Follies 1996 - Articles Page 15

Ages: 10+
Opened: December 8, 1996
Closing: December 08, 1996

Follies - 1996 - West End History , Info & More

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Catherine Street London WC2B 5JB London

A true theatrical event, this legendary masterpiece is considered by many to be the greatest musical ever created.brbrThe time is 1971, and theatrical impresario Dimitri Weissmann (famous for his garish Weissmann Follies of yesteryear) hosts a reunion of ex-Follies performers in his crumbling theatre, setting the stage for a parade of brilliant '20s, '30s and '40s pastiche numbers that have become every bit as famous as their models: "Losing My Mind," "I'm Still Here" and "Broadway Baby," to name a few. Amid the reminiscing, two middle-aged couples confront some unpleasant truths about their past and present and come face to face with the future.brbrSurreal, sophisticated, compelling, heart-wrenching and epic in scope, "Follies" uses the musical theatre as a metaphor for the collapse of American innocence and naivete in the post-Kennedy years. It is a showcase for powerful dramatic actors, featuring a large cast rich in character, which provides opportunities for seasoned older performers.

Follies - 1996 - West End Cast

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Follies - 1996 - West End Articles Page 15

Top Ten Tony Award Moments: #6 LIZA, Live With An L
by Pat Cerasaro - Jun 8, 2010


Today, we are taking a look at a clip from the 1993 Tony Awards with a special performance by that year's host, legendary star of stage, screen and the recording industry: Liza Minnelli along with Barry Bostwick sing an original song written especially for that year's elaborate opening production number 'Celebrate Broadway'.

GYPSY OF THE MONTH: Ashley Amber of 'Promises, Promises'
by Adrienne Onofri - Jun 1, 2010


The hit revival is Ashley's 8th Broadway show, but her first since she became a mom.

La Jolla Playhouse Announces Cast For SURF REPORT, Runs 6/15-7/11
by Gabrielle Sierra - May 7, 2010


La Jolla Playhouse announces the cast for the world premiere of Annie Weisman's Surf Report, the first production of the Playhouse's 2010/2011 season, running June 15 - July 11, 2010 in the Mandell Weiss Forum.

Tony Winner McKechnie to Perform Live in Melbourne & Sydney for First Time
by Robert Diamond - May 6, 2010


Broadway Tony-Award winning star Donna McKechnie enjoyed one of her greatest triumphs as Sally, in the acclaimed revival of the Stephen Sondheim - James Goldman musical, Follies, in the spring of 1998. "She defined the art of torch singing with 'Losing My Mind,' raved Variety, joining the New York Times and other critics in unstintingly praising her performance. She is now coming to Australia for the first time in a new show directed by Richard Jay-Alexander.

Washington National Opera Presents THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO 5/6
by BWW News Desk - May 6, 2010


Washington National Opera, under the leadership of GeneralDirector Plácido Domingo, will present a Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist performance of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Kennedy Center Opera House. This one-night-only performance is a rare opportunity to witness emerging artists in the early stages of their careers, performing in a fully staged opera. In the spirit of cultivating the next generation of opera talent and opera lovers, this performance is offered exclusively to new members of Generation O, the company's free-to-join young professionals group. The Marriage of Figaro is performed in Italian with English supertitles. Tickets are $15 to $35; complete production and ticketing information is below, and artist biographies are available upon request or are available here.

Victoria Clark to Perform at Playwrights Horizon Gala; AD Tim Sanford to be Honored, 5/3
by BWW News Desk - May 3, 2010


Acclaimed Off-Broadway theater company Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director) will hold its annual Spring Gala Benefit on Monday evening, May 3rd at Guastavino's (409 East 59th Street).

Lansbury, Esparza & More Celebrate Sondheim at New York City Center Benefit, 4/26
by BWW News Desk - Apr 26, 2010


New York City Center will celebrate Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winner Stephen Sondheim on the occasion of his 80th birthday on Monday, April 26 with a gala celebration featuring stars who have shone in Sondheim musicals including Michael Cerveris, Barbara Cook, Raúl Esparza, Victor Garber, Joanna Gleason, Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone, Donna Murphy and Bernadette Peters. Directed by Tony Award-winner John Doyle, the evening will highlight shows for which Mr. Sondheim has written both music and lyrics, and will feature a full orchestra conducted by Encores! Music Director Rob Berman. The Benefit will help fund New York City Center's artistic and education programs. In addition, a portion of the evening's proceeds will go to Young Playwrights Inc, a charity of great importance to Mr. Sondheim.

Photo Coverage: Bergdorf Goodman Honors Sondheim with Window Displays
by Jessica Lewis - Apr 21, 2010


Stephen Sondheim is widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential, and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. He is the winner of an Academy Award, numerous Tony Award, multiple Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. Some of his other accolades include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center Honors (1993), the National Medal of Arts (1996), the American Academy of Arts and Letters' Gold Medal for Music (2006) and a special Tony Awardâfor Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (2008).

SOUND OFF: Sondheim Palooza Part 2
by Robert Diamond - Apr 20, 2010


Today, we are taking a listen to ANYONE CAN WHISTLE and COMPANY, two of the most genre-bending and revolutionary musicals of the latter twentieth century, both boasting Sondheim's strongest songs of the sixties. These recordings contain some of the most legendary and illustrious Broadway casts of all time and include the names Angela Lansbury, Lee Remick, Bernadette Peters, Elaine Stritch, Raul Esparza, Dean Jones, Larry Kert and Jane Krakowski, just to name a few...

SOUND OFF: Sondheim Palooza Part 1
by Robert Diamond - Apr 19, 2010


Today we continue our critical appraisal of the entire English-language recorded canon of Stephen Sondheim - at the very least, all the major productions which were recorded - beginning where we have left off with the round-ups of GYPSY and WEST SIDE STORY, as well as the 2009 Revival Recording of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, from the last few weeks. The last show for which Sondheim wrote lyrics-only, before he was quite able to get his own musical scores produced, was his collaboration with Richard Rodgers, DO I HEAR A WALTZ? Next, we continue with the first show for which he wrote music and lyrics, SATURDAY NIGHT, as well as the first show he wrote music and lyrics for that actually made it to Broadway, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM.

STAGE TUBE: Sondheim Presents Lansbury With Award
by Charlie Piane - Apr 14, 2010


Angela Lansbury, the great star of stage, film, and television, was honored April 12 with the first annual Stephen Sondheim Award, given by Virginia's Signature Theatre at a black-tie Gala Benefit at the Embassy of Italy. The Sondheim Award, established by Signature last year in the name of America's most influential contemporary musical theater writer and composer, was presented to the actress by Mr. Sondheim himself.

Angela Lansbury Honored With 'The Stephen Sondheim Award' From Virginia's Signature Theatre
by Charlie Piane - Apr 12, 2010


Angela Lansbury, the great star of stage, film, and television, was honored tonight with the first Stephen Sondheim Award, given by Virginia's Signature Theatre at a black-tie Gala Benefit at the Embassy of Italy. The Sondheim Award, established by Signature last year in the name of America's most influential contemporary musical theater writer and composer, was presented to the actress by Mr. Sondheim himself.

Angela Lansbury Presented With Signature's The Stephen Sondheim Award Tonight
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 12, 2010


Angela Lansbury, the great star of stage, film, and television, was honored tonight with the first annual Stephen Sondheim Award, given by Virginia's Signature Theatre at a black-tie Gala Benefit at the Embassy of Italy.

MARY POPPINS Holland Marks 5th Production Worldwide, Opening 4/11, Opens In Australia July 2010
by BWW News Desk - Apr 11, 2010


Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's MARY POPPINS makes its much-anticipated premiere Sunday, April 11, 2010 at the Circus Theatre in Scheveningen, Holland, outside of Amsterdam. This marks the fifth major production of the title since it opened in London in 2004. Only three months after the Dutch opening, a sixth production opens in Melbourne, Australia in July 2010.

The Fantasticks To Sing National Anthem At The Mets Game 4/10
by BWW News Desk - Apr 10, 2010


The cast of The Fantasticks, the world's longest-running musical, will sing the national anthem at the Saturday, April 10, 2010 Mets game at Citi Field in Flushing, New York. The performance, which is in recognition of the show's 50th anniversary Off Broadway, is part of Jack Lang Day, named in honor of the beloved Hall of Fame sportswriter who covered the Mets for twenty-five years and who died in 2007.

MARY POPPINS Holland Marks 5th Production Worldwide, Opens In Australia July 2010
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 9, 2010


Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's MARY POPPINS makes its much-anticipated premiere Sunday, April 11, 2010 at the Circus Theatre in Scheveningen, Holland, outside of Amsterdam. This marks the fifth major production of the title since it opened in London in 2004. Only three months after the Dutch opening, a sixth production opens in Melbourne, Australia in July 2010.

Kohl, Marcus et al. Join Patinkin, Baldwin, Opel in PARADISE FOUND; Rehearsals Start 5th April; Opens 19th May
by Jessica Lewis - Apr 5, 2010


Rehearsals begin today, Monday, April 5 for the World Premiere production of PARADISE FOUND, a new musical under the combined direction of Theater legend and 21-time Tony Award winner Harold Prince (the original productions of Cabaret, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, The Phantom of the Opera, Company, Follies, Evita) and 5-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (Crazy For You, Show Boat, The Producers, Contact). This is their first collaboration since the landmark, Tony Award-winning revival of Show Boat. Following the New York rehearsal period, the production will open at London's acclaimed Menier Chocolate Factory with performances running May 19 through June 26.

Michael Ball Pays Tribute to Stephen Sondheim
by Jessica Lewis - Mar 29, 2010


Stephen Sondheim is widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential, and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. He is the winner of an Academy Award, numerous Tony Award, multiple Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. Some of his other accolades include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center Honors (1993), the National Medal of Arts (1996), the American Academy of Arts and Letters' Gold Medal for Music (2006) and a special Tony Awardâfor Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (2008).

Lansbury, Nunn, Front & Logan on Sondheim's Legacy
by Jessica Lewis - Mar 29, 2010


Stephen Sondheim is widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential, and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. He is the winner of an Academy Award, numerous Tony Award, multiple Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. Some of his other accolades include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center Honors (1993), the National Medal of Arts (1996), the American Academy of Arts and Letters' Gold Medal for Music (2006) and a special Tony Awardâfor Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (2008).

The Fantasticks To Sing National Anthem At The Mets Game 4/10
by Gabrielle Sierra - Mar 25, 2010


The cast of The Fantasticks, the world's longest-running musical, will sing the national anthem at the Saturday, April 10, 2010 Mets game at Citi Field in Flushing, New York. The performance, which is in recognition of the show's 50th anniversary Off Broadway, is part of Jack Lang Day, named in honor of the beloved Hall of Fame sportswriter who covered the Mets for twenty-five years and who died in 2007.

Washington National Opera Presents THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO 5/6
by Mary Hanrahan - Mar 23, 2010


Washington National Opera, under the leadership of GeneralDirector Plácido Domingo, will present a Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist performance of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Kennedy Center Opera House. This one-night-only performance is a rare opportunity to witness emerging artists in the early stages of their careers, performing in a fully staged opera. In the spirit of cultivating the next generation of opera talent and opera lovers, this performance is offered exclusively to new members of Generation O, the company's free-to-join young professionals group. The Marriage of Figaro is performed in Italian with English supertitles. Tickets are $15 to $35; complete production and ticketing information is below, and artist biographies are available upon request or are available here.

Angela Lansbury & Catherine Zeta-Jones Join Sondheim Tribute 4/26 at City Center
by Robert Diamond - Mar 23, 2010


Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones, currently starring in the Broadway revival of A Little Night Music, have joined the all-star cast performing in Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday celebration April 26 at New York City Center. Like Lansbury and Zeta-Jones, all of the performers have either originated Sondheim characters or performed them in notable revivals.

Photo Coverage: Roundabout's Sondheim 80 Gala at Sondheim on Sondheim!
by Peter James Zielinski - Mar 23, 2010


Stephen Sondheim turned 80 on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 and he celebrated this landmark event with Roundabout Theatre Company at a special performance of Sondheim on Sondheim and star-studded tribute at Roundabout's 2010 Spring Gala: Sondheim 80.

Henry Miller Theatre's to Be Renamed as THE STEPHEN SONDHEIM THEATRE!
by Robert Diamond - Mar 22, 2010


Longtime collaborators James Lapine and John Weidman announced the renaming of Henry Miller's Theatre to the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. The renaming of the theatre is dedicated to Stephen Sondheim, the greatest and best known artist in American musical theatre on his 80th birthday. The announcement was made at the curtain call following Roundabout Theatre Company's gala performance of the new Broadway musical Sondheim on Sondheim.

SONDHEIM @ 80 Stage Tube: Sondheim Wins His First TONY Awards!
by BroadwayWorld TV - Mar 22, 2010


From footage of the 1971 Tony Awards, Angela Lansbury presents Stephen Sondheim wins his first Tony Award for the music to 'Company', followed by Sondheim receiving his second Tony Award for lyrics for the same musical.

Other Productions of Follies

1971   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1972   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
1976   Off-Broadway Equity Library Theatre Revival
Off-Broadway
1983   Regional (US) Regional Revival
Regional (US)
1985   Off-Broadway New York Concert
Off-Broadway
1987   West End London Revival
West End
1988   Regional (US) Regional Revival
Regional (US)
1990   Los Angeles Los Angeles Revival
Los Angeles
1995   Regional (US) Regional Revival
Regional (US)
1996   West End London Concert
West End
1998   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2001   Broadway Roundabout Revival
Broadway
2002   London Fringe London Revival
London Fringe
2007   Off-Broadway Encores! Concert
Off-Broadway
2011   Washington, DC (Regional) Kennedy Center Revival
Washington, DC (Regional)
2011   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2017   West End National Theatre Premiere
West End
2019   West End London Return Engagement
West End

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