brilliance of her performance as heard on the soundboard recording is priceless.

"I'm Still Here": Yvonne De Carlo. No one even comes close.

"Could I Leave You?": You're going to kill me, but Dee Hoty.

Have you heard the OBC opening night soundboard recording?: Obviously.

What did you think?: I think I had an orgasm the first time I listened to it.

You favorite...

These are judged solely on vocals from various recordings, as I have never seen a live production of FOLLIES.

Sally? Dorothy Collins, followed closely by Donna McKechnie.

Ben? John McMartin

Phyllis? Alexis Smith is brilliant, though Dee Hoty is marvelous.

Carlotta? Yvonne DeCarlo, hands down.

Buddy? Gene Nelson. There is no contest.

Hattie? Shutta.

Was "Follies" robbed of the Best Musical Tony? I was born 13 years after FOLLIES closed. I never got to see that or VERONA, so I don't know. On paper? Sure - absolutely. Greatest loss ever? Possibly - but personally, SUNDAY's loss to LA CRAP AUX FALSE pisses me off more.

Did Alexis Smith deserve her Tony? I wouldn't know. Unless one was around to see all the other ladies that year, there really is no valid opinion.

Did you read "Everything Was Possible?" In literally a day.

Were you aware that when the show started production only 18 and a half minutes of the score were finished? I knew that very little was composed, but I didn't know that it was exactly 18 minutes.

Updated On: 10/27/06 at 11:45 PM

[jewishboy]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 11:56pm

Why not,

Favorite recording: OBC recording

Least Favorite Recording: Lincoln Center Recording

Favorite book song: "Waiting For the Girls Upstairs", if "I'm Still Here" doesn't count.

Favorite pastiche song: "Losing My Mind"

Phyllis or Sally: Sally, it is the hardest role to do and the most emotional and heartbreaking.

Some have said that the show is really a study of the character Ben. All three of the other leads have a strong connection to him while lacking a conection to each other. Is this valid: Yes it is valid.

Were "The Team" (Sondheim, Prince, Goldman and Bennett) kidding themselves with the whole ghost concept: No. The show can not be done without it. It is expressed so well with the opening music.

Favorite version of "Losing My Mind": Dorothy Collins. But, I gotta say out of context Dorothy Loudon's version is amazing.

Favorite version of "Broadway Baby": ETHEL SHUTTA!!

"I'm Still Here": Yvonne de Carlo.

"Could I Leave You?": Alexis Smith. Nobody can touch her version!

Have you heard the OBC opening night soundboard recording?: No. How do you get it?

What did you think?:

You favorite...

Sally? Dorothy Collins. Followed by Barbara Cook.

Ben? John McMartin

Phyllis? Alexis Smith tied with Blyhte Danner at a close second. Smith's singing is better.

Carlotta? Again, Yvonne!!

Buddy? Gene Nelson

Hattie? Ethel Shutta. Do like Elaine Stritch too.

Was "Follies" robbed of the Best Musical Tony? Of course

Did Alexis Smith deserve her Tony? Yes.

Did you read "Everything Was Possible" no

Were you aware that when the show started production only 18 and a half minutes of the score were finished? I did

[ahmelie]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 12:06am

It's being talked about so much and people have so many interesting takes on the show I was just curious about a couple of things. Please indulge me. Thanks! Also please state why you made your choices.

Favorite recording: OBC "highlights" recording

Least Favorite Recording: Any other then above (sorry, a bit biased...)

Favorite book song: Could I Leave You?

Favorite pastiche song: Losing My Mind.

Phyllis or Sally: Phyllis! I hate Sally. Phyllis is a dread role

Some have said (and I agree) that the show is really a study of the character Ben. All three of the other leads have a strong connection to him while lacking a conection to each other. Is this valid: True, but I wouldn't say that that's what the central idea what the show.

Were "The Team" (Sondheim, Prince, Goldman and Bennett) kidding themselves with the whole ghost concept: T'was before it's time, there are moments when listening to it where I can just picture it and I get chills.

Favorite version of "Losing My Mind": I adore Dorothy's as well, and it's one I listen to the most, but Barbara Cook owns the song.

Favorite version of "Broadway Baby": Ethel Shutta, though I love Patti LuPone and Daisy Egan's versions (so adorable!) But Ethel was a real follies girl, and hilarious!

"I'm Still Here": Yvonne de Carlo, (of cwoarse.) though Shirley MacLaine's cracked me up.

"Could I Leave You?": Alexis Smith.

Have you heard the OBC opening night soundboard recording?: I'm not sure, I think but I may be thinking of the wrong one.

What did you think?: Well, if it's what I'm thinking of then THANK GOD! It's amazing.

You favorite...

Sally? Dorothy Collins.

Ben? John McMartin

Phyllis? Alexis Smith, this was the easiest.

Carlotta? Yvonne de Carlo. (I told you, no one will touch any of the originals, this is one of the few shows that I feel this)

Buddy? Gene. (Yep.)

Hattie? Ethel

Was "Follies" robbed of the Best Musical Tony? Absalutely. It's genius.

Did Alexis Smith deserve her Tony? Oh my god yes, more then anyone.

Did you read "Everything Was Possible" I've flipped through, but I don't own it, it's on my list. (broke broke broke.)

Were you aware that when the show started production only 18 and a half minutes of the score were finished? No I didn't, that interesting.

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 12:12am

"Were "The Team" (Sondheim, Prince, Goldman and Bennett) kidding themselves with the whole ghost concept: I think it was what dug Bennet and Princes grave. The idea is so fantastic it became too impossible to actually bring to life. That said I do think it would work now. Audiences are a lot more comfortable with experimental theater these days"

You don't have the slightest inkling of what you're talking about. The 'whole ghost concept' worked 35 years ago (were you even around to see it?) and was a completely realized, successful, and involving aspect of the production.

"Some have said (and I agree) that the show is really a study of the character Ben. All three of the other leads have a strong connection to him while lacking a conection to each other. Is this valid?"

No, it's completely irrelevant and has absolutely nothing to do with the structural or thematic realization of the piece.



Alexis Smith
Amidst The Rubble Of A Broadway Theater, NYC

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 12:23am

I plan to fill this out at a later time.

But, regarding the soundboard recording. I must say. During LOSING MY MIND, the way Dorothy sings "you said you loved me" - is one of the most heartbreaking things I've ever heard in a showtune. I play it over and over. It gets me every time. NO Sally will ever bring the raw emotion to the song, like Dorothy. Though McKechnie does a great job.

[Ciaron McCarthy]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 12:42am

You don't have the slightest inkling of what you're talking about. The 'whole ghost concept' worked 35 years ago (were you even around to see it?) and was a completely realized, successful, and involving aspect of the production.

Wow you're a sweetheart!!

[PalJoey]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 12:45am

The ghosts worked so mind-F*CKingly well in Michael Bennett's staging that it is possible no subsequent staging will EVER hold up.

And poor Ciaron McCarthy just embarrassed himself by making that ignorant and laughably unsubstantable comment about the concept NOT working.

[Ciaron McCarthy]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 12:48am

And poor Ciaron McCarthy just embarrassed himself by making that ignorant and laughably unsubstantable comment about the concept NOT working.

I don't feel embarrassed at all. I know plenty of people who saw the orignal show who said the ghosts could be distracting and were often placed in awkward places.

Why would I be embarrassed? It's a musical survey. I'm not gonna run and hide because you disagree.

[FoscasBohemianDream]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 12:49am

Favorite recording:1985 Concer Recording

Least Favorite Recording: Original London Cast

Favorite book song: Too Many Mornings. It is among my top 3 favorite romantic duets.

Favorite pastiche song: Who's That Woman?

Phyllis or Sally: Phyllis. She walks out with the best lines and two great showstoppers.

Some have said that the show is really a study of the character Ben. All three of the other leads have a strong connection to him while lacking a conection to each other. Is this valid: Slightly valid but not necessarily true

Were "The Team" (Sondheim, Prince, Goldman and Bennett) kidding themselves with the whole ghost concept:I actually find this concept very theatrical yet with cinematic roots, and it's very haunting and has great impact, especially during "Who's That Woman?"

Favorite version of "Losing My Mind":Dorothy Collins owns the song, but Donna Murphy's rendition is almost as perfect

Favorite version of "Broadway Baby":Kaye Ballard, especially since it includes the montage at the end

"I'm Still Here":To me nothing beats Elaine Stritch's rendition on the At Liberty recording, with Dorothy Loudon's being a close second

"Could I Leave You?":Alexis Smith, I prefer the recording of her singing at the 1973 Sondheim Evening event

Have you heard the OBC opening night soundboard recording?: Thanks to Ciaron I have listened to half of it

What did you think?: Though it is sad to see Gene Nelson screwing up "Buddy's Blues," it is a treasure and to hear Collins' singing "Losing My Mind" is perfection.

You favorite...

Sally? Barbara Cook, followed by Donna McKechnie and Kim Crosby

Ben? Laurence Guittard

Phyllis? Alexis Smith and Dee Hoty

Carlotta? Ann Miller

Buddy? No one can beat Gene Nelson

Hattie? Elaine Stritch

Was "Follies" robbed of the Best Musical Tony? Of course

Did Alexis Smith deserve her Tony? I imagine, though I didn't see any of the other nominated performances

Did you read "Everything Was Possible:" Not yet

Were you aware that when the show started production only 18 and a half minutes of the score were finished? I think I read something like that in Sondheim's biography

[Ciaron McCarthy]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 12:57am

The ghosts worked so mind-F*CKingly well in Michael Bennett's staging that it is possible no subsequent staging will EVER hold up.

So mind-f*ckingly well? If it is the end all of the piece why did Clive Barnes mention everything else but that in his review? He gives it one mention.

[Kringas]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 1:27am

You really need to get out more.

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 1:38am

Favorite version of "Losing My Mind": Barbara Cook!!!!!! Why haven't more people said her!

[C is for Company]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 1:55am

I do not like Cook's rendition of both "In Buddy's Eyes" and "Losing My Mind", although I do like her "or were you just being kind"

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 2:14am

I am just NOT a Cook fan...she has a great soprano, yes, but she doesn't emote well. I've never been touched by her, from "Music Man" to "Carrie" she has always been a chore to listen to.

[C is for Company]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 2:17am

I agree Husk, she has great command over an impressive voice, but nothing ever comes out of that to move me. I find her rather bland from what I have heard from her.

[FoscasBohemianDream]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 2:42am

I absolutely find Cook's "Too Many Mornings" and "In Buddy's Eyes" rather superb and touching.

[jv92]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 10:43am

Favorite recording: OBC recording

Least Favorite Recording: I don't have one

Favorite book song: The Road You Didn't Take

Favorite pastiche song: I'm Still Here

Phyllis or Sally: Sally (although Phyllis is equally wonderful)

Some have said (and I agree) that the show is really a study of the character Ben. All three of the other leads have a strong connection to him while lacking a conection to each other. Is this valid: Yes. Absolutely

Were "The Team" (Sondheim, Prince, Goldman and Bennett) kidding themselves with the whole ghost concept: Perhaps. I've never thought of this being what made the show a little harder to grasp.

Favorite version of "Losing My Mind": Dorothy Collins

Favorite version of "Broadway Baby": Shutta, although Elaine Stritch does a fantastic job every time she sings it.

"I'm Still Here": Yvonne de Carlo.

"Could I Leave You?": Lee Remick

Have you heard the OBC opening night soundboard recording?: No, but how the hell can I? It sounds fantasic!

What did you think?: Well, since I haven't listened to it, I can't give you an answer.

You favorite...

Sally? Dorothy Collins.

Ben? John McMartin

Phyllis? Lee Remick

Carlotta? Yvonne DeCarlo

Buddy? Gene, although I am a fan of Mandy Patinkin.

Hattie? Ethel Shutta

Was "Follies" robbed of the Best Musical Tony? Absolutely, it's gone downhill from there.

Did Alexis Smith deserve her Tony? Yes, but no. I think Dorothy Collins gave (and this is juding from the OBC, Chapin's book and photographs) an equally wonderful performance. Being a Sally fan, I would have given Dorothy the Tony.

Did you read "Everything Was Possible" Yes and I still read chapters of it often. Utter brilliance!

Were you aware that when the show started production only 18 and a half minutes of the score were finished? No. Chapin's book was the first time I really learned about Sondheim's composing habits and so forth.

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 2:05pm

C for Company, that's my favorite part in her "Losing my Mind"! 'You said you Loved me, or Were you just being Kind......"
Updated On: 10/28/06 at 02:05 PM

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 10/28/06 at 2:11pm

BTW, What is the OBC Soundboard Recording......I may want the check that out.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 11/21/06 at 2:26am

Favorite Recording: Lincoln Center 1985 Concert

Least Favorite Recording: Except for the addition of "Country House," I can't stand the London Cast Recording

Favorite Book Song: "Waiting For the Girls Upstairs"

Favorite Pastiche Song: "You're Gonna Love Tomorrow/Love Will See Us Through"

Phyllis or Sally: Phyllis, Sally is too weak for me to feel much sympathy for her role

Some have said that the show is really a study of the character Ben. All three of the other leads have a strong connection to him while lacking a conection to each other. Is this valid: Never seen the show live, but I've read the published script and the show seemed to be more about Sally to me.

Were "The Team" (Sondheim, Prince, Goldman and Bennett) kidding themselves with the whole ghost concept: Were they?

Favorite version of "Losing My Mind": Dorothy Collins' is pretty definite

Favorite version of "Broadway Baby": A tie between Elaine Stritch and Bernadette Peters in her Carnegie Hall Concert album

"I'm Still Here": Nancy Walker sings a great version in the 1973 Sondheim Tribute recording

"Could I Leave You?": Alexis Smith, though once I hear Donna Murphy, this is probably will change

Have you heard the OBC opening night soundboard recording?: Was not aware that there was one, must be quite great to hear given all the terrible cuts the score went through in the OBCR

What did you think?: See above

Your favorite...

Sally? Barbara Cook

Ben?: Laurence Guittard

Phyllis?: Lee Remick followed by Alexis Smith

Carlotta?: Yvonne DeCarlo

Buddy?: Gene Nelson

Hattie? Elaine Stritch

Was "Follies" robbed of the Best Musical Tony? I think so

Did Alexis Smith deserve her Tony? I prefer Collins in the cast recording, though I'm sure Alexis Smith was marvelous in the book scenes, was not around so can't tell

Did you read "Everything Was Possible:" I've read the intro, gotta keep reading

Were you aware that when the show started production only 18 and a half minutes of the score were finished? I was not aware but I'm not surprised, isn't Sondheim known for being a procrastinator? He always comes up with brilliant results though

[sicetergo]

Posted: 11/21/06 at 2:47am

Favorite recording:There hasn't been one yet, but I have a mix made up of all the recordings, which I like

Least Favorite Recording: The Papermill is least favourite.

Favorite book song: Could I Leave You or A Country House

Favorite pastiche song: Ah, but Underneath

Phyllis or Sally: Sally - more sympathetic.

Some have said that the show is really a study of the character Ben. All three of the other leads have a strong connection to him while lacking a conection to each other. Is this valid: Depends which version you're watching - with the original that might be true.

Were "The Team" (Sondheim, Prince, Goldman and Bennett) kidding themselves with the whole ghost concept: No.


Favorite version of "Losing My Mind": Julia McKenzie - maybe not so much on the recording but she wipes the floor with the competition live.

Favorite version of "Broadway Baby": Ethel Shutta

"I'm Still Here": I like Nancy Walker's and have a particular fondness for Dolores Gray having sen her a number of times. But I don't think there's a definitive one - perhaps Millicent Martin.


"Could I Leave You?"iana Rigg

Have you heard the OBC opening night soundboard recording?: Some time ago.

What did you think?: Too overwhelmed.

You favorite...

Sally? Julia McKenzie

Ben? Denis Quilley

Phyllis? Diana Rigg

Carlotta? Donna McKechnie

Buddy? Gene Nelson

Hattie? Ethel Shutta

Was "Follies" robbed of the Best Musical Tony? Without doubt.

Did Alexis Smith deserve her Tony? No idea

Did you read "Everything Was Possible:" Yes

Were you aware that when the show started production only 18 and a half minutes of the score were finished? Not very surprising

Updated On: 11/21/06 at 02:47 AM

[nobodyhome]

Posted: 11/21/06 at 3:31am

Favorite recording: One not yet mentioned.

Least Favorite Recording: Of the commercial recordings, probably the concert.

Favorite book song: "The Road You Didn't Take"

Favorite pastiche song: "The God-Why-Don't-You-Love-Me Blues," followed by "Uptown, Downtown" if we want to count it.

Phyllis or Sally: Sally

Some have said (and I agree) that the show is really a study of the character Ben. All three of the other leads have a strong connection to him while lacking a conection to each other. Is this valid: Ben is arguably the central character to the degree that there is one, but I certainly wouldn't say that the show is really a study of any one character. Ben is the one whom they all either want (Phyllis and Sally) or envy because Ben has something another character wants (Buddy envies him for having Sally's love), but Buddy and Sally certainly have a strong if dysfunctional connection.

Were "The Team" (Sondheim, Prince, Goldman and Bennett) kidding themselves with the whole ghost concept: No. And Clive Barnes probably slept through half the show.

Favorite version of "Losing My Mind": Dorothy Collins.

Favorite version of "Broadway Baby": Ethel Shutta

"I'm Still Here": Yvonne de Carlo, though Nancy Walker's was also great.

"Could I Leave You?": Alexis Smith.

Have you heard the OBC opening night soundboard recording?: Yes.

What did you think?: The performances got better later in the run. It's too bad that they got Gene and Yvonne on a night when they went up. Too bad it's not the whole show. But it's OK.

You favorite...

Sally? Dorothy Collins.

Ben? John McMartin

Phyllis? Alexis Smith

Carlotta? Yvonne De Carlo

Buddy? Gene Nelson, though Harvey Evans was also great in the Long Beach production. I've never heard Sondheim say that Gene Nelson gave one of his favorite performances. He did say that John McMartin did.

Hattie? Ethel Shutta.

Was "Follies" robbed of the Best Musical Tony? Yes, but worse things have happened.

Did Alexis Smith deserve her Tony? It should have gone to Dorothy.

Did you read "Everything Was Possible"? Yes.

Were you aware that when the show started production only 18 and a half minutes of the score were finished? No, and I think it's not true, at least if by "when the show started production," you mean when rehearsals started. Where did you hear this?

I think it might be accurate to say that they started rehearsals with all but eighteen and a half minutes of vocal music that would be in the final version already written, namely:

I'm Still Here
The God-Why-Don't-You-Love-Me Blues
The Story of Lucy and Jessie
Live, Laugh, Love

AFAIK, all the other songs in the final Broadway version of the score were already written when rehearsals started.

Even if I've forgotten something and there were one or two more songs not yet written when rehearsals started, it wasn't more than that and that leaves a lot more than eighteen-and-a-half minutes already written. Even Sondheim would not dare go into rehearsal with so little written, nor would Prince. There would have been nothing to stage.







Updated On: 11/21/06 at 03:31 AM

[lildogs]

Posted: 11/21/06 at 9:54am

Favorite recording: Original Bway Cast

Least Favorite Recording: London Cast

Favorite book song: "In Buddy's Eyes"

Favorite pastiche song: "Who's That Woman?"

Phyllis or Sally: Phyllis

Some have said (and I agree) that the show is really a study of the character Ben. All three of the other leads have a strong connection to him while lacking a conection to each other. Is this valid: Sure, it's valid. I don't agree necessarily--I've always thought it took place in Buddy's mind from the moment he says: "It's like a movie in my head that plays and plays"

Were "The Team" (Sondheim, Prince, Goldman and Bennett) kidding themselves with the whole ghost concept: No--why would you ask that?

Favorite version of "Losing My Mind": Dorothy Collins.

Favorite version of "Broadway Baby": Ethel Shutta--but the tribute version, in which she yells "Cash!"

"I'm Still Here": Elaine Stritch (At Liberty)

"Could I Leave You?": Diana Rigg

Have you heard the OBC opening night soundboard recording?: Nope.

What did you think?: N/A
You favorite...

Sally? Dorothy Collins.

Ben? George Hearn

Phyllis? Diana Rigg

Carlotta? Carol Burnett

Buddy? Gene Nelson

Hattie? Elaine Stritch

Was "Follies" robbed of the Best Musical Tony? I don't think they knew what they were seeing.

Did Alexis Smith deserve her Tony? Dorothy probably should have won, but Alexis was a bigger name.

Did you read "Everything Was Possible"? Not yet.

Were you aware that when the show started production only 18 and a half minutes of the score were finished? Huh? I guess not.

[theatahguy]

Posted: 11/21/06 at 11:07am

Favorite recording: None are 100% great, but I think Papermill.

Least Favorite Recording: London

Favorite book song: Too Many Mornings

Favorite pastiche song: One More Kiss, followed by Losing My Mind

Phyllis or Sally: Phyllis

Some have said (and I agree) that the show is really a study of the character Ben. All three of the other leads have a strong connection to him while lacking a conection to each other. Is this valid: I suppose it's valid, but if it's "about" any one of the 4 leads, I'd say it's Sally.

Were "The Team" (Sondheim, Prince, Goldman and Bennett) kidding themselves with the whole ghost concept: Absolutely not!

Favorite version of "Losing My Mind": Donna McKechnie

Favorite version of "Broadway Baby": Ethel Shutta

"I'm Still Here": Carol Burnett, followed by Polly Bergen

"Could I Leave You?": Blythe Danner

Have you heard the OBC opening night soundboard recording?: No, but SWEET JESUS, how can I get my hands on it?!?!?!?!

What did you think?: N/A
You favorite...

Sally? Donna McKechnie

Ben? Laurence Guittard

Phyllis? Blythe Danner

Carlotta? Carol Burnett/Polly Bergen

Buddy? Gene Nelson

Hattie? Elaine Stritch...her "I havent danced in 30 years" on the concert recording is F-ing PRICELESS!

Was "Follies" robbed of the Best Musical Tony? probably...I wasnt around back then & havent seen Two Gentlemen

Did Alexis Smith deserve her Tony? Yes, probably, and Blythe Danner deserved the one she DIDNT win for Phyllis.

Did you read "Everything Was Possible"? Heck yes.

Were you aware that when the show started production only 18 and a half minutes of the score were finished? ummmm....nope.