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The Will Rogers Follies: A Life In Revue
The Will Rogers Follies is a musical with a book by Peter Stone, lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and music by Cy Coleman. It focuses on the life and career of famed humorist and performer Will Rogers, using as a backdrop the Ziegfeld Follies, which he often headlined, and describes every episode in his life in the form of a big production number. The Rogers character also performs rope tricks in between scenes. The revue contains snippets of Rogers' famous homespun style of wisdom and common sense and tries to convey the personality of this quintessentially American figure whose most famous quote was "I never met a man I didn't like."
Insights
Plot Summary
This filmed version of the Broadway musical "The Will Rogers Follies" chronicles the life and career of the beloved American humorist and entertainer, Will Rogers. It follows his journey from his humble beginnings to international stardom, showcasing his wit, his performances in Ziegfeld Follies, and his impact on American culture. The show is presented as a lavish revue, blending biographical elements with song, dance, and comedy routines.
Critical Reception
The original Broadway production was a critical and commercial success, winning Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Score. However, the filmed version received a more mixed reception, with some praising its entertainment value and nostalgic feel, while others found it lacking the energy and innovation of the stage show. Audiences generally appreciated the tribute to Rogers, but critics were divided on its artistic merits.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its nostalgic look at a beloved American icon.
Acknowledged for its musical numbers and lavish production design.
Criticized by some for lacking the dynamism of a live theatrical performance.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for the 1993 filmed version is not readily available in a consolidated format.
Awards & Accolades
The Broadway production won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Choreography. The filmed version did not receive major award nominations.
Fun Fact
The original Broadway production's choreographer, Tommy Tune, also directed and starred in the show, winning a Tony Award for his choreography and a second Tony for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Will Rogers.
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