Follies
This may get me a load of side-eye, but I’ve never been a big Sondheim fan. I like some of his music but there are a few of his shows that I’d be perfectly happy never seeing again. Follies isn’t one of those. Admittedly, I had never seen it before walking into the Granville Arts Center to see Garland Civic Theatre’s excellent production, but it’s definitely one worth seeing multiple times.
The razor-thin plot involves a reunion in 1971 in the soon-to-be demolished Weismann Theatre, where a number of former showgirls get together and reminisce about their showbiz careers from the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s. This involves several of these former showgirls performing their signature numbers, often accompanied by the ghosts of their younger selves. Highlights include Sally Soldo’s dynamite “Broadway Baby” and Francine Simpson as joined by older and younger singers and dancers in “Who’s That Woman?” The ladies are introduced by a terrific Ken O’Reilly singing “Beautiful Girls.” One of the things I really loved about Follies was the juxtaposition of the older and younger characters, seamlessly interwoven throughout the various numbers.
The additional “plot” involves two couples who were friends in the old days and got married...although perhaps not to the right person. Sally Durant Plummer is married to Buddy, but has always held a torch for her friend Phyllis’s husband, Ben Stone. Buddy really loves his wife but is still having an affair with 29-year-old Margie. Phyllis and Ben aren’t happy and haven’t really ever been, and Ben often fools around, even leading Sally to believe he’s finally ready to marry her while still coming on to other women at the reunion. Phyllis is cynical and jaded, but just wants to know what the heck is going on with her life and her marriage. If this sounds confusing, add two sets of actors playing each character!
Christine Phelan and DonnaMarie Knight share the roles of Sally and Young Sally, beautifully showing us their idealized view of Ben and Young Ben, played by Dan Servetnick and Bryson Borlan. Real-life couple Steve Golin and Whitney Golin play Sally’s and Ben’s spouses, Buddy and Phyllis, with their younger selves perfectly portrayed by Robbie Voight and Brooke Matthews. Kudos must go to directors Patty Granville and David Tinney for their masterful casting of these actors! They were all 100% believable as each other throughout. Kudos, too, of course, to the actors themselves. I wish I had space to write a glowing paragraph about each one of them, as they all brought their A-game and made me believe their joy and their pain through their acting and songs.
Tinney also designed the set, and I have to say that I loved the gaudy proscenium arch, the use of the scrim at the beginning, and the red curtain throughout, along with the obligatory curved staircase (a la Ziegfeld). This was enhanced by Hank Baldree’s beautiful lighting design.
Kerra Sims is one of the busiest costume designers in the area these days, and she knocks it out of the park in Follies! From the ladies’ reunion finery to hats and boas and wigs to tuxes to matching chorus girl outfits, everyone looked just as they should – only better!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing live, on-stage orchestra, led by the brilliant Scott A. Eckert. His ensemble of five, rounded out by Ben Barker, Joe Feldstein, Chad Ostermiller, and Alan Pollard, fill the theatre. Be sure to stick around after the curtain call while they finish out their final number. It’s worth it! Eckert also serves as Music Director for the show and everyone’s vocals are top notch.
Follies is one of these shows that isn’t done very often. It’s a large cast, and many of the characters sit around a lot, but they’re all needed. If you’re a Sondheim fan, you should see Garland Civic Theatre’s wonderful production of Follies. If you aren’t a Sondheim fan, you should see Garland Civic Theatre’s wonderful production of Follies. You won’t regret it.
There’s NOTHING like live theatre!
Carol M. Rice
Audience Rating: PG
Running Time: about 2:20 with intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory-friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Showing: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable
Noises or Visuals to Prepare For: None of note
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