Who saw FOLLIES in 2001?

I didn't see it, but it was reportedly dreadful. I do LOVE Polly Bergen's "I'm Still Here" though.

A cheap production.The orchestra wasn't nearly large enough to do the score justice.The sets sere tacky.It was big letdown.

It didn't run longer because it was simply too expensive to have a run on Broadway (even though many complained the Roundabout production looked cheap). The size of the cast and the elaborate costumes and sets it requires means the show will never be financially successful on Broadway (plus it's not exactly a big crowd pleaser due to the book's attitude towards marriage which is rather pessimistic). Once they ran out of subscribers and had to switch from the LORT A contract Roundabout works under for the initial part of any Broadway run (12 weeks) to the Standard Production Agreement, it couldn't sustain itself any longer (losing LOTS of money weekly) and had to close.

There were some excellent performances and I enjoyed it much of it. I was underwhelmed by the choreography of "Who's That Woman" and "The Right Girl," but the solo numbers from Bergen, Ivey, Joan Roberts, Jane White and a few others were terrific. I recall at the time, most of those who had seen the original Michael Bennett/Hal Prince production really detested this one (some found it drab-looking and badly staged), but without that point of reference I really enjoyed it.

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Updated On: 10/12/05 at 07:42 PM

I wonder if a minimalistic production of this show would work (a la CABARET and CHICAGO)?

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Saw it in London in 1988 and saw the Roundabout 2001 production.
I adored the 2001 Roundabout version.

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I was very disappointed in the revival. The production failed, I think, mostly because of the casting of the four leads. Each one of them was inadequate in their own way--Ms. Ivey and Ms. Danner in their singing, Mr. Harrison and Mr. Williams in almost everything (Williams was also just plain wrong for the role). It's a great score and an inspired story--I'd love to see the show again under better circumstances.

I don't know the whole story...I'm sure Margo can fill you in better than I can. I only remember snippets of rumors about the widow of someone not allowing the show to open on Broadway.

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I particularly loved the dancing couple with the ghosts of their youth dancing through chairs and such.

Edit - in 2001 Roundabout

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Updated On: 10/10/05 at 08:50 PM

I saw the 2001 production very late in its run. By then the leads had pretty well grown into their roles and were fairly good.

My favorite actor in this show was Marge Champion. Yes, it was a tiny role, but she was marvelous in it.

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Roundabout was far more enjoyable for me than the lavish London version.

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I love your story Mamie. :)

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Sorry bta212. London with all of it's money and Julia, Delores and even Diana just didn't click for me. I liked Act I much better than Act II.
Roundabout held such subtle beauty all the way through for me. It was how I envisioned it after so many years of only listening (before London).

Don't let this get in the way of our love.

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