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Follies (2018 National Theatre Cast Recording) 2019

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Follies (2018 National Theatre Cast Recording) Album Once one of the costliest flops in Broadway history, Follies is now highly regarded as a true classic in musical theater canon. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Goldman, the piece is about a tumultuous reunion of performers from the fictional Weismann's Follies on the stage of the crumbling theatre they performed on between the two World Wars. The well-reviewed National Theatre revival, which ran through January 3, 2018, is scheduled to return to the West End this spring, and the sumptuously lush Follies (2018 National Theatre Cast Recording) is now available digitally.

Inspired by a New York Times article following former showgirls from the Ziegfeld Follies, Sondheim invited Goldman to write a new musical with him about ex-showgirls. Delving into the glitz and glamour of lavaliers, boas, fans, and sequins, Sondheim's score harkens back to the aural soundscapes of Broadway's infamous revues from the 1920s and 30s. This artfully constructed score which consistently grows into a fervidly feverish crescendo abounds with vibrant, heartfelt melodies and grand production numbers. From beginning to end, Sondheim weaves a pristinely affective tapestry of song that warms the heart as easily as it rends it apart through passionately yanking on the heartstrings.

When it comes to this particular material, the cast assembled for this production and recording could have easily been someone's fantasy casting for Follies. Yet, the stars aligned and made this dazzling line up a reality. Imelda Staunton's iteration of "Don't Look At Me" sparkles with an indefatigable and charming radiance, and the addition of Philip Quast is just icing on the cake. Quast is masterfully wistful on "The Road You Didn't Take," which is easily one of the best introspective musical soliloquies ever written. Staunton's iteration of "In Buddy's Eyes" is a masterclass in how to make a heartbreaking ballad about staying ageless in love while aging in life truly soar. Dawn Hope's vivacious "Who's That Woman" is commanding and authoritative. Tackling the sensational showstopper "I'm Still Here," Tracie Bennett offers a stirring performance that is touched by divinity. Janie Dee's "Could I Leave You" is delightfully bitter and brusque. Staunton's "Losing My Mind" is sung with wonderous aplomb, ravishing the heart as she powerfully chews her way through all the turmoil in the evocative ballad. Singing "Live, Laugh, Love," Quast utilizes his spectacular vocals to perfectly paint a portrait of a man hiding his many disappoints behind his flashy smile.

While it's not easily digestible or fodder for commercial consumerism, there is no denying that Follies is an example of music theater as truly sublime art. It is beautiful, ambitious, moving, perplexing, and enchanting. All of these elements are captured with astounding precision on Warner Classics's Follies (2018 National Theatre Cast Recording). This recording is a testament to the staying power of this musical too, emphasizing that the original 1971 Broadway production was just too ahead of its times to catch fire. Yet, in an era where audiences can either choose from musical confections concocted from the receipts of Hollywood blockbusters with scores by top 40 artists or soul-moving art, audiences are finally appreciative of and ready to feast on meaty pieces like Follies. Label: Arts Music



TCG Books Publishes IRONBOUND & SANCTUARY CITY By Martyna Majok
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 06, 2024

Discover the latest from TCG Books: IRONBOUND & SANCTUARY CITY by award-winning playwright Martyna Majok. Learn how to purchase.

Listen: GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL! Cast Album is Now Available Digitally
by Stephi Wild - May 03, 2024

The Original Broadway Cast Album of Gutenberg! The Musical! featuring GRAMMY® Award winners and Tony Award® nominees Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells has been released digitally on Friday, May 3. Listen to the album here!

FROM THE BACK OF THE HOUSE Memoir Of A Broadway Theatre Manager, To Be Published In June
by A.A. Cristi - May 01, 2024

Dan Landon was a Broadway theatre manager for nearly 40 years, working on more than 9000 performances of 50 shows. He has written his memoir, From the Back of the House, which will be published by Ibis Books on June 13, 2024.

New Children Book ADI'S NEW HOME Written To Make Immigration Easier For Children
by Blair Ingenthron - April 28, 2024

Home is where the heart stays connected. Join Adi as he learns that distance can never break the bonds of family.

Saxophonist Daniel Bennett Releases 'MR. BENNETT'S MIND'
by Blair Ingenthron - April 28, 2024

The Daniel Bennett Group is celebrating the release of their 10th studio album, Mr. Bennett's Mind on the Manhattan Daylight Media label.

Pianist & Composer Natalie Tenenbaum Releases New Album 'Standard Repertoire, Vol. 1'
by A.A. Cristi - April 26, 2024

Natalie Tenenbaum is a composer, pianist, and music producer recognized equally on the stages of Carnegie Hall, SXSW and Broadway for breaking the boundaries between classical composition, popular storytelling, and improvisational jazz to create acoustic and electro-acoustic concert music for a wide scope of artists.

Akropolis Reed Quintet, Pascal Le Boeuf and Christian Euman Release New Album, Are We Dreaming The Same Dream?
by A.A. Cristi - April 26, 2024

Are We Dreaming The Same Dream? - a new album from Akropolis Reed Quintet, composer and pianist Pascal Le Boeuf, and drummer Christian Euman - is out now on Bright Shiny Things.

New York Times Bestselling Author Jessica Shattuck Set for LITERARY IN THE LOUNGE Next Month
by Blair Ingenthron - April 20, 2024

On Tuesday, May 14 at 7pm, New York Times bestselling author Jessica Shattuck will visit The Music Hall Lounge with her new book, LAST HOUSE.

Roy Schreiber Releases New Book - A COAT OF MANY COLORS: PUTTING JEWISH CHARACTERS ON STAGE
by Blair Ingenthron - April 20, 2024

Roy Schreiber has announced the release of his latest book, A Coat of Many Colors: Putting Jewish Characters on Stage. Published by Bookbaby on February 1, 2024, the book is a collection of five diverse plays challenging traditional stereotypes of Jewish characters.

Brett Macias' New Latine Musical, AN UN-HERO'S JOURNEY, Releases Seven Song EP
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 15, 2024

Discover the new seven-song EP from the musical AN UN-HERO'S JOURNEY by Brett Macias. Learn more about the show!

Author V. De La Cruz Releases New Paranormal Thriller THE ENIGMA WITHIN
by Blair Ingenthron - April 14, 2024

V. de la Cruz has announced the release of her new supernatural thriller, The Enigma Within. This gripping tale explores the depths of the paranormal, weaving a story that will leave readers spellbound.

Photos: Go Inside the Recording Studio with Musical Film FROM CORINNE'S HEART
by Blair Ingenthron - April 14, 2024

The cast recording has finished in NYC at famed recording studio EastsideSound Recording Studio for the musical film From Corinne’s Heart. Check out photos here!

Joe Lycett's ART HOLE To Be Published This Autumn
by Blair Ingenthron - April 14, 2024

Anna Valentine, Managing Director of The Orion Publishing Group, has acquired World rights to Joe Lycett's Art Hole by Joe Lycett, from Hannah Chambers at Chambers Management, in a competitive eight way auction.

TCG Books and Arena Stage to Present Conversation & Book Signing with Todd London
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 05, 2024

Theatre Communications Group and Arena Stage will present a book release celebration for The Long Revolution: Sixty Years on the Frontlines of a New American Theatre by Zelda Fichandler. Learn more about the book and see how to attend the conversation.

Charlotte Church to Host First Ever Podcast For BBC Sounds: Kicking Back With The Cardiffians
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 05, 2024

Join Welsh singer-songwriter Charlotte Church as she hosts her first ever podcast, Kicking Back with the Cardiffians on BBC Sounds.

Jack Viertel's New Novel BROADWAY MELODY Is Now on Sale
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 02, 2024

Broadway Melody, the sweeping novel of love, ambition and defeat by veteran Broadway professional Jack Viertel is now available for purchase. Learn more about the book!

Exclusive Video: Listen to 'Hold On' From DISTANT THUNDER
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 01, 2024

Get an exclusive listen to 'Hold On' from Distant Thunder!

Michael Ramos Releases New Thriller MURDERS ON DEATH ROW
by Blair Ingenthron - March 30, 2024

Michael Ramos has announced the release of his new book, Murders on Death Row. This sequel to Silence in the Silos was released by The Native Publishers in March 2024.

Listen: WHITE GIRL IN DANGER Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording Out Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 29, 2024

YELLOW SOUND LABEL has released White Girl in Danger: Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording – the new musical from Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Michael R. Jackson. Listen here!

Aakash Chotrani Releases New Book HUMANS AND AI COEXISTENCE: TECHNOLOGY CHANGING THE WORLD ORDER
by Blair Ingenthron - March 24, 2024

Aakash Chotrani has announced the release of his new book Humans and AI Coexistence: Technology Changing the World Order. Independently published the book is set to launch on March 28, 2024.

3-CD Box Set of George Enescu's Full Symphonies and Romanian Rhapsodies 1 & 2, Out This April
by A.A. Cristi - March 22, 2024

Discover the Orchestre National de France's new 3-CD box set, led by Cristian Măcelaru, featuring George Enescu’s full symphonies and Romanian Rhapsodies 1 & 2.

THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA Digital Cast Recording Out Today
by A.A. Cristi - March 22, 2024

The original cast recording of THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA, the latest musical from acclaimed composer MICHAEL JOHN LaCHIUSA is now available for streaming.

Jay Moreland Releases New Military Fantasy THE LANGUAGE OF SPEARS: A SOULWASHER NOVEL
by Blair Ingenthron - March 20, 2024

Jay Moreland, a promising voice in the world of fantasy literature, has announced the release of his latest novel, The Language of Spears: A Soulwasher Novel. This new fantasy takes readers on an epic journey of conflict and redemption.

Broadway Composer and Keyboard Player Peter Calandra Releases New Improvised Piano Album 'SPIRIT'
by Blair Ingenthron - March 20, 2024

Broadway composer and keyboard player Peter Calandra has announced the release of his new album, 'Spirit.'

Lainie Kazan's Four Classic 60s Albums Available for the First Time in Almost 60 Years
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 19, 2024

Available for the first time in the nearly 60 years since they were introduced, the four 1960s vocal albums from Lainie Kazan are now streaming on all digital platforms.

Baggins & Gamgee Release New Novel THE ALLIANCE OF THE WEAK: VOLUME 1
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 19, 2024

Explore Taiwan's future in THE ALLIANCE OF THE WEAK: VOLUME 1 by Infinity A, a new novel from Baggins & Gamgee that delves into a world where flaws and disabilities redefine societal norms.

Marissa Jaret Winokur to Moderate Talk Back/Q&A for Author Stan Zimmerman at the Drama Bookshop
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 18, 2024

Tony award winner, Marissa Jaret Winokur, will moderate a Talk Back/Q&A for author Stan Zimmerman Tuesday, April 16th 7:30pm ET.

Interview: Roslyn Kind is Leading With Her Heart in 'The Look of Love / The Island'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 18, 2024

BroadwayWorld spoke with Roslyn Kind to discuss her medley 'The Look of Love' and 'The Island'. The musical artist discusses her career, her philosophy on love, and her new music video in this exclusive interview.

Ben West's THE AMERICAN MUSICAL: EVOLUTION OF AN ART FORM Sets April Release
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 15, 2024

Routledge, an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, will release the new book from musical theater artist and historian Ben West, The American Musical: Evolution of an Art Form, on April 1, 2024.

THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA Original Cast Recording to be Released Next Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 15, 2024

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS will release The Gardens of Anuncia (Original Cast Recording) – based on the recent Lincoln Center Theater production – in streaming and digital formats on Friday, March 22. Learn More about the show!



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