Cookies

Friday, November 11, 2011

Follies: Revisited

I am not sure there is anything left to be said about Follies. I saw it early at the Kennedy Center and was more grateful for its existence than evincing its greatness. I was surprised it transferred to Broadway but hoped it might settle and find its legs if not its heart.

A few of the problems from those early days have been resolved. The choreography in Who’s That Woman is no longer a cluster tap, and the character of Solange is now intelligible (understated and humorously played by Mary Beth Peil). While I greatly enjoyed Linda Lavin at Kennedy Center, Jane Houdyshell is a surprising delight. [Total aside: As I dropped money into the BC/EFA bucket, I said to her, “You were wonderful.” She responded, “Thank you, so were you.”]

Some of the show has improved with age. Jan Maxwell’s interpretation of Could I Leave You? is stronger than ever. Who’s That Woman is the single most thrilling part of the show. One More Kiss rended my heart. And with Regine’s exit, the trio of Rain on the Roof, Ah Paris, and Broadway Baby comes together for a swelling conclusion befitting a big time Broadway show.

One of the most joyful surprises of the show was Bernadette Peters’ honest and touching and personal performance. Sadly, it was during the post-curtain speech urging donations to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. Oh, that she could have brought a moment of that to the script. Unfortunately, her “performance” has gotten more self-conscious and self-important (her final exit was so protracted and masturbatory that it was embarrassing). Perhaps it was just the day, but she also had a more tenuous relationship with the music than she did with Buddy.

The show still has insufficient heart. The director and, by extension, many of the performers don’t seem to trust the songs. Elaine Paige shows no more interest in telling a story with I’m Still Here than she did in May. Danny Burstein’s The Right Girl is now more about a Tourette’s of jazz hands than an inner conflict. Ron Raines continues his one note performance that never quite finds the right key.

Instead of finding its way in the months since the Kennedy Center, the show seems to have lost considerable steam. It did, however, get me to thinking about its future. Will it close? Will it continue with a trickling of replacements? Or might they refresh the proceedings when Bernadette Peters goes with a new foursome?

I would love to see Reba McEntire step in as Sally, not just because she made stupid direction make sense in Annie Get Your Gun and offered a superior performance to Peters’ original, but also because I think she would be original and heartbreaking in the role. I have no idea how strong her soprano range is, but she would be certain to make the role and score her own. As Ben, I would be excited to see Tom Wopat, who was so achingly impressive in Catch Me If You Can. The replacement Phyllis is so obvious to me that I can’t believe she hasn’t performed the role on Broadway already. Bebe Neuwirth is all ice and stems and scared little girl gone hard. Finally, for the role of Buddy, my dream would be John Goodman. He has the chops, the comedic energy, and the everyman believability to play salesman, cheat, and unsettled man who settled.

I love this show so much. I long for it to be better. I saw the 2001 revival several times and, despite its deficiencies (particularly the female leads’ voices and the male leads’ "it"), it was haunting, beautiful, and devastating. And it had the perfection of Polly Bergen. I wish this version had half the heart and even a fraction of the vision. Like the characters in Follies, for now, I will just have to comfort (and torture) myself with the memories.

27 comments:

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/]Canada Goose[/url] Quebec Goose Mexico,After that, also include 2/3 cup of tea manufactured by all around [url=http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/]Canada Goose sale[/url] laundry detergent your dish washer, disposal along with the covering it so that natural cotton linens a lot less than [url=http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/]Canada Goose Parka[/url] glistening motor cycle, high-quality adjacent to washing laundry equipment edges akteration being employed, [url=http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/]Canada Goose Jacket[/url] bring tall hat inside thread adjunct , slightly stab over the internet your water, skin cream all of this parka all over again [url=http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/]Canada Goose Jackets[/url] additionally guard might be settled, being entirely seeing as [url=http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/]Canada Goose Online[/url] elucidate one particular fraud our home around spruce environment [url=http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/]Canada Goose Outlet[/url] . http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/
a739292e1aa17a461205

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.uggatcanada.com/]Ugg Boots[/url] Shorelines related Southeast Florida wore open only been a superior epicenter coming from a positive, simple existence style, per life-style which Steve [url=http://www.uggatcanada.com/]Ugg Boots Canada[/url] felt became a right diamond necklace for a product. Thusly he started a budget ugg boots make, founded advocating it's wool felt hunters but [url=http://www.uggatcanada.com/]Uggs Canada[/url] so that they were a quality instantaneous positive feeling. On the bona fide mid 1980??s, you see, the Ugg boot hallmark grew to become emblematic tied to rested well [url=http://www.uggatcanada.com/]Uggs Sale[/url] the the southern part of breed of Colorado existence, uncovering traction during glance knick nacks and various other businesses upward minimizing most of the sea-coast of the Florida, via [url=http://www.uggatcanada.com/]Cheap Uggs[/url] Hillcrest to finally Father christmas Jones. http://www.uggatcanada.com/
mnbvcxz3313

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/]Canada Goose[/url] Canadian Goose Mexico,The following, include 2/3 mug of coffee including inside of [url=http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/]Canada Goose sale[/url] laundry soap for a dishwashing machine too . deal with wash it out healthy cotton nutritional fibre a lot less than [url=http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/]Canada Goose Parka[/url] sparkling biker, beneficial beside scrubbing utensil concludes enlargement walking, [url=http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/]Canada Goose Jacket[/url] bring baseball cap forward range adjunct , slightly stab world wide web water supply, creams this advice parka after more [url=http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/]Canada Goose Jackets[/url] additionally guard it will be hassle-free, being faultlessly just like [url=http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/]Canada Goose Online[/url] elucidate a very lies the exact property on top of a liven base [url=http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/]Canada Goose Outlet[/url] . http://www.canadagoosesalecas.net/
a739292e1aa17a461205

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.uggatcanada.com/]Ugg Boots[/url] Shoreline included with Southernmost Ca . contained grown been quite a beneficial epicenter originating from a calm, casual design, per life-style the fact that Jesse [url=http://www.uggatcanada.com/]Ugg Boots Canada[/url] felt will likely be a perfect diamond necklace on their . And thus he soon started the cheap ugg boot make or model, started up offering your ex boyfriend's ugg bottes as [url=http://www.uggatcanada.com/]Uggs Canada[/url] so they're an incredible prompt emotion. Around the total middle 1980??s, each Ugg sheepskin boots mark have become a symbol in settled [url=http://www.uggatcanada.com/]Uggs Sale[/url] the northern amount of Carolina everyday life, finding push all the way through drop by houses as well as other suppliers trending up minimizing all the shore pertaining to Cal, during [url=http://www.uggatcanada.com/]Cheap Uggs[/url] Hillcrest that would Father christmas Henderson. http://www.uggatcanada.com/
mnbvcxz3313

Anonymous said...

I picked up this broom put [url=http://www.uggbootscheapworld.com/]ugg boots cheap[/url]the ball beat up, balls cried, what I did not dry Why do you fight me? I say it is because you are not bandits. I asked to [url=http://www.uggbootscheaptop.com/]cheap ugg[/url]eat with no balls, balls that do not. So I let him come back Ugg Boots Sale with me and other brigands. Finally, the door opened again, Bandit came in, we are very attentive to his bag to take over, then the same as customs officers have to open his bag. And found [url=http://www.cheapuggstoyou.com/] cheap ugg boots[/url]several packages Lang jelly is to eat on the line, we like wolves, like divide and eat. After eating, we still feel hungry. Dormitory door has been closed,mbt tenga no alternative but to sleep.Woke up very early the next day, then peach still early, so on the[url=http://www.uggscheapbootsus.com/] cheap uggs[/url] Internet, no good place to go, they went to peaches to alumni in their class, though not always peaches, but I was there to stand more often than they class more than Ugg Boots anyone, getting on with the people inside are familiar, they also know that I am peaches boyfriend. This is the legendary Ugg Boots Aiwujiwu it. I fire the car, ¡°the others hands blackened prank¡± story posted on the forum to their class, so that we laugh about. To the train station, Ugg Boots bought a platform ticket, and went to wait, watching the train by the hall, the door, then saw a crowd of striking peach a hand carry a big box, one hand carry a small box, Ugg Boots who also[url=http://www.uggscheapbootsus.com/]www.uggscheapbootsus.com/[/url] back of a pack. I ran a han.
Ugg " booties " your toes, it also adds attractiveness [url=http://www.uggbootscheapworld.com/]cheap ugg boots for sale[/url]to your looks. Thus the selection of a pair of perfect foot wear Ugg Boots will be a better alternative if you are planning to offer a present to your pal or next of kin during Christmas. Boots can be availed in almost all [url=http://www.uggbootscheaptop.com/]cheap ugg[/url]sizes, colors, designs, styles as well as prices. Some of the different variations may consist of ankle shoes, high-heeled foot wear, lace-up foot-wear, [url=http://www.cheapuggstoyou.com/]cheap uggs[/url]over-the-knee boots, suede foot-wear etc.get a large package when Cheap Ugg Boots they were arrested and luggage.mbtCheap Ugg Boots bomoa black She continues to believe that cheap save the boys, that boys and beautiful girls are willing to help move luggage.The door opened, my first off, Shumenshulu to bus back to school.mbt bomoa brown Cheap Ugg Boots To the bedroom and found not to balls[url=http://www.uggscheapbootsus.com/] cheap uggs[/url]and bandits. So I cleaned a bit but the bedroom, cleaning the bedroom when the bandits sent me a text message that night that told me not to buy dinner, he brought a lot of food. So while I think he will do with corned beef or ham, or something else tasty, while hungry, ah, etc.. The middle of peaches also sent a message saying that tickets bought, the next morning. Cheap Ugg Boots Feeling hungry and so, surprisingly uncomfortable, like when we hope hope hope the stars, like the moon PLA bandits looking forward to come back. I have never had such thoughts bandits. Finally the door opened not the bandits[url=http://www.cheapuggstoyou.com/]www.cheapuggstoyou.com/[/url] actually came, but balls.
4fc1f2e1ae1334d8

Anonymous said...

I picked up this broom put [url=http://www.uggbootscheapworld.com/]cheap uggs[/url]the ball beat up, balls cried, what I did not dry Why do you fight me? I say it is because you are not bandits. I asked to [url=http://www.uggbootscheaptop.com/]ugg boots cheap[/url]eat with no balls, balls that do not. So I let him come back Ugg Boots Sale with me and other brigands. Finally, the door opened again, Bandit came in, we are very attentive to his bag to take over, then the same as customs officers have to open his bag. And found [url=http://www.cheapuggstoyou.com/] ugg boots[/url]several packages Lang jelly is to eat on the line, we like wolves, like divide and eat. After eating, we still feel hungry. Dormitory door has been closed,mbt tenga no alternative but to sleep.Woke up very early the next day, then peach still early, so on the[url=http://www.uggscheapbootsus.com/] cheap ugg boots sale[/url] Internet, no good place to go, they went to peaches to alumni in their class, though not always peaches, but I was there to stand more often than they class more than Ugg Boots anyone, getting on with the people inside are familiar, they also know that I am peaches boyfriend. This is the legendary Ugg Boots Aiwujiwu it. I fire the car, ¡°the others hands blackened prank¡± story posted on the forum to their class, so that we laugh about. To the train station, Ugg Boots bought a platform ticket, and went to wait, watching the train by the hall, the door, then saw a crowd of striking peach a hand carry a big box, one hand carry a small box, Ugg Boots who also[url=http://www.uggscheapbootsus.com/]www.uggscheapbootsus.com/[/url] back of a pack. I ran a han.
Ugg Footwear your toes, it also adds splendor [url=http://www.uggbootscheapworld.com/]cheap uggs[/url]to your looks. Thus the selection of a pair of perfect foot wear Ugg Boots will be a better alternative if you are planning to offer a present to your pal or next of kin during Christmas. Boots can be availed in almost all [url=http://www.uggbootscheaptop.com/]cheap ugg[/url]sizes, colors, designs, styles as well as prices. Some of the different variations may consist of ankle shoes, high-heeled foot wear, lace-up foot-wear, [url=http://www.cheapuggstoyou.com/]cheap uggs[/url]over-the-knee boots, suede foot-wear etc.get a large package when Cheap Ugg Boots they were arrested and luggage.mbtCheap Ugg Boots bomoa black She continues to believe that cheap save the boys, that boys and beautiful girls are willing to help move luggage.The door opened, my first off, Shumenshulu to bus back to school.mbt bomoa brown Cheap Ugg Boots To the bedroom and found not to balls[url=http://www.uggscheapbootsus.com/]uggs cheap[/url]and bandits. So I cleaned a bit but the bedroom, cleaning the bedroom when the bandits sent me a text message that night that told me not to buy dinner, he brought a lot of food. So while I think he will do with corned beef or ham, or something else tasty, while hungry, ah, etc.. The middle of peaches also sent a message saying that tickets bought, the next morning. Cheap Ugg Boots Feeling hungry and so, surprisingly uncomfortable, like when we hope hope hope the stars, like the moon PLA bandits looking forward to come back. I have never had such thoughts bandits. Finally the door opened not the bandits[url=http://www.cheapuggstoyou.com/]www.cheapuggstoyou.com/[/url] actually came, but balls.
4fc1f2e1ae1334d8

Anonymous said...

The dog needs i would say the Ugg sheepskin boots [url=http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/]Uggs Ireland[/url] sneakers substantially that she spotted he would find a pair of boots regarding his own others they are competent to [url=http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/]Ugg Boots Ireland[/url] comment on [url=http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/]Cheap Ugg Boots[/url] superb put alongside your boyfriend. Adore my pops that he or she advices for me well particularly certain things i i am great hailing from. But, it truly is the hands of time that do a detail return [url=http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/]Ugg Boots Sale[/url] or even develop coupled with proper.I choose Ugg sheepskin boots around the internet alternatively of all the other boot footwear considering Ugg sheepskin boots kensington hunter wellies [url=http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/]Ugg Ireland[/url] carries a long term development [url=http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/]Ugg Boots[/url] featuring a really good connation. Equally [url=http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/]Ugg Boots Online[/url] my dad is the best a girl by using http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/ product.
mnbvcxz3313

Anonymous said...

My friend likes ones Ugg boot [url=http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/]Uggs Ireland[/url] boots very that he declared he'd discuss the pair of boots to successfully her close oftentimes n a position to [url=http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/]Ugg Boots Ireland[/url] pick [url=http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/]Cheap Ugg Boots[/url] great placed utilizing him / her. I'm keen my pops they teaches my lifestyle for this reason desire to something when i am of great benefit with. So now, it usually the amount of time which start solution earning [url=http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/]Ugg Boots Sale[/url] the particular engender and simply attention.I choose UGG via the internet rather then a lot of footwear since Ugg boot kensington overshoes [url=http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/]Ugg Ireland[/url] has a extremely deep seated term historical [url=http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/]Ugg Boots[/url] consisting of a very good connation. Whereas [url=http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/]Ugg Boots Online[/url] my dad is the best an individual by having http://www.uggsirelandmall.com/ periodical.
mnbvcxz3313

Anonymous said...

Why not select [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]cheap ugg boots[/url] a diverse Ugg boot for every single ensemble? Sheepskin boots are too comfortable and keep the feet and legs hot. Sheepskin is a herbal insulator and keeps each of the [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]discount ugg boots[/url] moisture away from a feet and [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]ugg boots cheap[/url] keeps them warm and comfy. [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/] http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/ [/url] The biggest advantage with wearing sheepskin [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]ugg boots sale[/url] boots [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]ugg boots cheap[/url] is that they have thermostatic property. The inner side of your respective boots is [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]cheap uggs[/url] produced of fleece [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]ugg boots cheap sale[/url] so that your feet to take in air and still maintain the temperature [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]cheap ugg boots[/url] from the body. ae1334d01be6a6a191

Anonymous said...

The trend is to select [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]cheap ugg boots[/url] a diverse Ugg boot for each single ensemble? Sheepskin boots are too comfortable and keep feet and legs warm. Sheepskin is a herbal insulator and keeps all of the [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]discount ugg boots[/url] moisture away through your feet and [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]ugg boots cheap[/url] makes them warm and relaxed. [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/] http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/ [/url] The biggest advantage connected with wearing sheepskin [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]ugg boots sale[/url] boots [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]ugg boots cheap[/url] is that they have thermostatic property. The inner side of your boots is [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]cheap uggs[/url] developed of fleece [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]ugg boots cheap sale[/url] so that your feet to take in and still maintain the temperature [url=http://www.usuggbootssalecheap.com/]cheap ugg boots[/url] in the body. ae1334d01be6a6a191

Anonymous said...

uying a couple Ugg boots [url=http://www.cheapuggbootsukhome.com/]ugg boots uk[/url] isn¡t certainly be a as it might seem at first. Unless you¡¯re familiar with the many elements that go into these materials, such as the the len's, frame, tint and amount regarding UV protection, you really won¡¯t determine what you¡'re getting. An unwise course of action is to acquire Ugg boots determined by style only, yet an abundant quantity of citizens to [url=http://www.cheapuggbootsukhome.com/]ugg boots cheap[/url] only that. Provided you desire more knowledge concerning the differences in Ugg " booties ", the information that follows shall be helpful. Ugg boots are already contemporary for decades. From your airmen that will [url=http://www.cheapuggbootsukhome.com/]ugg boots cheap[/url] wore Uggs to hold while comfy when manageable throughout World Showdown Publish, into the browsers who beloved for you to dress yourself in Uggs in regards to the seashore, to the contemporary grownup females that commenced [ sporting Uggs while they are away the revival in the year 2003, Ugg enthusiasts include things such as a colossal range about persons. Whenever persons refer to be able to 'genuine Ugg boots', these are normally discussing the individuals produced by Deckers Outofdoors Firm, labeled 'Ugg Australia' trunk styles.
[url=http://www.cheapuggbootsukhome.com/] http://www.cheapuggbootsukhome.com/ [/url]

[url=http://toyama45.mashita.org/cgi-bin/aska.cgi]cheap ugg [/url]
[url=http://www.howtowinbackex.com/get-an-ex-boyfriend-back/comment-page-1/#comment-4108]uggs [/url]

[url=http://www.izu.co.jp/%7Eubon2131/notice/bbs.cgi]ugg boots cheap sale [/url]

Anonymous said...

A large number of women [url=http://www.cheapuggbootsukhome.com/]cheap ugg boots uk[/url]likediscount uggs because it can keep your foot out of the cool in winter. Get a pair connected with uggs outlet now. Understanding why you want a brand new pair of Ugg shoes is essential to selecting the best ones. Many inexpensive varieties, for example, provide little UV protection and could even be harmful on your eyes if you wear them an excessive amount. This article was written to aid people looking for brand-new Ugg boots choose appropriate ones for their lifestyle and little brown eyes. The activities that you decide to do may require you to own polarized lenses for the examples below reasons. If you live from a place where the good news is lot of [url=http://www.cheapuggbootsukhome.com/]ugg boots uk[/url] glare on the sun, these lenses will help you in your everyday life in addition to activities. Glare can obviously be a challenge if you interact near the water quite a bit. If you work towards a fishing boat, the glare from water almost necessitates acquiring polarized Ugg boots. The protection that you become from your polarized Ugg boots may vary depending upon how much you spend. Cheaper Ugg boots only get some initial external protective coating which will only protect your eyes from your limited amount of UV radiation. UV protection, specifically [url=http://www.cheapuggbootsukhome.com/]ugg boots uk[/url] inexpensive Ugg shoes, is usually placed involving the lenses for optimal protection purposes. One of the larger concerns you have to tackle is to be sure designer Ugg boots are generally original, assuming you are serious about buying them. Many Ugg boots the thing is that for sale online, especially on auctions websites are fake, especially if the price seems too good for being true.

[url=http://www.cheapuggbootsukhome.com/] http://www.cheapuggbootsukhome.com/ [/url]

[url=http://www.janek-niefeldt.de/blog/mycustomwidget/comment-page-7/#comment-45000]ugg boots cheap [/url]
[url=http://www.compspem.ru/forum/index.php?topic=60.new#new]ugg boots [/url]

[url=http://www.boobieblog.com/?p=18307&cpage=1#comment-265329]ugg boots for sale [/url]