Kennedy Center FOLLIES to Transfer to Broadway's Marquis Theater This Summer! — Page 6

Alice Playten is an inspired choice, and Nobody Steps on Kafritz!

Frankly, if this "takes off" and sells very well, I'd put money on whatever show that's supposed to take the Marquis will find a new theater. Granted, I think Follies has a limited audience and a limited run is best.

Pal Joey, I love Alice Playten and she would be perfect. I once saw her do a showstopping rendition of "No Time At All" from Pippin. She started it in a wheel chair and at the time I really didn't know who she was. Well by the second verse, I think, she popped right out of that chair and really sold that song. I'll never forget it.

I've always wanted to hear Carol Channing deliver "Broadway Baby," though I doubt she could make it through 8 performances a week... Then again?

Updated On: 6/16/11 at 12:28 AM

I know this thread is about the transfer, but I just wanted to ask for clarification on something that was said earlier in the thread about this production being more Sally-centered. I saw the show last night and it absolutely enchanted me. It was my very first Follies experience, however, and I understand that there are many different versions performed. I was wondering how this version is more Sally-centered and if that's a book thing or if it has to do with Bernadette's characterization of Sally. Personally, I thought Jan Maxwell and Danny Burstein (and of course Terri White) were the standouts. Could anyone talk about how this production was more Sally-centered?

I was wondering how this version is more Sally-centered and if that's a book thing or if it has to do with Bernadette's characterization of Sally. Personally, I thought Jan Maxwell and Danny Burstein (and of course Terri White) were the standouts. Could anyone talk about how this production was more Sally-centered?

*Spoilers*

Mainly due to her wonderful entrance and exit. No other Sally has ever taken that long to soak in atmosphere when she enters. Sally usually enters and starts her speech right away. Bernadette takes a good minute to take it all in. Her exit is also pretty chilling, she composes herself, takes one last look at the theater, and walks out completely oblivious to Buddy's presence. In the original book, Phyllis and Ben actually leave the theater last.
Also, Sally and Buddy lose the least in this version of the script. Ben and Phyllis lose the most.

Updated On: 6/16/11 at 12:55 AM

Thanks, ljay. I knew one of our greatest Follies experts around here could help me out. Her entrance was stunning. This production was such a visual feast for me that I can't wait to see it many more times when it gets to New York so I can concentrate on different things each time. Truly magical.

I was summing up the Kennedy Center finale.

I think what makes the KC production more about Sally, is that it is Bernadette. Of the four leads (and they are all leads) Bernadette is the biggest "Star". The other three actors are all accomplished, wonderful performers doing great work here.
Sally's entrance is first and should grab our attention:
(Far from us, in the midst of this, SALLY DURANT PLUMMER comes running breathlessly onstage. She is blonde, petit, pert, sweetfaced and at 49, still remarkably like the girl she was thiry years ago.)
Flushed, terribly excited to be there, she looks around.

SALLY: Oh Lord, don't tell me I'm the first.

The main crux of the story is Sally and Ben's affair, they do have the love songs, but the roles of Buddy and Phyliss, when played successfully,(as they are here) turn out to be just as important. Awards and such seperate performances, but the four leads working as a team can make FOLLIES more intense and exciting. One thing the KC production does is strip a lot away and push these stories down front. But I missed the subtext that the entire party and memories have on their stories.

Updated On: 6/16/11 at 01:38 AM

Would love to see Jane Powell doing "Broadway Baby".

Rosscoe, please let me know when you'll be in NYC so we can catch a drink or something.

On the subject of Sally...she is the only one in the first act who has a number in which she "presents" herself to all in attendance: "Now folks we bring you direct from Phoenix, live and in person SALLY DURANT!" She's front and center from the get-go and then some.

But I completely agree with CPD. The four characters are ALL leads, and the KC production really makes that clear.

I love this production. I'll be at the final performance on Sunday...and again (and again) in NYC, I'm sure.

Oh, and ljay is so right about Bernadette's being "heartbreaking." She makes us think, "My, she's one unstable gal!" while also feeling utter compassion and sadness for her.

Anyway, once again, YAY!

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I saw the announcement earlier and actually squealed. VERY excited.

Count me in to the group of folk hoping it will be ready for an audience the first week of August!

VERY exciting.

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Anyone think Patti might be interested in Carlotta? I am assuming she and Bernadette don't get along - just a hunch - and she probably wouldn't wana take a supporting role with Peters as the star...though ya never know...she's available and would likely be a hell of a lot better than Elaine Paige...BUT, depending on how the season goes, it could mean her Tony #3.