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Follies 1971 - Articles Page 5

Ages: 10+
Opened: April 4, 1971
Closing: July 01, 1972

Follies - 1971 Broadway History , Info & More

Winter Garden Theatre (Broadway)
1634 Broadway New York, NY 10019

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 - 1971 - Broadway Cast

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Follies - 1971 - Broadway Articles Page 5

Photo Flash: Sneak Peek - City Center's Sondheim Celebration
by Jessica Lewis - Apr 28, 2010


Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones, currently starring in the Broadway revival of A Little Night Music, led the all-star cast performing in Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday celebration on 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. As a group, the gala's performers have appeared in more than 75 Sondheim shows. The gala, directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, highlighted numbers from shows for which Sondheim has written both music and lyrics, and featured 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 Sondheim. BroadwayWorld brings you a sneak peek of the evening below. Stay tuned for complete coverage coming soon!

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).

Signature Theatre Closes the Curtain on SWEENEY TODD, 4/4
by BWW News Desk - Apr 4, 2010


The Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre, nationally known for its interpretation of Stephen Sondheim musicals, celebrated its 20th anniversary season by presenting Sondheim's most popular musical SWEENEY TODD, directed by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. The production will end its run in the 276-seat MAX Theater, April 4, 2010.

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).

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.

SONDHEIM @ 80 Stage Tube: 30 Songs in 9 Minutes!
by BroadwayWorld TV - Mar 22, 2010


Putting It Together is a musical revue that showcases 30 of Sondheim's most beloved songs from such musicals as Sunday in the Park with George, Assassins, Company, Merrily We Roll Along, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd and others. Many of the classic Sondheim songs are presented in a context entirely different from that for which they were written, so the show is billed as a 'review' of the composer's work. Here's an excerpt of the revue - 30 snippets of incredible Sondheim songs!

SONDHEIM @ 80 Stage Tube: Sondheim Teaches COMPANY's 'Not Getting Married'
by BroadwayWorld TV - Mar 22, 2010


Who better to talk about and teach Sondheim's music than the man himself. Here, he teaches students at Guildhall School the song 'Not Getting Married' from 'Company'.

SONDHEIM @ 80 Stage Tube: Sondheim Teaches 'My Friends' from SWEENEY TODD
by BroadwayWorld TV - Mar 22, 2010


Who better to talk about and teach Sondheim's music than the man himself. Here, he walks through the song 'My Friends' from the macabre musical 'Sweeney Todd' with students of Guildhall School.

SONDHEIM @ 80 Stage Tube: Sondheim Teaches 'Send in the Clowns'
by Stage Tube - Mar 22, 2010


Who better to talk about and teach Sondheim's music than the man himself. In the video that follows, Sondheim teaches a student from the Guildhall School of Music in London a segment of the classic 'Send in the Clowns'.

NY Philharmonic's Star Studded SONDHEIM: THE BIRTHDAY CONCERT to Feature LuPone, Peters, Cerveris, Patinkin, McDonald & More, 3/16
by BWW News Desk - Mar 16, 2010


The New York Philharmonic will present SONDHEIM: The Birthday Concert on March 15 and Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. This celebration of the 80th birthday of the great Broadway and film composer/lyricist will include his most enduring orchestral music and songs - performed, in some cases, by the stars of the original Broadway cast productions - in addition to rarely-heard material. Joining the celebration will be (in alphabetical order) Michael Cerveris, Victoria Clark, Jason Danieley, Nathan Gunn, George Hearn, Patti LuPone, Marin Mazzie, Audra McDonald, Donna Murphy, Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, and others to be announced, including surprise guests. Paul Gemignani, Mr. Sondheim's longtime collaborator, will conduct the New York Philharmonic; Lonny Price is the director; and Mr. Price and Matt Cowart are the producers.

Lane, LuPone, Garber et al. Celebrate Sondheim's 80th with Starry Benefit Gala, 4/26
by Jessica Lewis - Feb 24, 2010


Tom Aldredge, Len Cariou, Nathan Lane, Alexander Hanson and Michele Pawk have joined other stars who have shone in Stephen Sondheim musicals, including Michael Cerveris, Barbara Cook, Raúl Esparza, Sutton Foster, Victor Garber, Joanna Gleason, Patti LuPone, Donna Murphy and Bernadette Peters in a gala celebration of Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim on the occasion of his 80th birthday on Monday, April 26. The gala, directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, will highlight numbers from 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.

Signature Theatre Presents SWEENEY TODD, 2/9-4/4
by BWW News Desk - Feb 9, 2010


The Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre, nationally known for its interpretation of Stephen Sondheim musicals, celebrates its 20th anniversary season by presenting Sondheim's most popular musical SWEENEY TODD, directed by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. The new production runs in the 276-seat MAX Theater, February 9 through April 4, 2010.

Signature Theatre Presents SWEENEY TODD, 2/9-4/4
by BWW News Desk - Jan 17, 2010


The Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre, nationally known for its interpretation of Stephen Sondheim musicals, celebrates its 20th anniversary season by presenting Sondheim's most popular musical SWEENEY TODD, directed by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. The new production runs in the 276-seat MAX Theater, February 9 through April 4, 2010.

NY Philharmonic's Star Studded SONDHEIM: THE BIRTHDAY CONCERT to Feature LuPone, Peters, Cerveris, Patinkin, McDonald, and More, 3/15 & 3/16
by Jeff Dennhardt - Nov 16, 2009


The New York Philharmonic will present SONDHEIM: The Birthday Concert on March 15 and Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. This celebration of the 80th birthday of the great Broadway and film composer/lyricist will include his most enduring orchestral music and songs - performed, in some cases, by the stars of the original Broadway cast productions - in addition to rarely-heard material. Joining the celebration will be (in alphabetical order) Michael Cerveris, Victoria Clark, Jason Danieley, Nathan Gunn, George Hearn, Patti LuPone, Marin Mazzie, Audra McDonald, Donna Murphy, Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, and others to be announced, including surprise guests. Paul Gemignani, Mr. Sondheim's longtime collaborator, will conduct the New York Philharmonic; Lonny Price is the director; and Mr. Price and Matt Cowart are the producers.

Stephen Sondheim Chats About Influences, Opera and 'Night Music'
by Robert Diamond - Nov 15, 2009


Stephen Sondheim chatted with Mark Stryker of the Detroit Free Press about a wide variety of topics including his musical language, his favorite classical composers and how he feels about opera companies performing his work. Click here for the full interview.

Stephen Sondheim In Negotiations for Film Adaptations of FOLLIES, 'WOODS'
by Eddie Varley - Nov 8, 2009


Nine time Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim will hold an onstage discussion about his life and works at Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin, Texas.

Frank Rich Talks Sondheim, Music and the Nature of Media to Dan Savage
by Eddie Varley - Oct 26, 2009


Tonight, Monday, October 26, 2009 musical theater's living legend, Stephen Sondheim, will make this first momentous journey to Seattle; and will hold what promises to be an enormously entertaining and informative onstage conversation with his friend and respected New York Times columnist Frank Rich. In advance of this once-in-a-lifetime event Rich spoke to famed writer Dan Savage about Sondheim, the current state of Broadway and the ever evolving business of news coverage in this modern age.

Stephen Sondheim and Frank Rich Come To Benaroya Hall For A Conversation 10/26
by BWW News Desk - Oct 26, 2009


It's hard to believe that in 79 years, and countless hours tinkering on this nation's greatest stages, Stephen Sondheim has never worked in this wonderful theater town. On October 26, 2009 musical theater's living legend, Stephen Sondheim, will make this first momentous journey to Seattle; and will hold what promises to be an enormously entertaining and informative onstage conversation with his friend and respected New York Times columnist Frank Rich.

Sondheim to Hold Onstage Discussion at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 10/24
by BWW News Desk - Oct 24, 2009


9-time Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim will hold an onstage discussion about his life and works at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 24th. Sondheim will sit down with host Peter Stein as part of the Copperfield's Books Renowned Speakers Series.

Stephen Sondheim Featured in San Francisco Chronicle
by Eddie Varley - Oct 20, 2009


Nine time Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim will hold an onstage discussion about his life and works at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 24th. Sondheim will sit down with host Peter Stein as part of the Copperfield's Books Renowned Speakers Series.

Follies History

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

Follies - 1971 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1971 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Stephen Sondheim
1971 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical William Goldman
1971 The Hewes Awards Scenic Design Boris Aronson

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