| re: FOLLIES on tdf | |
| Posted by: WWriter 01:46 am EDT 05/09/18 | |
| In reply to: re: FOLLIES on tdf - lordofspeech 09:09 pm EDT 05/08/18 | |
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| Oh, I never thought that it might seem rude not to go into more detail. The thing is, I was so caught up in the glow of the more-than-half-full glass of a surprisingly classy brew, and I didn't want to criticize anyone. But, since you ask, I'll talk about what was best for me. I loved Tina Stafford. I thought she nailed Sally's complexity: yearning, angry, disappointed, hopeful, and sadly aware that she's at least a little silly. She wore her heart on her sleeve even though she knew it wasn't a great idea. Her "In Buddy's Eyes" and "Losing My Mind" were both excellent. Greg Horton was excellent as Buddy in everything except his dance for "The Right Girl." He and the choreography just didn't mesh. Bruce Sabath was a solid Ben--I didn't adore him or anything, but no complaints. I wanted more from Marcie Henderson as Phyllis. Her version of hauteur came out slightly robotic, and her line readings were a tad mechanical. But "Could I Leave You" and "The Story of Lucy and Jessie" were both strong. The younger versions of the main four were all okay. It took a bit of suspension of disbelief to accept the young Sally and Buddy (he much taller than she) as the same people as the older ones (she much taller than he). But, what the hell, there were much better things to focus on. LaDonna Burns was fabulous as Stella Deems; her "Mirror Number" was funny and moving. Sara Brians' choreography was a hair derivative but great fun. I thought Carolyn Seiff as Salonge and Christine Donelly as Hattie were both quite good. Victoria Bundonis did fine with "I'm Still Here." Very good story-telling, very nice build. (It wasn't part of the party at all.) Susan Cohen DeStefano had a beautiful dignity as Heidi, and I loved her singing of "One Last Kiss." I thought young Heidi (Denali Bennett) had a very nice voice, though not the voice I would choose for that song. Some of the costumes weren't fabulous. The chorus outfits were pretty tacky, and Phyllis' gown was not remotely elegant or even attractive. But keeping in mind the probably small budget, some of the costumes did show creativity and flair. I really liked Buddy's outfit in "Buddy's Blues." I loved the set. They had ripped drapery around the auditorium, and also hanging from the proscenium when we first arrived. The staircase is short but works. The big strong point of the set is the Follies sign. We see the very large letters from the back, and they periodically light up. One letter has fallen. And in a very smart decision by the designer and/or director, the O is used as an entrance/exit, allowing better use of the stage. There are also lights around the proscenium. What was most moving? It was Follies, and it hit the emotional highs and lows quite nicely. I got tears in my eyes five times in the first act, starting about four notes in. (My friend said she only had tears in her eyes three times in the first act.) While the band was only four people, they hit all the themes that Follies, IMO, must have. For example, the first notes of the show and the intro to "Losing My Mind." Oh, and one other thing: really good enunciation all around. Even though I know the show by heart at this point, I still appreciate hearing the lyrics. Thanks for your questions. It was fun revisiting the show. And I may polish this and give the show a second review after I see it again on Friday |
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