One of the most daring and innovative musicals of all time launches The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' 50th anniversary season. Follies, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Goldman and directed by Rob Ruggiero, runs tonight, September 7, through October 2 on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the cast in action below!
Broadway stars
Christiane Noll (Sally),
Emily Skinner (Phyllis),
Bradley Dean (Ben) and
Adam Heller (Buddy) lead the way as the two middle-aged couples at the center of the story. As we learn more about their pasts, the ghosts of their younger selves reenact their memories live on stage:
Sarah Quinn Taylor (Young Sally),
Kathryn Boswell (Young Phyllis),
Michael Williams(Young Ben) and
Cody Williams (Young Buddy).
The all-star cast includes Broadway performers
Nancy Opel (Carlotta) and
Dorothy Stanley(Emily), St. Louis theatre favorites
Joneal Joplin (Dimitri Weismann),
Zoe Vonder Haar(Hattie) and Ron Himes (Max) and award-winning Chicago actress
E. Faye Butler (Stella Deems). Playing the other colorful inhabitants of the musical's world are
Amra-Faye Wright(Solange),
James Young (Theodore),
Carol Skarimbas (Heidi) and Robert DuSold (Roscoe).
The ensemble features
Kristen Smith Davis, Gaby Gamache,
Luke Hamilton,
Julie Hansen,
Dan Horn,
Adrienne Howard,
Drew Nellessen, Brenna Noble, Kara Overlien and
Brett Thiele.
The cast includes three former Tony nominees: Noll (for Ragtime), Skinner (forSide Show) and Opel (for Urinetown).
Ruggiero returns to the director's chair for his eighth Rep production, having previously helmed triumphs such as Sunday in the Park with George (2012),High (2010) and Urinetown, the Musical (2006). Joining him on the production team are music supervisor
Brad Haak, scenic designer
Luke Cantarella, costume designer
Amy Clark, lighting designer
John Lasiter,
Sound Designer Randy Hansen, choreographer Ralph Perkins, conductor Valerie Maze and stage manager Emilee Buchheit. Casting was directed by
McCorkle Casting Ltd.
Tickets for Follies range from $18 to $81.50. To purchase, visit The Rep Box Office, located inside the Loretto-Hilton Center. Patrons can also charge by phone by calling (314) 968-4925 or visit The Rep's Online Box Office at
www.repstl.org.
Photo Credit: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.
