Watch Follies In Concert

Follies In Concert is a 1986 filmed concert version of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical of the same name, which was originally performed in 1971. Directed by Emile Ardolino and starring Andre Gregory, Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur Rubin, the film captures a special one-night-only performance of the show at the Avery Fisher Hall in New York City's Lincoln Center.

The story of Follies takes place at a reunion of the Weissman Follies, a fictional Broadway revue that had its heyday in the 1920s and 30s. The former showgirls and showboys gather at the soon-to-be-demolished theater where they used to perform, reminiscing about old times and confronting the regrets and missed opportunities that have haunted them since the Follies closed down. The reunion becomes a bittersweet occasion as the characters face their past selves and confront their personal demons.

The concert version of Follies features the original stage production's score by Stephen Sondheim, with new orchestrations by Michael Starobin. The music is performed by a 67-piece orchestra conducted by Paul Gemignani, and the lyrics are sung by a cast that includes some of Broadway's biggest stars, such as Barbara Cook, Lee Remick, Mandy Patinkin, and Betty Comden.

The film alternates between the reunion scenes and performances of the musical numbers on a bare stage, evoking the atmosphere of a traditional concert performance. The concert setting allows the audience to focus on the complexity and beauty of Sondheim's music and lyrics without the distractions of the elaborate sets and costumes that were part of the original stage production.

The musical numbers in Follies are a mix of solos, duets, ensembles, and production numbers, each showcasing the unique talents of the performers. Some of the most memorable numbers include "Beautiful Girls," "Losing My Mind," "Could I Leave You?," and "I'm Still Here," each one a poignant reflection on the characters' past and present lives.

The performances in Follies In Concert are outstanding, as is to be expected from such a talented cast. Barbara Cook's rendition of "In Buddy's Eyes" is particularly touching, as is Lee Remick's take on "I'm Still Here." Mandy Patinkin's performance of "The God-Why-Don't-You-Love-Me Blues" is also a standout, showcasing his incredible voice and acting skills.

The film also includes interviews with Stephen Sondheim and director Emile Ardolino, providing insight into the creative process behind the show and the challenges of turning a stage production into a film. Sondheim discusses his influences and inspirations, as well as his approach to writing the music and lyrics for Follies. Ardolino talks about the technical aspects of filming a concert performance and the importance of capturing the energy and emotion of the live show.

Overall, Follies In Concert is a must-see for fans of musical theater and Stephen Sondheim's work. The film captures the essence of the original stage production while adding a new dimension of intimacy and emotion. The concert setting allows the music and lyrics to shine on their own, showcasing the incredible talent of the performers and the brilliance of Sondheim's score.