Movie spotlight
Follies
The first Broadway production of the Tony Award winning musical Follies was presented during 1971 in New York City. Since its premiere, performances of Follies have been staged across the United States, England, Ireland and Australia. It would take over 40 years for the French premiere of the Stephen Sondheim musical about a Broadway theatre in decline. Performed in Toulon, the French premiere of Follies featured an international cast and was staged at the Toulon Opera House in 2013.
Insights
Plot Summary
A staged concert version of Stephen Sondheim's acclaimed musical 'Follies.' The story centers on a reunion of the performers of the "Follies" show at the crumbling Weismann Theatre. Amidst the decay, former showgirls and their husbands gather for one last performance, confronting their past loves, regrets, and the ghosts of their younger selves.
Critical Reception
This 2013 concert staging of 'Follies' was met with significant critical acclaim, particularly for its stellar cast and Sondheim's complex score. It was praised as a powerful and emotionally resonant interpretation of the musical, capturing both its spectacle and its profound exploration of aging and disillusionment.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its exceptional vocal performances and Sondheim's intricate musical arrangements.
Lauded for its emotionally resonant portrayal of memory, regret, and aging.
Considered a grand and moving theatrical event, despite being a concert staging.
Google audience: Audience reception for this specific staging is not widely aggregated on Google. However, general audience reactions to Sondheim's 'Follies' often highlight its sophisticated musicality and poignant themes.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.
Fun Fact
This production was filmed live at the Royal National Theatre in London and later screened in cinemas worldwide, bringing the stage performance to a broader audience.
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