Ecstatically Sumptuous Follies Bows at Ahmanson

There are many other colorful characters with relevant stories as well. Carlotta Campion (Elaine Paige) is a fading actress, Theodore and Emily Whitman (Sammy Williams and Susan Watson) have devoted themselves to teaching dance, then there are the former follies who are still trying to carve out a theatrical place for themselves like Hattie Walker (Jayne Houdyshell), Solange LaFitte (Mary Beth Peil), Stella Deems (Terri White), Sandra Crane (Florence Lacey) and Heidi Schiller (Carol Neblett). All of them have a musical number that puts their current lives in proper perspective, like Carlotta's "I'm Still Here", a true Follies anthem and Hattie's "Broadway Baby", showing the long struggling road of survival that is show business.

Under Eric Schaeffer's meticulous direction, the entire ensemble work together and separately with the utmost brilliance. It doesn't get any better than this - even the original 1971 cast, which was damn good, might come in a close second to this one, who act the hell out of it. Maxwell is amazing as Phyll. Cool and determined, sexy and in great physical shape - she even turns a cartwheel - she delivers a performance that comes up chillingly winning. Her delivery of "Could I Leave You?" is gutwrenching. Clark brings a unique fragility to the insecure Sally. With gorgeous soprano voice and looking younger and prettier than in previous roles, she lifts what appears to be ordinary and mundane to new heights. Raines as Ben shows an astounding transformation and Burstein makes Buddy affable and surprisingly strong. Elaine Paige is ingenious as Carlotta. Every syllable, every word she utters has vibrant meaning and she is totally alive, vital, giving fresh dimension to "I'm Still Here". Houdyshell and White make delightful troupers, who, like the show, must go on at all costs, as do the endearing Williams and Watson, and Neblett proves her incredible vocal range with "One Last Kiss".  Warren Carlyle's dependably bright choreography dazzles, and Schaeffer's staging with glittering showgirls hovering in the rafters above keep the mood most assuredly haunting. It is a show in itself just to watch these girls as they move their arms and bodies slowly in what appears to be a choreographed ballet. Gregg Barnes' costumes are scrumptious and Derek McLane's beautiful set strikes a happy balance between fantasy and reality, with a definite emphasis on dark and foreboding.