Sondheim's FOLLIES at Dicapo Opera Theatre This Weekend
Sondheim's FOLLIES at Dicapo Opera Theatre This Weekend
Sondheim's FOLLIES at Dicapo Opera Theatre This Weekend#0
Posted: 11/4/05 at 3:17pm
Just wanted to give a quick heads up for the Blue Hill Theatre Troupe's production of Sondheim's FOLLIES. I saw it last night and there are only three more performances left. I strongly encourage everyone to see it if they can.
Blue Hill has existed since 1924 and has raised millions for charity since then. They're a semi-professional troupe consisting of amateurs and Broadway vets and the quality of their productions is consistently at quite a high level. I found this production of FOLLIES altogether rather remarkable (especially given the $30 ticket price). In fact, it was superior in most ways to the recent Broadway revival. Given that they're operating with a budget probably less than one hundredth that of a Broadway show, obviously some concessions had to be made in terms of the show's typical opulence and spectacle (though the sets and costumes here were certainly more than serviceable), but the staging by Andrew Volkoff and several of the performances were on a par with the best productions of FOLLIES I've seen.
Special mention must got to Patricia Berg, who's Phyllis was the equal of any I've ever seen or heard on record. She captured every nuance of the character, has a fine flexible voice, and she owned the stage every moment she was on it (her "Could I Leave You?" was a real highlight). Deborah Thomas Shull (Heidi), Cordelia Iredell (Solange), Sarah Saltus and Sandy Kennedy (The Whitmans), and Jane Coleman (Hattie -- a pro who's Broadway credits go back to South Pacific) were all absolutely first-rate and couldn't be better. The actors playing young Sally, Ben, Phyllis and Buddy were all rather exceptional as well. If a few other performances were less than exemplary, they were at least competent (this is glorified community theatre after all, and to be expected).
Director Volkoff has based his staging, I believe on the 1987 London production of the show, but retained the original 1971 version of the book, which proved a very wise move. He has staged a very difficult, complex, time-shifting show (this version is almost too heavy on the showgirl ghost imagery) with a sure hand, presenting and maintaining the characters and the story throughout with clarity and coherence. Not sure if he choreographed as well (no choreographer in named in the program), but "Who's That Woman" really shined. He handles the large scenes well (Ben's breakdown mad scene in the Follies section was particularly well-done), controlling focus where need be and keeps the pacing such that it never lags. And using the original book, which ultimately does a better job of justifying the couples' eventual reconciliation than any of the subsequent rewrites did (for London, Papermill, Broadway revival) provided for a satisfying, if bittersweet ending to the show. A heck of a job.
The show runs approximately 2 hours, 45 minutes and plays at the small and charming DiCapo Opera House (184 E. 76th Street -- one block from the 77th Street stop on the 6 train). I highly recommend this production and encourage everyone to attend it if possible.
http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/follies.htm
re: Sondheim's FOLLIES at Dicapo Opera Theatre This Weekend#1
Posted: 11/4/05 at 3:30pm
I wholeheartedly concur. Especially about Berg's Phyllis, and Jane Coleman.
It is a remarkable evening with a great score and excellent presentation.
Another excellent review Margo.
I think that a couple performances could stand major improvements though, even from a community theatre standard a couple were disappointing.
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