My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Follies (2018 National Theatre Cast Recording) 2019


Follies (2018 National Theatre Cast Recording) Album Cover Art About the 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



Related Articles
BEAU THE MUSICAL to Release Off-Broadway Cast Recording
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 13, 2026

Beau The Musical will release an Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording led by Drama Desk Award nominee Matt Rodin.

Liza Minnelli's Signed Memoir Copies May Be Fake, Buyers Claim
by Josh Sharpe - May 12, 2026

Some buyers who purchased copies of Liza Minnelli's recent memoir, 'Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!' are seeking refunds after determining that the premium signed copies may not be authentic.

Niki J. Borger Releases New One-Act Play Collection IN-BETWEEN
by A.A. Cristi - May 08, 2026

Playwright Niki J.

Listen: Neyla Pekarek of The Lumineers Releases Single 'Never Enough' With Mary-Kate Morrissey
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 08, 2026

Joy Machine Records will release the new EP The Queen of Magic, the new musical written by Neyla Pekarek – the singer/songwriter formerly of The Lumineers.

HAMILTON is Coming to Blu-Ray With Special Collector's Edition
by Stephi Wild - May 08, 2026

The filmed version of Hamilton will be released for the first time in 4K UHD Blu-ray this summer.

Listen: Josh Groban Releases New Album 'CINEMATIC'
by Stephi Wild - May 08, 2026

Josh Groban released CINEMATIC, a 10-track album of classic film songs via Reprise Records.

THE OFFICE: SUPERFAN EPISODES Coming to Blu-ray This Summer
by Josh Sharpe - May 06, 2026

NBC's hit sitcom The Office will bring home the extended 'Superfan' cuts of the series in a new box set, as first seen on the Peacock streaming service.

DENAMIS and Sasco Team Up for Poetry Album 'Depletion Halos'
by Josh Sharpe - May 04, 2026

Electronic hip hop producer and composer Sascois is collaborating with poet DENAMIS (aka Dena Igusti) on an upcoming documentary poetry album titled 'Depletion Halos.

OLIVER! Star Shani Wallis Releases Retrospective Collection of Early Recordings
by Josh Sharpe - May 01, 2026

A new collection of recordings is now available from Shani Wallis, who starred as Nancy in the 1968 film adaptation of Oliver! The new release is the first retrospective CD spotlighting the early recordings of the performer.

Exclusive: Listen to 'Skyfall' from Josh Groban's New CINEMATIC Album
by Nicole Rosky - May 01, 2026

Josh Groban will soon release a new album, Cinematic.

PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK Cast Recording Set for Release on Streaming
by A.A. Cristi - April 30, 2026

Center Stage Records announced the release of the PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK: THE MUSICAL original Off-Broadway cast recording, featuring music by Greta Gertler Gold and lyrics by Hilary Bell, with a UK premiere planned for 2027.

Listen: Melissa Errico & Travis Moser Release Judy Collins Live Album
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 27, 2026

Tony Award-nominee Melissa Errico and cabaret artist Travis Moser released 'Someday Soon: The Songs of Judy Collins Live at The Green Room 42,' recorded live following a City Winery tour.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC Tiny Vinyl Now Exclusively Available at Target
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 24, 2026

The Sound of Music Tiny Vinyl is now available for purchase exclusively at Target.

Countertenor John Holiday To Release Debut Album 'Over My Head' on PENTATONE
by A.A. Cristi - April 23, 2026

Countertenor John Holiday announced his debut album, Over My Head, on PENTATONE, blending spirituals, art song, and world premiere recordings by Theo Morrison and Carlos Simon, with pianist Kevin Miller.

Betty Buckley Will Release 'Enough' Single, From Sara Bareilles' THE INTERESTINGS Musical
by Nicole Rosky - April 24, 2026

Tony Award–winning stage and screen icon Betty Buckley releases her  new single, “Enough,” written by GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles.

Broadway’s Joomin Hwang Releases 'The Rule of Five Journal'
by Stephi Wild - April 23, 2026

Broadway performer Joomin Hwang, currently appearing in & JULIET, has released The Rule of Five Journal, a daily practice system rooted in neuroscience and positive psychology designed to build clarity and resilience.

Exclusive: Ben Platt & Rachel Zegler Sing 'Next Ten Minutes' from THE LAST FIVE YEARS 25th Anniversary Album
by Nicole Rosky - April 19, 2026

Atlantic Records will release the live recording of Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown’s THE LAST FIVE YEARS (25th Anniversary Live at the London Palladium), featuring Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner Ben Platt and Golden Globe, NBR, and Olivier winner Rachel Zegler.

PROTECTING MY PEACE...AT ALL COSTS By Garcelle Beauvais To Audible Original Recording Out In May
by A.A. Cristi - April 17, 2026

Garcelle Beauvais will release a new Audible Original, Protecting My Peace.

Stevie Holland Releases TALK TO YOUR TOMATOES Vinyl, Sets 54 Below Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 17, 2026

Jazz vocalist Stevie Holland announced the vinyl release of her album TALK TO YOUR TOMATOES, featuring originals and standards, alongside an upcoming celebratory concert at 54 Below in New York City.

Listen: Anne Hathaway Performs MOTHER MARY Songs on New Soundtrack
by Josh Sharpe - April 17, 2026

The soundtrack is here for Mother Mary, the new psychosexual pop opera starring Anne Hathaway as the titular pop diva.

Elaine Paige to Release New Album MISCELLANEOUS PAIGE in July
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 16, 2026

Elaine Paige, who was recently honored with the ‘Special Award’ at this year’s Olivier Awards, will release a new album entitled Miscellaneous Paige, on 17th July 2026.

Natasha MacAller, Wife of Michael Crawford, Releases New Book 'The Apothecary Chef'
by Stephi Wild - April 16, 2026

Former ballerina and acclaimed author Natasha MacAller, wife of Michael Crawford, has released her third culinary work, The Apothecary Chef.

KIDS MAKE ME ANGRY By Kevin Hart To Debut On Audible This June
by A.A. Cristi - April 14, 2026

Kevin Hart's third Audible Original, KIDS MAKE ME ANGRY, chronicles his 21-year parenting journey through eight phases of fatherhood, blending self-deprecating humor with personal reflection on growing up without a father.

South Street Seaport Museum Book Club to Present SHE-WOLVES Discussion
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 14, 2026

South Street Seaport Museum will host a book club discussion of She-Wolves: The Untold History of Women on Wall Street by Paulina Bren, covering women who broke barriers in finance from the 1960s through 9/11.

WICKED, DEATH BECOMES HER, GYPSY & More Win 2025 Stage Recording Awards
by Team BWW - April 14, 2026

The winners of the 2025 BroadwayWorld Stage Recording Awards have been revealed, celebrating outstanding achievements in theatrical and performance-based recordings released during the 2025 calendar year.

John Mellencamp to Release Book Featuring Lyrics From Five Decade Career
by Josh Sharpe - April 13, 2026

John Mellencamp is set to release John Mellencamp: The Songbook: 50 Years of Song and Poetry, a new book featuring lyrics from Mellencamp anthems alongside previously unpublished personal photographs, handwritten drafts, notes, and more.

Exclusive: Watch Christiani Pitts Record 'What'll It Be?' for the TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK) Cast Album
by Nicole Rosky - April 10, 2026

BroadwayWorld is very excited to bring you an exclusive performance of Christiani Pitts (King Kong, A Bronx Tale) recording Robin's Act 1 'I Want' song, “What'll It Be”.



Back to Upcoming Releases...

Videos


TICKET CENTRAL
Hot Show
Tickets From $68
Hot Show
Tickets From $59
Hot Show
Tickets From $66
Hot Show
Tickets From $58