To those that point out that no one since has recreated Bennet's staging, I would say that if they had not only would they get flak for simply doing that, they wouldn't have done it as well. Think of West Side Story and how every production has someone "recreating" Robbins' original choreography.
I'm in heaven!! Never thought I'd get to see the fabulous Alexis Smith in Follies again. Having seen it twice at the Winter Garden in 1971 with the original cast, it was then and still is my most memorable musical theater experience. What a show. And this was without doubt, the hottest number in it.
THANK YOU. To me, this is the show, and not because it's the original, really. The new version is amateur-night, in terms of choreography and staging, compared to this, because Bennett and Prince knew how a STAR should move. It also doesn't hurt, that Smith has a class and voltage no one can touch.
@jjarndyce I 1000% agree. Jan Maxwell just looks awkward when she dances. I actually prefer Juliet Prowse. There was more movement in the LA revival. The original isn't my favorite (which is weird cuz i idolize Michael Bennett) but it sure is a hell of a lot better than the revival that is playing right now.
Everyone talks about the amazing the choreography on "Who's That Woman," and rightfully so, but starting at 2:39, Michael Bennett outdid himself. This is truly amazing footage and being able to see the integration of music and dance here is absolutely stunning. I love "Who's That Woman," but this is even better.
@Merkin4pres64 I agree. What made this choreography so unique and fantastic was that the dozen or more dancers never turned and faced the audience. The focus was entirely on Alexis and she was dazzling. You'll notice none of the other clips of this number in various revivals duplicate Michael Bennett's genius.
Thanks for posting; I love Jan Maxwell's cersion and I wanted to watch what earlier people do [: They should've given Jan good choreography like this, but still love both. <333
Thank you!!! Fantastic job of synching and thanks for the early generation video. I've never seen it looking so great. Now if they'd just give Jan Maxwell such great choreography.
Where did you find this?? Thanks so much!
spn1007 2 months ago
Alexis Smith was 49 at the time of this video.
fledee 3 months ago 2
Dam for 62 years old Alexis is dam fine!!!!!
RImusclebear1 4 months ago
I WILL NEVER TIRE OF SEEING THIS. ALEXIS. HEAVEN.
BabyDillGerkin 4 months ago
God yes.
Marcatissimo 4 months ago in playlist More videos from fledee
Wow! What a treat!
To those that point out that no one since has recreated Bennet's staging, I would say that if they had not only would they get flak for simply doing that, they wouldn't have done it as well. Think of West Side Story and how every production has someone "recreating" Robbins' original choreography.
yelanates 4 months ago
Is there any shame in staging Follies by recreating the original down to every sequin and set? Why mess with genius when no one can since surpass it?
ah123abc 5 months ago 5
@ah123abc No shame at all. Michael Bennet was a genius. But who could afford to stage it?
scottishphotographer 2 months ago
I'm in heaven!! Never thought I'd get to see the fabulous Alexis Smith in Follies again. Having seen it twice at the Winter Garden in 1971 with the original cast, it was then and still is my most memorable musical theater experience. What a show. And this was without doubt, the hottest number in it.
onirannam 5 months ago 2
PS What MikeyG said.
jjarndyce 5 months ago
THANK YOU. To me, this is the show, and not because it's the original, really. The new version is amateur-night, in terms of choreography and staging, compared to this, because Bennett and Prince knew how a STAR should move. It also doesn't hurt, that Smith has a class and voltage no one can touch.
jjarndyce 5 months ago 2
@jjarndyce I 1000% agree. Jan Maxwell just looks awkward when she dances. I actually prefer Juliet Prowse. There was more movement in the LA revival. The original isn't my favorite (which is weird cuz i idolize Michael Bennett) but it sure is a hell of a lot better than the revival that is playing right now.
llcooljay1887 3 months ago
@llcooljay1887 Juliet Prowse....Lord she was divine!
pudgeuncle 3 months ago
Everyone talks about the amazing the choreography on "Who's That Woman," and rightfully so, but starting at 2:39, Michael Bennett outdid himself. This is truly amazing footage and being able to see the integration of music and dance here is absolutely stunning. I love "Who's That Woman," but this is even better.
Merkin4pres64 5 months ago 2
@Merkin4pres64 I agree. What made this choreography so unique and fantastic was that the dozen or more dancers never turned and faced the audience. The focus was entirely on Alexis and she was dazzling. You'll notice none of the other clips of this number in various revivals duplicate Michael Bennett's genius.
onirannam 5 months ago in playlist Follies
No wonder she won the Tony Award.
tmlupone 6 months ago
Thanks for posting; I love Jan Maxwell's cersion and I wanted to watch what earlier people do [: They should've given Jan good choreography like this, but still love both. <333
BernadettePetersx3 7 months ago
Thank you!!! Fantastic job of synching and thanks for the early generation video. I've never seen it looking so great. Now if they'd just give Jan Maxwell such great choreography.
sallydurant 7 months ago
I'm pretty sure if there is a heaven, it's just a theater where we watch Alexis Smith perform this number over and over again.
MikeyG0901 8 months ago 10
this is freakin awesome!! Go Alexis Go!
philiperic66 8 months ago
Wow, wow, WOW! Thanks so much for posting!
jemb2000 8 months ago
Wonderful, thanks!
bajost 9 months ago