The National Theatre's Production of Stephen Sondheim's 'Follies' received rave reviews. This musical performance piece is set around the reunion of former showgirls and entertainers held in the theatre they once performed in which is derelict and about to be pulled down.
It is a work that is rarely performed in full production on stage mainly because it requires a large and diverse range of characters which is difficult and expensive to assemble for other than minimal performances.
There is a documentary film version of the show when it was staged for several performances only in New York back around the 1990s that remains vividly in my mind. Featuring performers such as the actress Lee Remick, the comedian Elaine Strich and assorted Broadway and Operatic stars it is burnt into the hard drive of my memory as the definitive interpretation.
The NT's production, presented in Australia on screen filmed from a live performance, is excellent on many fronts and is recommended even though it does not equal that New York production. No-one can sing 'Broadway Baby' like Strich.
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