This looks like it was/is a good production but I was fortunate to see the original a number of times at the Winter Garden. Revivals are important to allow younger generations to see a musical but it should be revived as it was originally done. Some things cannot be and should not be fiddled with. Follies is one of those things. It had problems and was uneven but it was a true piece of theatrical art. This is something akin to sending someone into a museum to retouch an old master's painting.
I guess it's pure economics, but why wasn't this ''Follies'' revival released on DVD/BluRay? Given the expense of mounting a full production it'll be a long, long time before it's seen again on Broadway, and a national tour is impossible, so I'd think there might be a viable commercial market for a DVD release.
@PecsMaster Her voice isn't as powerful as it once was, but it's still lovely and has a quality to it that is singular to her. Her soprano and head voice is just as strong, if not stronger, than ever. Moreover, her performances transcends magnificence.
Someone mentioned how well-cast this is. Sorry, but for all-star casting go to the Lincoln Center highlight version-Hearn, Patinkin, Cook,Remick, Strich, Burnett, Comden and Green and on and on. It will never be equalled.
@hfelton Some of us are very fond of the original production. I got to see it twice (Dorothy Collins, Alexis Smith and Yvonne de Carlo, Mary McCarty singing Mirror Mirror and Ethel Shutta doing Broadway Baby). It was superb
@rowanorre Lucky, lucky, lucky you! I've seen other Broadway productions including Lincoln Center, the other with Bylthe Danner...but nothing could touch the original.
I saw the original in 1972, and the differnce between those people were they were those people. And these people act as if there are those people and the they aren't. For me I think people want this to be good. But womewhere we lost it. And no one loves Sondheim more than I. Over acted and over sung sad.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
I saw the original in 1972, and the differnce between those people were they were those people. And these people act as if there are those people and the they aren't. For me I think people want this to be good. But womewhere we lost it. And no one loves Sondheim more than I.
I saw this in New York and it was spectacular. I have to say, though, Jan Maxwell completely stole the show and this preview almost completely ignores her. Her two big songs (Leave You, Lucy and Jesse) were show stoppers in every way. And she's a phenomenal dancer! She was flawless. Simply flawless...
The original was my first Broadway experience and I was floored. Last night was a dream come true after almost 40 years and to have the incandescent Bernadette Peters, cold or no, was magical. It was bittersweet to see her perform Am I Losing My Mind where she had to actually cough twice, poor thing, but she bravely hit the notes and killed it. The production was lush considering the demand for a glamorous look. True, non-manufactured talent was on hand (refreshing). Ms. Page a knockout.
I am struggling to enjoy this. I saw the late 80s London Production and listen to the CD often. This feels a little budget in comparison. Why when BP sings does she not follow the original tempo? In Buddys Eyes is laboured and I keep waiting for her to start the next line. As another reviewer said, BP often sings like she has cold but here sounds like she has flu. Even Elaine's version pales compared to other version. Im still here is a gift for a performer but its wasted. I would love t
I am struggling to enjoy this. I saw the late 80s London Production and listen to the CD often. This feels a little budget in comparison. Why when BP sings does she not follow the original tempo? In Buddys Eyes is laboured and I keep waiting for her to start the next line. As another reviewer said, BP often sings like she has cold but here sounds like she has flu. Even Elaine's version pales compared to other version. Im still here is a gift for a performer but its wasted. I would love t
Jan Maxwell is a magnificent Phylis but Bernadette is incandescent as Sally. She should win her third Tony for her performance. Even if she doesn't in my mind she's a winner. I saw it at the Kennedy Center and it wasn't perfect but I'm sure it is now.
I really liked Jan Maxwell's delivery of "The Story of Lucy and Jessie," but hated the choreography at Kennedy Center. I heard they revamped it for the transfer and is supposed to be much better. Has anyone seen the new choreography?
@Merkin4pres64 The choreography has been nearly completely re-done (and I presume has probably been tinkered with even more since I saw it 2 weeks ago), and it's much, much better.
BP may get top billing but Jan Maxwell steals the show as she is marvelous as Phyllis. Would also be over the moon if EP got a Tony nod in a supporting role. Her time on stage is short but terrific. And her delivery of "I'm Still Here" is worthy of a Tony. Also add a category for "ensemble dance by a bunch of older broads". "Whose That Woman" wins hands down. It is perhaps the highlight of the show.
@Chatharsis I disagree. I may be a BP fanatic, and while Jan Maxwell is wonderful, I can objectively say that Peters is nothing short of magnificant in "Follies". Peters takes Sally, a far less "showy" role than Phyllis, and makes it a painfully realistic portrait of a tortured soul. I was honestly, completely crushed. Never before has Sally's anguish been so seething and wrenching. As I said, Maxwell is a divine Phyllis, but Peters' performance left me sucker-punched.
@boynamedalexxx Well to each his own. I was not taken by her performance at all. I'm sure there are those that were and are as you are. But Maxwell took the show for me just as Alexis Smith took it in the original in 1971.
@Chatharsis Well, I do have a preference for the Sally character, as it's a richer albeit less showy part, hence the actress playing it usually receives the praise (the only time I gravitated towards Phyllis was when she was portrayed by Donna Murphy at Encores!).
@boynamedalexxx I've always loved bernadette and i can hear her put everything in to this role but when you go see this, do you actually see emotion in her face? It looks like she's hurting herself to open her eyes or something
@Medustax Yes, I just saw it a week ago, and was seriously overwhelmed by her delivery and the look of ache on her face...she feels the material deeply. I can't wait to see it again.
This looks like it was/is a good production but I was fortunate to see the original a number of times at the Winter Garden. Revivals are important to allow younger generations to see a musical but it should be revived as it was originally done. Some things cannot be and should not be fiddled with. Follies is one of those things. It had problems and was uneven but it was a true piece of theatrical art. This is something akin to sending someone into a museum to retouch an old master's painting.
timwil09 3 weeks ago
I guess it's pure economics, but why wasn't this ''Follies'' revival released on DVD/BluRay? Given the expense of mounting a full production it'll be a long, long time before it's seen again on Broadway, and a national tour is impossible, so I'd think there might be a viable commercial market for a DVD release.
hfelton 3 weeks ago
Bernadette Peters sounds very labored. How sad, she is one of my favorites of all time. She is just passed her vocal prime I guess.
PecsMaster 2 months ago
@PecsMaster Her voice isn't as powerful as it once was, but it's still lovely and has a quality to it that is singular to her. Her soprano and head voice is just as strong, if not stronger, than ever. Moreover, her performances transcends magnificence.
boynamedalexxx 2 months ago 3
Someone mentioned how well-cast this is. Sorry, but for all-star casting go to the Lincoln Center highlight version-Hearn, Patinkin, Cook,Remick, Strich, Burnett, Comden and Green and on and on. It will never be equalled.
hfelton 3 months ago
@hfelton Some of us are very fond of the original production. I got to see it twice (Dorothy Collins, Alexis Smith and Yvonne de Carlo, Mary McCarty singing Mirror Mirror and Ethel Shutta doing Broadway Baby). It was superb
rowanorre 1 month ago
@rowanorre Lucky, lucky, lucky you! I've seen other Broadway productions including Lincoln Center, the other with Bylthe Danner...but nothing could touch the original.
SuccessinActing 1 month ago
Some great performances by many of Broadway's biggest stars shown here! Can't wait to see this show!
LIBeachcub 3 months ago
Amaaaaazing.
thaispontes 4 months ago
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I saw the original in 1972, and the differnce between those people were they were those people. And these people act as if there are those people and the they aren't. For me I think people want this to be good. But womewhere we lost it. And no one loves Sondheim more than I. Over acted and over sung sad.
robbey10 4 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I saw the original in 1972, and the differnce between those people were they were those people. And these people act as if there are those people and the they aren't. For me I think people want this to be good. But womewhere we lost it. And no one loves Sondheim more than I.
robbey10 4 months ago
Superb casting - magnificent performance - saw it last week on the great white way!
sallyjdawg 5 months ago
I agree...Bernadette Peters and Elaine Paige were the reasons I went to see the show, but that Jan Maxwell - WOW! WOW! and WOW! She is UNbelievable.
hortondlfn 5 months ago 11
I saw this in New York and it was spectacular. I have to say, though, Jan Maxwell completely stole the show and this preview almost completely ignores her. Her two big songs (Leave You, Lucy and Jesse) were show stoppers in every way. And she's a phenomenal dancer! She was flawless. Simply flawless...
go16997 5 months ago 6
The original was my first Broadway experience and I was floored. Last night was a dream come true after almost 40 years and to have the incandescent Bernadette Peters, cold or no, was magical. It was bittersweet to see her perform Am I Losing My Mind where she had to actually cough twice, poor thing, but she bravely hit the notes and killed it. The production was lush considering the demand for a glamorous look. True, non-manufactured talent was on hand (refreshing). Ms. Page a knockout.
MrRogergordon401 5 months ago
love elaine page, hate her wig -__-
megan132 5 months ago
I am struggling to enjoy this. I saw the late 80s London Production and listen to the CD often. This feels a little budget in comparison. Why when BP sings does she not follow the original tempo? In Buddys Eyes is laboured and I keep waiting for her to start the next line. As another reviewer said, BP often sings like she has cold but here sounds like she has flu. Even Elaine's version pales compared to other version. Im still here is a gift for a performer but its wasted. I would love t
kevhippo 5 months ago
I am struggling to enjoy this. I saw the late 80s London Production and listen to the CD often. This feels a little budget in comparison. Why when BP sings does she not follow the original tempo? In Buddys Eyes is laboured and I keep waiting for her to start the next line. As another reviewer said, BP often sings like she has cold but here sounds like she has flu. Even Elaine's version pales compared to other version. Im still here is a gift for a performer but its wasted. I would love t
kevhippo 5 months ago
Elaine Paige, Bernadette Peters and Terry White all in one show?! I could die, that kind of casting happens once in a life time
sweeney60 5 months ago
Jan Maxwell is a magnificent Phylis but Bernadette is incandescent as Sally. She should win her third Tony for her performance. Even if she doesn't in my mind she's a winner. I saw it at the Kennedy Center and it wasn't perfect but I'm sure it is now.
BWAY62 5 months ago
Comment removed
chilvari 5 months ago
I really liked Jan Maxwell's delivery of "The Story of Lucy and Jessie," but hated the choreography at Kennedy Center. I heard they revamped it for the transfer and is supposed to be much better. Has anyone seen the new choreography?
Merkin4pres64 5 months ago
@Merkin4pres64 The choreography has been nearly completely re-done (and I presume has probably been tinkered with even more since I saw it 2 weeks ago), and it's much, much better.
boynamedalexxx 5 months ago
Bernadette Peters <3 I really wanna see this, partially because of her and partially because it looks like a really fun and enjoyable production!
chilvari 5 months ago
Bernadette Peters singing "Losing My Mind" in a revival of Follies.... I just died.
ThePhantom135 5 months ago
Comment removed
ThePhantom135 5 months ago
BP may get top billing but Jan Maxwell steals the show as she is marvelous as Phyllis. Would also be over the moon if EP got a Tony nod in a supporting role. Her time on stage is short but terrific. And her delivery of "I'm Still Here" is worthy of a Tony. Also add a category for "ensemble dance by a bunch of older broads". "Whose That Woman" wins hands down. It is perhaps the highlight of the show.
Chatharsis 6 months ago
@Chatharsis I disagree. I may be a BP fanatic, and while Jan Maxwell is wonderful, I can objectively say that Peters is nothing short of magnificant in "Follies". Peters takes Sally, a far less "showy" role than Phyllis, and makes it a painfully realistic portrait of a tortured soul. I was honestly, completely crushed. Never before has Sally's anguish been so seething and wrenching. As I said, Maxwell is a divine Phyllis, but Peters' performance left me sucker-punched.
boynamedalexxx 6 months ago
@boynamedalexxx Well to each his own. I was not taken by her performance at all. I'm sure there are those that were and are as you are. But Maxwell took the show for me just as Alexis Smith took it in the original in 1971.
Chatharsis 6 months ago
@Chatharsis Well, I do have a preference for the Sally character, as it's a richer albeit less showy part, hence the actress playing it usually receives the praise (the only time I gravitated towards Phyllis was when she was portrayed by Donna Murphy at Encores!).
boynamedalexxx 6 months ago
@boynamedalexxx I've always loved bernadette and i can hear her put everything in to this role but when you go see this, do you actually see emotion in her face? It looks like she's hurting herself to open her eyes or something
Medustax 6 months ago
@Medustax Yes, I just saw it a week ago, and was seriously overwhelmed by her delivery and the look of ache on her face...she feels the material deeply. I can't wait to see it again.
boynamedalexxx 6 months ago
Elaine,you are so outstanding! I am obsessed with you!
fandodo223 6 months ago
Elaine Paige is gorgeous!
earlady66 6 months ago 2
@earlady66 undoubtedly !
m12332112345 6 months ago
I swear if Jan Maxwell doesnt win a Tony this year, we riot
WWEQAF 6 months ago
@WWEQAF ....I'm praying for Bernadette.
boynamedalexxx 6 months ago