Ugh. I'm so unimpressed by this dancing. She just walks around and lets the guys dance. Lame. I also think Phyllis needs to have more of an edge to her voice. But I can tell that her acting would be great. Phyllis is the best role in the whole show, much better than Sally.
I saw Follies on Broadway, twice, and, honestly I went in for Bernadette, but came out and the only name on my mind was Jan. She blew me away, I mean, I knew she was talented from her play work, but I had no idea she could sing or dance, I know it's early, but she at least needs to be nominated for her work, as she was beyond fantastic. I cant even put it into words, thats how good she was.
Nooo, Follies closed yesterday on Broadway. The good news is it's moving to LA. Did you really think it was going to end on Broadway without going to another theatre?
Detractors beware. Jan is the most underrated actress on the professional stage today. Dance? Hell yes! This woman is a triple threat and if you can't see it, put some glasses on....
I seriously can not stop watching this video. I'm seeing Follies tonight for the third time in a week. This number is by far my favorite. Jan maxwell 4eva.
Damn Jan can dance. I agree that the choreo on Broadway is so much better but it is such a treat to be able to watch her even doing this. I sure hope she wins the tony! She really does deserve it!
Jan Maxwell is a stunning beauty and a phenomenal actress and singer, even though she's not the best dancer, I think she could have handled more complicated choreography: see Alexis Smith dance the original on Youtube
I felt irked by the choreography in D.C., but I think Carlyle's accommodations to Jan work much better in New York. (Her post-opening choreography, not the dance she did in previews that was similar to this which was tearing her hamstrings.)
Yes, the new choreography is better, and no, Maxwell is not primarily a dancer (no Phyllis ever has been--news flash, morons, it's a role for a great actress who sings at least passably well and can dance some--and was taken to great effect by Diana Rigg, who is much less a dancer than Maxwell. it is NOT a Fosse role for Gwen Verdon or Chita Rivera or Ann Reinking, duh) . That said, has it ever occurred to any of the idle bitchers that Phyllis might just not BOTHER any more to be a great dancer
@maseraticboychik even if she once had been one? Jessie is cold as a slab--why would she be interested in looking like a hot tamale? Sondheim is nothing if not an IRONIST--completely lost on many of the fools who see Follies now.
@maseraticboychik Rigg didn't do this number. She did "Ah But Underneath" because she couldn't even move, let alone dance. Phyllis doesn't have to be a dancer, but if you're going to do THIS number, you have to at least move well and the choreography needs to frame Phyllis as flatteringly as possible. The point of this number is to make her look AMAZING, even if she isn't doing much (see Donna Murphy's "Lucy and Jessie"). Maxwell is phenomenal, but this original DC choreo does not do her favors.
@CottonBlossom1 Yes, I'm well aware that Rigg did not do 'Lucy and Jessie' --I can assure you, however, having seen her as Medea, that she has no trouble at ALL moving. She is not a dancer and it could not matter less. The DC choreo was not flattering to Maxwell, so they changed it. Having just, in Chicago, seen a brilliant Phyllis who CAN dance, I will say again this is the LEAST important part of the role
I actually don't like the Bway version as much as the KC version. There's less dancing in the new version and even if Jan Maxwell isn't the most perfectly trained dancer, I think it actually looks more awkward now than it did before and takes some of the oomph out of the song that was originally there. But I ADORE her Phyllis. (And her in general.)
I apologize beforehand, but I must add, having seen this and the original again here on the YT: this really, really stinks. No energy, no style, no nothin',.
Wow, that choreography is ... to be nice...not very good. Glad to hear it's improved upon. Some good ideas, but...glad I didn't spend my money on that production.
saw it tonight, and boy has it been IMPROVED!!! the only things retained are her initial movements on the first verses and the boys chant section. everything else has been changed for her and she sure danced the crap out this number.
saw it on sunday, they changed it some, but not enough. its her arms. they lift her alot more it the new version.she gave a flawless amazzzzing prformance. this number needs to change.if it is a concept thing, did not work. make her look better please, loved the show.page messed up the words on sunday also. bet she was pisssed
OH, yeah, I wanted to LOVE her But it's not that they asked her to do technically difficult moves. She can't even sell the arm moves and a hip shrug? That's crazy. Hope it's improved before my tickets for the Broadway production!
Maxwell is wonderful, yes, but I agree with the majority that her dancing isn't quite up to par. "Ah, But Underneath" would've been a good option here, however, it's understandable why they wanted "Lucy and Jessie" included.
i think she looks bawdy and sexy and like she is dancing from someplace really naughty. i have no problems with her dancing. that is the gift of a great actor
I love Jan Maxwell and think she is a fierce Phyllis, but the choreographer needs to change the choreography in this song. You CANNOT have the leading lady look incompetent (which she sadly does esp compared to the chorus boys behind her). Also do you have the video of her "Could I Leave You?" Thank you!!!!
@JonathonHamel Completely agree. Maxwell was brilliant in the role, but she looked terribly out of her element with this choreography. I hope they tweak a bit before the Broadway run starts so that the number fits her better.
@sauja32 All things considered, yeah, but parhaps since this is 'supposed' to be her breakdown song, it's on purpose. Could have been done better if that was the case even so, though.
@OndoreC77@sauja32@JonathonHamel I am so glad to read these comments! I thought I was the only one who thought this. I love Jan Maxwell, and she's certainly a wonderful Phyllis, but dancing is not her strong suite. She looks foolish in this number. In "Who's That Woman" it kind of works, but she lacks the grace to make this number look sexy and effortless. I was shocked that Ben Brantley praised her dancing in the NYTimes review.
@Splurge24 Keep in mind that this is the Kennedy Center choreography. The only things that are the same from this video are the very beginning and the chant section. Jan's dancing is much better now, and the number is a knockout.
Ugh. I'm so unimpressed by this dancing. She just walks around and lets the guys dance. Lame. I also think Phyllis needs to have more of an edge to her voice. But I can tell that her acting would be great. Phyllis is the best role in the whole show, much better than Sally.
llcooljay1887 1 month ago
This choreography is SO much better than the Broadway choreography...
theemaestro576 1 month ago
I saw Follies on Broadway, twice, and, honestly I went in for Bernadette, but came out and the only name on my mind was Jan. She blew me away, I mean, I knew she was talented from her play work, but I had no idea she could sing or dance, I know it's early, but she at least needs to be nominated for her work, as she was beyond fantastic. I cant even put it into words, thats how good she was.
WWEQAF 1 month ago
Nooo, Follies closed yesterday on Broadway. The good news is it's moving to LA. Did you really think it was going to end on Broadway without going to another theatre?
broadway157 1 month ago
Detractors beware. Jan is the most underrated actress on the professional stage today. Dance? Hell yes! This woman is a triple threat and if you can't see it, put some glasses on....
DrJCliveSpiegel 1 month ago
I seriously can not stop watching this video. I'm seeing Follies tonight for the third time in a week. This number is by far my favorite. Jan maxwell 4eva.
maggiepower 2 months ago
THANK YOU SO MUCH
maggiepower 2 months ago
I agree with PLSalazar11. She MUST win it or I am DONE with the Tonys.
Jonathanbroder 2 months ago in playlist Broadway
Damn Jan can dance. I agree that the choreo on Broadway is so much better but it is such a treat to be able to watch her even doing this. I sure hope she wins the tony! She really does deserve it!
broadwaybabe1234 3 months ago
Fantastic choreography!
fivescompanymusic 3 months ago in playlist Follies Washington
Jan Maxwell is a stunning beauty and a phenomenal actress and singer, even though she's not the best dancer, I think she could have handled more complicated choreography: see Alexis Smith dance the original on Youtube
cgoodrich1184 3 months ago
Love the choreo starting at 3:56
kevkevshields 3 months ago
I felt irked by the choreography in D.C., but I think Carlyle's accommodations to Jan work much better in New York. (Her post-opening choreography, not the dance she did in previews that was similar to this which was tearing her hamstrings.)
aasjb4ever 4 months ago
Yes, the new choreography is better, and no, Maxwell is not primarily a dancer (no Phyllis ever has been--news flash, morons, it's a role for a great actress who sings at least passably well and can dance some--and was taken to great effect by Diana Rigg, who is much less a dancer than Maxwell. it is NOT a Fosse role for Gwen Verdon or Chita Rivera or Ann Reinking, duh) . That said, has it ever occurred to any of the idle bitchers that Phyllis might just not BOTHER any more to be a great dancer
maseraticboychik 4 months ago
@maseraticboychik even if she once had been one? Jessie is cold as a slab--why would she be interested in looking like a hot tamale? Sondheim is nothing if not an IRONIST--completely lost on many of the fools who see Follies now.
maseraticboychik 4 months ago
@maseraticboychik Rigg didn't do this number. She did "Ah But Underneath" because she couldn't even move, let alone dance. Phyllis doesn't have to be a dancer, but if you're going to do THIS number, you have to at least move well and the choreography needs to frame Phyllis as flatteringly as possible. The point of this number is to make her look AMAZING, even if she isn't doing much (see Donna Murphy's "Lucy and Jessie"). Maxwell is phenomenal, but this original DC choreo does not do her favors.
CottonBlossom1 3 months ago
@CottonBlossom1 Yes, I'm well aware that Rigg did not do 'Lucy and Jessie' --I can assure you, however, having seen her as Medea, that she has no trouble at ALL moving. She is not a dancer and it could not matter less. The DC choreo was not flattering to Maxwell, so they changed it. Having just, in Chicago, seen a brilliant Phyllis who CAN dance, I will say again this is the LEAST important part of the role
maseraticboychik 3 months ago
I'm obsessed with this.
bwaybaby82 4 months ago
AMAZING! I went to this on Broadway and the first thing I searched was "Follies, Lucy and Jessie"
sondheiminecraft 4 months ago
My favourite dance number! Jan Maxwell is gorgeous. :)
ojj75 4 months ago
I love Jan Maxwell so fricken much. AHH.
theemaestro576 5 months ago
I actually don't like the Bway version as much as the KC version. There's less dancing in the new version and even if Jan Maxwell isn't the most perfectly trained dancer, I think it actually looks more awkward now than it did before and takes some of the oomph out of the song that was originally there. But I ADORE her Phyllis. (And her in general.)
laurenc141 5 months ago
I apologize beforehand, but I must add, having seen this and the original again here on the YT: this really, really stinks. No energy, no style, no nothin',.
jjarndyce 6 months ago
Yikes. The choreography is pitiful. She moves without ANY of the class of Phyllis. This is really, really amateurish-looking.
jjarndyce 6 months ago
does anyone else think there's something weirdly perfect about the way she flicks her hands at 1:18?
Medustax 6 months ago 7
If Jan Maxwell doesn't win the Tony this year I'll be disgusted! I mean losing to scar-jo last year was ridiculous. IDIOTS!
PLSalazar11 6 months ago 14
agreed! Everytime she took the stage I said to myself,, "TONY!"---hands down!
MissDave120363 1 month ago
the choreography is completely different now. It is much better. That being said, I still enjoyed this a lot.
BeckoffShow 6 months ago
Wow, that choreography is ... to be nice...not very good. Glad to hear it's improved upon. Some good ideas, but...glad I didn't spend my money on that production.
encorebc 6 months ago
MUCH better in NYC- Don't miss it!!!
keigum 6 months ago 2
saw it tonight, and boy has it been IMPROVED!!! the only things retained are her initial movements on the first verses and the boys chant section. everything else has been changed for her and she sure danced the crap out this number.
macmc24 6 months ago
Comment removed
catstaffo 6 months ago
She was good in this song, but "Could I Leave You" is where you really see Jan Maxwell's talent.
Beejeification 6 months ago 2
I love her voice, perfect for this song [:
BernadettePetersx3 7 months ago
saw it on sunday, they changed it some, but not enough. its her arms. they lift her alot more it the new version.she gave a flawless amazzzzing prformance. this number needs to change.if it is a concept thing, did not work. make her look better please, loved the show.page messed up the words on sunday also. bet she was pisssed
MSe6144525 7 months ago
OH, yeah, I wanted to LOVE her But it's not that they asked her to do technically difficult moves. She can't even sell the arm moves and a hip shrug? That's crazy. Hope it's improved before my tickets for the Broadway production!
BethElaineSmith 7 months ago
Maxwell is wonderful, yes, but I agree with the majority that her dancing isn't quite up to par. "Ah, But Underneath" would've been a good option here, however, it's understandable why they wanted "Lucy and Jessie" included.
boynamedalexxx 7 months ago
i think she looks bawdy and sexy and like she is dancing from someplace really naughty. i have no problems with her dancing. that is the gift of a great actor
patnstephen2 7 months ago
I love Jan Maxwell and think she is a fierce Phyllis, but the choreographer needs to change the choreography in this song. You CANNOT have the leading lady look incompetent (which she sadly does esp compared to the chorus boys behind her). Also do you have the video of her "Could I Leave You?" Thank you!!!!
JonathonHamel 7 months ago 2
@JonathonHamel Completely agree. Maxwell was brilliant in the role, but she looked terribly out of her element with this choreography. I hope they tweak a bit before the Broadway run starts so that the number fits her better.
sauja32 7 months ago
@sauja32 All things considered, yeah, but parhaps since this is 'supposed' to be her breakdown song, it's on purpose. Could have been done better if that was the case even so, though.
OndoreC77 7 months ago
@OndoreC77 @sauja32 @JonathonHamel I am so glad to read these comments! I thought I was the only one who thought this. I love Jan Maxwell, and she's certainly a wonderful Phyllis, but dancing is not her strong suite. She looks foolish in this number. In "Who's That Woman" it kind of works, but she lacks the grace to make this number look sexy and effortless. I was shocked that Ben Brantley praised her dancing in the NYTimes review.
Splurge24 7 months ago
@Splurge24 Keep in mind that this is the Kennedy Center choreography. The only things that are the same from this video are the very beginning and the chant section. Jan's dancing is much better now, and the number is a knockout.
maggiepower 2 months ago 2
Amazing lighting. Especially from 4:04 ; when the men jump up, the lights turn blue. It's so interesting, they should be proud. [;
BernadettePetersx3 7 months ago
Please post I'm Still Here and Could I leave you!!! Love those songs!!!!
Grune123 7 months ago
Those men are AMAZING! LOVE this choreography!
fosseboi 8 months ago
Please please post Buddy Blues! That was my fav part of the show! And thank you!
grindhousegirlie 8 months ago
YOU ARE MY HERO.
aasjb4ever 8 months ago
This was my other favorite part (: please , post more Bernadette and Jan :D
BernadettePetersx3 8 months ago