Question for Follies and Dorothy Collins fans

[MomofOZ]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 8:17am

Hi,
My name is Melissa Holgate and I'm Dorothy's youngest daughter. I wanted to thank all of you for your kind words regarding mom's performance as Sally. She put so much into that role and the entire experience was something she treasured for the rest of her life. If she knew that her performance was still appreciated, she'd be so proud and touched. Thank you.

On another note, I was only 4 during Follies and only have memories of backstage. Obviously I know the score EXTREMELY well, but the entire show ( and especially mommy's performance) is something that I would love to see, as well as my sisters. My question to you all is : where can I find the soundboard and is there a better video of the dress rehearsal out there?

Thank you for your time and your appreciation of such an incredible show,
Melissa

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 9:03am

OH, MY GOSH, WE *****LOVE***** Dorothy Collins!!!!
thank you so much for posting!

[Chita1933]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 9:22am

-the sun comes up...

No one sang it better than Dorothy Collins. Perfection.

[nmartin]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 9:25am

Melissa, I can't help with your search but I can tell you from the first time I listened to the Follies album I fell in love with your mother.

[Chita1933]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 9:41am

There is a a very touching anecdote about Dorothy Collins and Alexis Smith in Ted Chapin's book Everything Was Possible

Both were invited to Houston in 1985 when a producer mounted a production of Follies to open a new theater. He seated them together. At the end of the first act-yes, by then the show most often played with an intermission-Alexis grabbed Dorothy by the arm and pulled her out of her seat, out of the auditorium, into some out-of-the way place where they could be alone. A stall in a ladies room was the most expedient choice, and once they were out of sight and out of earshot, Alexis turned and looked straight at her co-star, the early favorite who ended up being overshadowed by the tall, willowy beauty from Hollywood. "Dorothy," she said, "I have to apologize. Seeing this show tonight, I realize- I had no idea how good you were."
-Ted Chapin
Everything Was Possible

Updated On: 1/12/08 at 09:41 AM

[MomofOZ]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 9:48am

Thank you all....

Chita...that incident in Houston meant so much to mommy. Ted Chapin's book brought back so many memories for my sister's and I. It's a treasure.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 9:59am

MomofOZ , i sent you a PM!

[henryt]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 12:32pm

You could probably watch it at the Billy Rose Theatre Library.

[jv92]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 12:58pm

To watch the Follies footage available at the Billy Rose Theatre Library, you need permission from the James Goldman and Michael Bennett estates and (I think) Hal Prince and Stephen Sondheim, henryt.
Ms. Holgate, I'm sure if you wrote to Prince or Sondheim (or either estate), you'd be granted permission in a snap. Besides that, I'm sure Prince and Sondheim would love hearing from you. One gets the idea from Chapin's book that they (and the rest of the company) adored your mother.
Your mother was an absolute treasure. Thank you for joining the board. You'll find A LOT of Follies fans (and fans of your mother) here.
And one more thing- check you private messages. I have something for you.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 1:02pm

I have a disc of a lot of her "Hit Parade" songs. Well worth having.

[ljay889]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 1:12pm

WOW. You're really her daughter?

Your mother was unbelievable - her Sally will never be matched. I wish I got to experience it live too. Her voice was just...too wonderful to be true.

[henryt]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 2:31pm

Also, PM PalJoey. Ask for Follies in Miniature.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 2:35pm

Your mother was great in it.

I saw the original and your mother's performance was a masterpiece. Her "Losing My Mind" vocal is an absolute gem.

[MomofOZ]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 2:43pm

Thank you all again for such kind words....

Ok, what is Follies in Miniature????

[ljay889]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 2:46pm

Melissa, have you seen the full video of the dress rehearsal?

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 2:46pm

I remember Your Hit Parade as well. My father loved Giselle Mac Kenzie but even than I prefered your mom .

[henryt]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 3:31pm

It's a clip reel of the original Broadway cast.

[MomofOZ]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 3:32pm

ljay..is that dress rehearsal on YouTube?? I have seen that...wish it was in better shape. That video is the whole reason how I found this board. I have been looking for more videos, or anything I can get my hands on.

On Hit Parade, you either loved Giselle or mom. It's funny, but Alexis always reminded me of Giselle ( or vice versa). That's coming from a 4 year olds mind though.... :)

[nmartin]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 3:46pm

Melissa, not only do I love your mom but I'm also a fan of your father. I'm so glad you started this thread.

[MomofOZ]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 4:18pm

Thank you so much....I'm a pretty big fan of BOTH. Not only were ( are in my father's case) they fantastic performers, but they're the best parents to me!

[jv92]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 4:46pm

Yes, your dad! I was listening to The Grand Tour last night. He was great in that, besides Forum, Kiss Me Kate and so on. Isn't that interesting? Both your parents originated Sondheim roles!

[bk]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 5:34pm

Hi, Melissa. I loved your mother so much, ever since I was a kid and watched the Hit Parade every week. I only saw Follies once (the tour in LA) and she was brilliant. Soon thereafter, I did a play with John McMartin and I used to pump him for Follies info, and he had nothing but wonderful things to say about your mum.

Do you have the Hit Parades on video. I have about eight tapes' worth, I think, somewhere in a box in my garage. If you'd like me to look for them, I will. I think they're very good quality, if I recall.

When I was producing the CD called The Stephen Sondheim Album I didn't want to record Losing My Mind, because everyone who sings that song is a runner-up, IMO - we did end up doing it, but with Dame Edna :) Anyway, feel free to e-mail me if you want me to look for the Hit Parades. [e-mail] or PM me here.

[jewishboy]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 5:34pm

MomofOZ, Dorothy Collins is my all time favorite Sally. I never saw the original, but I seriously do not listen to anyone else doing "Losing My Mind." And then when I saw the footage of the dress rehearsal (is there more than what is just up on YouTube?)... well I completely fell in love with her physical performance also.

Oh and I know I'm not Dorothy Collins' daughter, but if anyone wants to send me the soundboard recording as well... I would really be grateful.

[jv92]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 5:38pm

Me too! I don't know why I haven't found it since I hear it isn't all that rare, but if anyone comes across the soundboard, I'd really love to give it a listen!

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 1/13/08 at 12:53am

There is another performance by Dorothy Collins I adore: She sings "Do I Hear a Waltz" on the 1973 Sondheim Tribute. (Did she ever play Leona? She sounds so perfect for the role.)

Are any of her performances on Your Hit Parade still in existence?