Review: Stunning FOLLIES at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

While I was watching FOLLIES, I was reminded of our own beloved Fox Theatre, and how it had tread a similar path during the 1970's. Like the fictional Weismann Theatre where this story's action takes place, it had been fallen on hard times, reduced to screening Kung-Fu and exploitation film fare before being renovated and reopened. But there is no restoration in the cards for the Weismann, and the people that come to it for one final celebrated glimpse may be nearing the point of being past reclamation themselves. This is superior Sondheim, and though it's not revived as often as some of his other works, it's full of the kind of interweaving melodies and motifs that this master composer is so adept at creating. Find out for yourself just how compelling and engaging this musical is by seeing The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' stunning production that opens their 50th season.

There's a party going on at the Weismannn Theatre hosted by Dimitri Weismann (a splendid Joneal Joplin). It's 1971, and performers who once graced that stage have been invited back for one last farewell. A number of acts return, including a pair of couples who find themselves on the brink as far as their respective marriages are concerned. The decaying remains of the theatre, and the last gasp of hope it provides mirrors these couples and their fractured relationships. As they sing and bicker, old infatuations are rekindled and lives reexamined. It's a fascinating trip into the past that leaves us wondering how it will all pan out once the evening ends and they enter the real world again.

The cast is really exceptional right down the line. And, Sondheim gives each supporting person(s) a chance to shine, in addition to individual pieces for the leads that highlight the climax of the second act. Christiane Noll is wonderful as Sally Durant Plummer, still deeply smitten with Benjamin Stone, but barely married to Buddy Plummer, who works as a traveling salesman. Adam Heller makes a nice impression as Buddy, likable, but away from home enough to leave behind a void. Emily Skinner is perfect as the icy socialite Phyllis Rogers Stone, still friendly with Sally, but watching her marriage fail to Ben, who's well played by Bradley Dean. Their "Follies" explore their various dreams and desires, and are a highlight of a show that has many. And special mention should be made of the fine efforts brought forth by their younger selves, who shadow them, reenacting their initial encounters: Kathryn Boswell (young Phyllis), Sarah Quinn Taylor (young Sally), Michael Williams (young Ben), and Cody Williams (young Buddy).

Amra-Faye Wright has an exotic air as Solange LaFitte, and Zoe Vonder Haar as Hattie Walker brings the house down the first time with her take on "Broadway Baby." E. Faye Butler as Stella Deems, delivers the goods with "Who's That Woman", a number made even better by Ralph Perkins' choreography. Nancy Opel works wonders as Carlotta Campion on the memorable "I'm Still Here." and Carol Skarimbas provides a study in contrast during "One More Kiss," as Heidi Schiller, alongside her younger self portrayed by Julie Hanson. Dorothy Stanley and James Young also provide a quaint tune early on with "Rain on the Roof," as Emily and Theodore Whitman, respectively.

Rob Ruggiero's direction is marvelously realized. His work with this material is simply superlative, and the entire cast does terrific work under his guidance. He's aided by Brad Haak's sparkling music supervision, and Ralph Perkins' clever choreography. Luke Cantarella outdoes himself with a decrepit, partially demolished, theatre that comes to vibrant life with his smartly executed scenic design. Amy Clark's gorgeous costumes add period flavor, and John Lasiter's lighting neatly captures every mood.

FOLLIES gets a brilliantly conceived staging by The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and it's a masterpiece you will not want to miss. This particular work of Sondheim's (book by James Goldman) is a bit of a rarity among his canon, so I urge you to catch it while you can! The show continues on the Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton through October 2, 2016.

Photo credit: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

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