Who's That Woman

The original cast, silent footage dubbed from the soundboard. This was the genius that was Michael Bennett.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Follies
• Alexis
• Smith
• Dorothy
• Collins
• Mary
• McCarty
• Yvonne
• DeCarlo
• Michael
• Bennett
• Stephen
• Sondheim

[MrRollerBladeAddict]

It's like an impressionist painting meets a 19th century moving image ... energy and color moving around in some kind of ecstatic reverie - or artifact from another era ... I guess that adds to the myth and mystery that surrounds this show. Whatever ... it's really great to see and hear this. The original intent and spirit is palpable in this clip. The fact that it has been handed down from one fanatic to another just adds to the legend. It's really incredible. "Lord, lord, LORRRRD ... "

[mitchellivers]

@MrRollerBladeAddict Love this comment: "energy and color moving around in some kind of ecstatic reverie." Thanks.

[helicalepile]

The ghosts of the old girls ... they actually are in black and white standing right next to their modern counterparts... and the sassy one in the back mocking the moves of Mary McCarthy... great showmanship... a marvel even by today's standards.

[mitchellivers]

@helicalepile Not just a "marvel even by today's standards"...nothing today matches the greatness of its showmanship.

And it's McCarty (with no "h")

[UncleCharlieOakley]

I was another of those lucky enough to see the original production multiple times, in Boston tryouts and then in New York. It remains the single greatest theatrical experience of my life. The show lifted me right out of my seat, it was so electrifying. Even now, I watched this clip getting chills and tearing up. Thank you for posting something I thought I'd never see again in my lifetime!

[jjarndyce]

After many years of searching, I've never seen any footage from this incredible show. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. Just to see Smith, Collins, the real stuff...it's so exciting.

[BaritoneBlogMan]

Mary McCarty had a wonderful earthy voice that was simply perfect for the role of Stella Deems. She's certain not an elegant woman, but damn it, she's a fun one! Life hasn't gone her way 100%, yet she laughs and smiles and ends up being more in control of her life than Phyllis, who has more money and fame than she. Go figure! And of course, the Michael Bennett choreography is the pinnacle of staging and sophistication!

[mitchellivers]

@MrRollerBladeAddict There was no additional cost. The dancers were already in the show: some of the showgirls as well as Young Buddy/Sally/Phyllis/Ben. Michael Bennett had been involved with Promises, Promises and Company, both of which used offstage singers to boost the sound during group numbers. (And in West Side Story, Jerome Robbins had used an offstage singer during "Somewhere.") Using offstage tappers was a logical extension. (Well, logical to Michael Bennett's genius's mind!)

[MrRollerBladeAddict]

@jjarndyce

Is that true? Dancers in the basement?  Can you imagine what that cost? (Wish I'd been there ...) What chutzpah ...

[teddymckenna]

Thank you!! Great footage-however fractured. 

[BabyDillGerkin]

@mitchellivers completely agree -- just saw FOLLIES at The Kennedy Center -- i don't think the world will ever see a FOLLIES that matches the original 1971 masterpiece

[companythemusical]

i crave being old so i fully get this show..half way is a stunner..so moving

[aasjb4ever]

As much as I love (read: LOVE) the revival at the Kennedy Center, the original never ceases to amaze me.