Wow - Encores is doing FOLLIES- Page 2

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 8:42am

Well, there have already been a couple of concert versions of FOLLIES that have used the four original young leads as the older counterparts, so the novelty of that is really gone. Plus, it really would be preferable in my opinion to get some bigger names.

I agree with most of nobody's home's opinions, though. I am always excited by the "possibilities" each FOLLIES concert production provides, mostly in terms of casting potential, because we are probably not ever going to get a physical mounting again with the production values of the original. However, the power of the material is actually largely in that disturbing book. It's really not the same show at all when its as heavilly truncated as the 1985 concert.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 8:49am

"It's really not a show that works well in concert."

It's a show that never worked in a fully staged production either. A concert version eliminates the weakest part of the show, the book, and streamlines it into the only reason people actually see the show...for the score. I know it's the only way I can sit through a production.

I do think it's too bad Encores chose a show that not only received a Broadway revival and a large-scale regional production at Papermill (not to mention 2-CD comprehensive recording) in less than 10 years.

[folkyboy]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 9:15am

now i REALLY need to get a subscription to Encores already...

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 9:27am

Encores is really getting crappy. They ignore Sondheim for 14 years and then when they decide to produce him, they pull out something that was just revived and has been previously done in concert version.

[best12bars]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 9:28am

This is a textbook example of beating a dead horse. I'm not the least bit interested in seeing/hearing these warhorse songs trotted out yet again by the latest cast of "where are they now."

The bottom line is the songs individually are wonderful, but they don't add up to a cohesive storyline with much theatrical impact. You can serve it to me sideways if you want. It still doesn't work. I really don't care that much about this narcissistic cocktail party of a showgirl reunion. Nor do I buy it as "good drama." It's overwrought, uninteresting, overplayed and underwritten.

Yeah, I know, but the tunes are really good.

Whatever. For me, that's not enough reason to resurrect this piece every other year.

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 9:41am

Updated On: 6/30/06 at 09:41 AM

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 9:41am

I'd much rather see them do Anyone Can Whistle like they've been hinting (though even that had a concert not too long ago, in the 90's). But as it is my favorite Sondheim score, I'll be there.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 9:52am

"I'd much rather see them do Anyone Can Whistle like they've been promising (though even that had a concert not too long ago, in the 90's)."

I agree. Anyone Can Whistle would be an excellent choice. And they could bring in Angela Lansbury for the talkback session. I'd also rather see an attempt at "Merrily" As someone above pointed out: Follies had a starry concert version, a good Papermill version that was recorded, and a recent Broadway revival.

Note to Encores: You were much better before Judith Daykin retired. You need to pull her back in as a consultant.

Updated On: 6/30/06 at 09:52 AM

[hushpuppy]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 9:57am

I suppose Yvonne deCarlo is too old to perform "I'm Still Here". She'll be 84 this year. I had always hoped to see her do that number.

[All_For_Laura]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 9:58am

I'm so excited! I was in a production of Follies last summer, and its one of my favorites! I am really looking forward to seeing thise! Looking forward to hearing the cast as well!

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 10:09am

I have to agree that I am tired of Encores! leaving the original idea behind the series (unless I was mistaken) of showcasing great scores from shows that cant and wont be revived. I am very curious what they are thinking. I gave up my subscription two years ago (had GREAT seats) because I was tired. The early years were so wonderful. I will go back for certain shows (Purlie last year) but am most disappointed in this announcment.

I may see this next year if the cast seems good, etc...but not at all excited...what a shame.

[jv92]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 10:18am

I'll know where I'll be one of those nights. Follies is one of the greatest American musicals written. It derserves to be done and done well!

[eva's boy2]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 10:31am

How about:
Betty Buckley as Phyllis and Patti Lupone as Sally?

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 10:38am

best12bars - You hit the nail on the head.

[Marguerite Chauvelin]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 10:38am

Ooh, I want to hear her sing "Losing my Mind", Good Choice!

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 10:40am

In the past Encores has used cross gender casting: Lea DeLaria as Marryin' Sam. Maybe they will cast men in some of the women's roles. Anyone for Alan Cumming as Carlotta?

[madbrian]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 10:51am

I thought Judy Kaye would make a great Sally. Agree that Betty Buckley would make a good Phyllis. How about Angela Lansbury singing "I'm Still Here"? Harriet Harris for "The Mirror Song"? Kelly Bishop for "Broadway Baby"?

[Jon]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 10:59am

Harry Groener as Buddy, please!
Joanna Gleason as Phyllis?

[madbrian]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 11:02am

Nathan Lane as Buddy?

[travismoser]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 11:11am

I think Joanna Gleason would be a great Phyllis, Jon. Liza HAS to be Carlotta! She's said in recent interviews that she'd like to do some sort of limited engagement like this. What about Carol Channing as Hattie?

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 11:12am

Carol Channing as Hattie.
Chita Rivera as Stella

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 11:14am

Since this is Encores, we'll probably get Karen Ziemba as Sally, Emily Skinner as Phyllis and Brent Barrett as Ben...

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 11:15am

I'm sure if Brian Stokes Mitchell's schedule allows it, he'll be one of the men.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 11:20am

Having seen the original 6 times at the impressionable age of 14, I dread each new concert and production.

The dazzling, mind-blowing staging (Michael Bennett's work) of the original minimized the flaws in the script, and the casting will never be as good because now all the Ethel Shuttas and Mary McCartys are dead.

The Roundabout revival completely misunderstood the message of the show, the London production was Follies on Prozac, and Follies in Concert had some good times but too many bum times. It's not enough to have a single Ann Miller or Polly Bergen in the cast--the entire cast has to have a pedigree or it just won't work.

I hate to be an old sourpuss, but who could they possibly get?

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 6/30/06 at 11:24am

Who knows, but I am thrilled at the prospect of seeing this concert. I have never, EVER seen FOLLIES live and it will be a literal dream come true.

I thought Yvonne de Carlo was dead...