Follies Revival

Ages: 10+
Opened: July 21, 1987
Closing: February 04, 1989

Follies - 1987 - West End History , Info & More

Shaftesbury Theatre
Holborn end of Shaftesbury Avenue 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.

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Liz Callaway presenta TO STEVE WITH LOVE en Madrid by Jose German Martinez Paneque - Sep 25, 2023

Los próximos 16, 17 y 18 de noviembre tendrán lugar en el Teatro Real de Madrid tres únicos conciertos de la leyenda de Broadway Liz Callaway que, acompañada al piano por Alex Rybek, homenajeará al maestro Stephen Sondheim con su recital TO STEVE WITH LOVE, un repaso por la carrera del legendario compositor y letrista.

Josh Canfield's ALIVE! The Zombie Musical to Hold Concert Presentation Next Month by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 25, 2023

ALIVE! The Zombie Musical, a new musical concert written by Josh Canfield and directed by David Ruttura, will have a concert presentation from October 8-16, 2023 at Theatre 555. Get event and ticket information here!

Cast Set For Battle of Britain Royal Gala Next Month by Stephi Wild - Sep 25, 2023

Stars of stage and screen will pay tribute to Battle of Britain pilots in the royal charity gala Stars in Salute! Learn more about the event and find out who will appear here!

Fundraiser Launched to Raise Money For the Family of the Late Michael McGrath by Stephi Wild - Sep 22, 2023

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with financial difficulties suffered by the family of the late Michael McGrath following his sudden passing.

Eli Bolin Comes to SOPAC With Kara Lindsay, Christiane Noll, Charlie Pollock, and More by Stephi Wild - Sep 22, 2023

The South Orange Performing Arts Center’s (SOPAC) popular Cabaret in the Loft series returns on Sunday, October 1 at 7PM with Emmy-nominated composer Eli Bolin’s group show Eli Bolin Has No Friends. Learn more about the upcoming performance and how to get tickets here!

Andy Mientus and Kathleen Monteleone Will Lead the Chicago Premiere of JIM HENSON'S EMMET OTTER'S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS by Stephi Wild - Sep 22, 2023

Casting for the live theatrical adaptation of “Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas” is now set for the Chicago premiere production, November 14-December 31, 2023, at the Studebaker Theater. Learn more about the production here!

Caroline Aaron, Marilu Henner, Melanie Mayron & JoBeth Williams to Star in MADWOMEN OF THE WEST Off-Broadway by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 21, 2023

LDOS Media Lab, with Deco Rose Productions will present the New York premiere of Madwomen of the West, a new comedy by Sandra Tsing Loh. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!

5-Star Theatricals Performs OLIVER! in October by Stephi Wild - Sep 19, 2023

5-STAR THEATRICALS has announced the third and final show of its 2023-2024 season, OLIVER! Learn more about the musical and find out how to get tickets here!

Review: Jason Robert Brown's THE LAST 5 YEARS at the Richey Suncoast Theatre by Peter Nason - Sep 16, 2023

Check out what our critic had to say about Jason Robert Brown's THE LAST 5 YEARS at the Richey Suncoast Theatre!

Tony Award-Winning Actor Michael McGrath Dies At Age 65 by A.A. Cristi - Sep 15, 2023

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of Tony Award-winning actor Michael McGrath.

Luxury Performance Venue Midnight Theatre Opens This Month by Stephi Wild - Sep 14, 2023

One year since coming on the scene, the new, buzzed about performance venue in the heart of midtown, Midnight Theatre, has announced its Grand Opening date of September 22, 2023. Learn more about what's to come for this venue here!

Cast Set For SPRING AWAKENING at East West Players by Stephi Wild - Sep 14, 2023

East West Players presents the Tony Award winning best musical Spring Awakening. Find out who is starring in the cast here!

ME AND THE SKY Cabaret Performance Comes to WAM in November by Stephi Wild - Sep 14, 2023

WAM's Fall Cabaret event, Me and The Sky: A Cabaret of Empowering Broadway Hits, will play November 1-4, 2023, at the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company. Learn more about the concert and find out how to get tickets here!

Photos: Eric McCormack Unveils Sardi's Caricature by Jennifer Broski - Sep 14, 2023

Just yesterday, Emmy Award winner Eric McCormack had something to celebrate at Sardi's. The stage and screen star received a caricature at a ceremony surrounded by friends and castmates of The Cottage. Check out photos from inside the special day.

Hello, Gorgeous: FUNNY GIRL is Produced for the First Time in Brazil by Claudio Erlichman - Sep 13, 2023

Funny Girl gets a Brazilian production directed by Barchilon, starring Giulia Nadruz and Eriberto Leao as protagonists. With score by J. Styne, and lyrics by B. Merrill, the semi-biographical plot is based on the life and career of comedian and Broadway star Fanny Brice, featuring her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein.

Kelli O'Hara and Brian d'Arcy James Will Lead DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES on Broadway Next Year by Stephi Wild - Sep 13, 2023

Days of Wine and Roses is set to transfer to Broadway, starring Kelli O'Hara and Brian d'Arcy James, who led the production off-Broadway earlier this year. Running for 16 weeks only, performances will begin on January 6, 2023. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!

Rose Byrne & Kelli O'Hara to Star in FALLEN ANGELS Benefit Reading at Roundabout Theatre Company by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 12, 2023

Roundabout Theatre Company will present a special Benefit Reading of Noël Coward’s Fallen Angels, directed by Scott Ellis starring Rose Byrne and Kelli O'Hara. Learn how to purchase tickets!

LoMotion Live Opens Season With TENDERLY: THE SONGS OF ROSEMARY CLOONEY by Stephi Wild - Sep 12, 2023

LoMotion Live will open their season with the cabaret, TENDERLY:THE SONGS OF ROSEMARY CLOONEY with Susan Speidel and Joseph Regan. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!

Andy Mientus to Star in JIM HENSON'S EMMET OTTER'S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS in Chicago by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 11, 2023

A live theatrical adaptation of “Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas” is making its Chicago debut this holiday season, November 14-December 31, 2023. Learn how to purchase tickets!

ANTIGONICK to Take The Stage at Mary Moody Northen Theatre by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 10, 2023

Antigonick by Sophocles with a new translation by Anne Carson, will play the Mary Moody Northen Theatre at St. Edward's University. Get performance information here!

Listen: A COLLECTIVE CY: JEFF HARNAR SINGS CY COLEMAN Out Now by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2023

Discover the latest album release from JEFF HARNAR, 'CY COLEMAN.' Immerse yourself in the timeless melodies and unforgettable performances of this must-listen project. Get your copy today and experience the magic of CY COLEMAN's music brought to life by JEFF HARNAR and his extraordinary musical guests.

Acclaimed Female Impersonator Randy Roberts Returns To Crazy Coqs In DRAG BECOMES HIM - AGING DISCRACEFULLY! by A.A. Cristi - Sep 6, 2023

After sold out runs in 2018 and 2019, US female impersonator extraordinaire, Randy Roberts is returning to Crazy Coqs this month for three performances of his internationally acclaimed show, 'Drag Becomes Him - Aging Discracefully!, an old school classic drag show with a modern twist.

Australian Theatre Festival NYC To Honor Caroline O'Connor And Producer Neil Gooding At 2023 Gala by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 6, 2023

Get ready for the Australian Theatre Festival NYC 2023 Fundraising Gala, honoring Broadway and West-End icon Caroline O'Connor and Producer Neil Gooding. Join in for an evening of performances and celebrations, showcasing Australian stories and artists in NYC. Tickets and tables are still available for purchase.

Keith Allen Will Star as Scrooge in Mark Gatiss' Adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Stephi Wild - Sep 5, 2023

Full casting has been announced for the revival of Mark Gatiss' acclaimed adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

FALLING, A Cabaret Comes to The Green Room 42 by Stephi Wild - Sep 4, 2023

Russell & Rose Productions has announced their first ever show, Falling. Falling, a cabaret, takes you through the stages of a relationship, from the first date to being strangers again.

Berkshire Theatre Group Reveals Cast for the Upcoming Production of COPENHAGEN by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 31, 2023

Get all the latest updates on Berkshire Theatre Group's upcoming production of Copenhagen. Find out who has been cast in the lead roles and when and where you can catch this highly anticipated show. Don't miss this limited engagement - learn more now!

King's Theatre, Glasgow Announces Panto Cast of SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS And New Partnership by A.A. Cristi - Aug 30, 2023

The King's Theatre, Glasgow will welcome Darren Brownlie, Blythe Jandoo, Liz Ewing and Christopher Jordan-Marshall to the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, produced by Crossroads Pantomimes.

Musical Theatre Guild Announces Casting For Stephen Sondheim's FOLLIES by A.A. Cristi - Aug 29, 2023

Musical Theatre Guild, a Southern California theatre institution for over a quarter century, has announced casting for its upcoming production of FOLLIES. Stephen Sondheim's classic 1971 musical reflecting the collapse of American innocence and naivete in the post-Kennedy years, will take place on Sunday, October 1st, 2023 at Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center's Eli and Edythe Broad Stage.

Gulf Coast Symphony Unveils 2023-24 Season At The Music & Arts Community Center In Fort Myers by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 29, 2023

Discover Gulf Coast Symphony's exciting 2023-24 season at the Music & Arts Community Center in Fort Myers. From captivating classical performances to enchanting chamber concerts and Broadway magic, experience the joy of live music in Fort Myers.

Donna Lynne Champlin, Sally Mayes, and Valerie Wright Star In Presentation Of New Musical, THE CRINOLYNNS by A.A. Cristi - Aug 28, 2023

Tickets go on sale on Friday, September 1st for Broadway/Television/Film Stars Donna Lynne Champlin, Sally Mayes, and Valerie Wright in the world premiere concert of the new musical, THE CRINOLYNNS. The concert will take place on September 30th in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

Interview: Director, Steve Bell and RENT at Bergen County Players 9/9 to 10/14 by Marina Kennedy - Aug 29, 2023

Bergen County Players (BCP) will open its 91st season on September 9 with Jonathan Larson’s RENT, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning rock musical that shaped a generation of audiences. We had the opportunity to interview Steve Bell who directs the production.

Jeff Harnar's New Cy Coleman Album 'A COLLECTIVE CY' is Now Available for Pre-Order by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 26, 2023

PS CLASSICS, the label dedicated to the heritage of Broadway and American Popular Song, has announced that the new album from multi-award-winning concert artist JEFF HARNAR – A Collective Cy: Jeff Harnar Sings Cy Coleman – is now available for pre-order on iTunes.

Lyric Stage Boston to Kick Off 2023/24 Season with Stephen Sondheim's ASSASSINS by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 23, 2023

Get ready for a thrilling start to Lyric Stage Boston's 2023/24 season with Stephen Sondheim's Assassins. Don't miss this limited run of the captivating musical. Experience the powerful production at Lyric Stage Boston and immerse yourself in the world of Assassins.

21 Theater Books for Your Fall 2023 Reading List by Nicole Rosky - Sep 10, 2023

We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 21 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's fall reading list.

Review: MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Finds the Funny at Front Porch Theatricals by Greg Kerestan - Aug 23, 2023

Sondheim's backwards tragicomedy may be notoriously prickly, but Daina Michelle Griffith's production shines by emphasizing the humor over the nihilism.

Feature: More About Man About Town, Charles Kirsch, Broadway's BFF - Part Two by Rob Lester - Aug 23, 2023

The saga of the seemingly ubiquitous Charles Kirsch continues: He's everywhere: hosting shows on stage, all over YouTube, in the air or on the air with over 150 podcasts of 'Backstage Babble' with his interviews of show people, and maybe sitting next to you at a cabaret or Broadway theatre or just dashing around New York City.

Writers Revealed For Shakespeare's Globe's BURNT AT THE STAKE, OR THE WHOLE OF THE TRUTH by Stephi Wild - Aug 22, 2023

Shakespeare’s Globe has announced the 13 writers premiering new work in Burnt at the Stake, or The Whole of the Truth on 13 October in the Globe Theatre. This evening of storytelling revolves around one provocation to these writers: If no-one knew you had said it, what would you say?

JERSEY BOYS Comes to Casa Mañana by Stephi Wild - Aug 22, 2023

Casa Mañana opens its 2023-24 Broadway Season with Jersey Boys, the long-running Broadway musical that tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Parker Esse returns to Casa Mañana to direct and choreograph the show, last directing Beautiful: The Carole King Musical in March of 2023.

Tommy Wallach's New Musical VICKY & FRANK to Debut at 54 Below by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 21, 2023

Get ready for the highly anticipated debut of Tommy Wallach's new musical, VICKY & FRANK, at 54 Below. Join us for an unforgettable night of music and storytelling as this limited engagement kicks off. Find out all the details and secure your tickets now.

Pendelton, Fuller, Morrison, and More Join BACKSTAGE BABBLE CELEBRATES THE TONY AWARDS This Month at 54 Below by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 21, 2023

54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, will present a very special edition of Backstage Babble Live celebrating all things Tony Awards on August 28th at 7pm

Interview: Tony Award-Winner Kelli O'Hara Talks Taking The Stage At Tanglewood by R. Scott Reedy - Aug 17, 2023

In what can only be described as a perfect match between performer and venue, Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara (“The King and I”) will appear in concert, with Dan Lipton on piano, in the  glorious and intimate setting of Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood in Lenox/Stockbridge on August 22.

Sonata Founder Will Premiere New Musical Cabaret Show SONGS I CAN'T SING by Stephi Wild - Aug 17, 2023

Dale Bassett, founder of Sonata Piano & Cabaret Lounge, will finally take to Manchester's premiere cabaret stage this September with Songs I Can't Sing, an evening of miscast songs from the musicals.

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW is The Inaugural Production Of Core Theatre Group, Hudson Valley's Newest Professional Theatre Company by Stephi Wild - Aug 17, 2023

The Hudson Valley's newest Professional Theatre Company, Core Theatre Group (CTG), founded by Broadway vets and Warwick locals Jessica McRoberts, Pat McRoberts, Paul Loesel and Chuck Ragsdale, announce their first production following company launch with inaugural cabaret fundraiser on Friday, July 14, 2023. 

Bill Russell to Present MY SIDE OF THE SHOW at Birdland by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 16, 2023

Join Bill Russell in 'My Side of the Show' at Birdland as he delves into the captivating world of the Broadway musical 'Side Show.' Experience the magic and artistry of this beloved production in a unique concert setting. Don't miss this unforgettable exploration of one of Broadway's most cherished musicals.

Breton Tyner-Bryan's WEST OF FRANK to Make North American Premiere at Emberlight Film Festival by Michael Major - Aug 16, 2023

The film features Gilbert Bolden lll (New York City Ballet), Rhaamell Burke-Missouri (Hadestown Broadway, King Kong Broadway), Elisa Clark (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Mark Morris Dance Group), James Jude Johnson (Fiddler On the Roof), Heather Parcells (A Chorus Line Broadway, Chicago), Randy Castillo (Wicked Broadway), and more.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld, August 16th, 2023 by - Aug 16, 2023

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is August 16, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours: 

SWEENEY TODD, A History- Part 2: The Demon Barber Slashes His Way From Page To Stage And Beyond by A.A. Cristi - Aug 26, 2023

Learn how Sondheim made Sweeney sing and how Mr. Todd made his mark on mass media in Part 2 of SWEENEY TODD, A History.

Anthony Edwards, Aria Shahghasemi & More to Star in PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC on Broadway by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 15, 2023

Get all the details on the star-studded cast of PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC, including Anthony Edwards and Aria Shahghasemi. Find out when and where this highly anticipated play will be performed.

What's the History of Broadway Show Merchandise?  by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 20, 2023

This time, the reader question was: What's the History of Broadway Show Merchandise? 

Follies FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Beautiful Girls
Don't Look at Me
Waiting for the Girls Upstairs
Listen to the Rain on the Roof
Ah, Paris!
Broadway Baby
The Road You Didn't Take
Bolero d'Amour
In Buddy's Eyes
Who's That Woman?
I'm Still Here
Too Many Mornings
The Right Girl
One More Kiss
Could I Leave You?
Loveland [i]
You're Gonna Love Tomorrow
Love Will See Us Through
The God-Why-Don't-You-Love-Me-Blues
Losing My Mind
The Story of Lucy and Jessie
Live, Laugh, Love
Opening Montage
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Bring on the Girls
Can That Boy Fox Trot!
It Wasn't Meant to Happen
Pleasant Little Kingdom
That Old Piano Roll
The World's Full of Boys/The World's Full of Girls
In Someone's Eyes
Uptown, Downtown
Little White House
Who Could Be Blue?
Country House
Social Dancing
Loveland [ii]
Ah, But Underneath
Make the Most of Your Music
Overture
Don't Look At Me
Waiting For The Girls Upstairs
Ah, Paris!
The Road You Didn't Take
In Buddy's Eyes
Who's That Woman?
I'm Still Here
Too Many Mornings
The Right Girl
One More Kiss
Could I Leave You?
You're Gonna Love Tomorrow
Buddy's Blues
Losing My Mind
Lucy And Jessie
Live, Laugh, Love
Follies has had 20 productions including Broadway which opened in 1971, Broadway which opened in 1971, US Tour which opened in 1972, Off-Broadway which opened in 1976, Regional (US) which opened in 1983, Off-Broadway which opened in 1985, West End which opened in 1987, Regional (US) which opened in 1988, Los Angeles which opened in 1990, Regional (US) which opened in 1995, West End which opened in 1996, Milburn, NJ (Regional) which opened in 1998, Broadway which opened in 2001, Broadway which opened in 2001, London Fringe which opened in 2002, Off-Broadway which opened in 2007, Washington, DC (Regional) which opened in 2011, Broadway which opened in 2011, West End which opened in 2017 and West End which opened in 2019.
Follies has been nominated for several awards. It was nominated for the Ned Sherrin Award for Best Musical at the Evening Standard Awards. It was also nominated for the Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards, with nominations for James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim.
Follies has won several awards, including the Ned Sherrin Award for Best Musical at the Evening Standard Awards and the Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for both James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim.

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