Test your knowledge about Follies, the iconic musical that has captivated audiences since its 1971 debut. How well do you know the behind-the-scenes details, such as its Tony Award history or its unique mix of pastiche and book numbers? Featuring beloved songs like "Broadway Baby" and "I'm Still Here," this Stephen Sondheim classic offers a rich tapestry of nostalgia and theatrical brilliance. Explore key trivia from its Broadway origins to international productions, and see how much of this legendary show you can remember!
Musical Composition
- Some of the most renowned songs from Follies, such as 'Broadway Baby' and 'I'm Still Here', have become standards in musical theatre.
- The final sequence in 'Follies', known as 'Loveland' is a homage to the grandeur of the 1941 Ziegfeld Follies.
- Stephen Sondheim introduced four new songs for the West End production of 'Follies', tailoring one, 'Ah, But Underneath', specifically for Diana Rigg who was not a dancer.
- The original 1971 Broadway cast recording of 'Follies' had to cut significant portions of the score to fit onto a single LP, making it a controversial release.
Notable Tours
- Portions of the 'Follies' in Concert were broadcast worldwide in a televised documentary on PBS in 1986.
- Eartha Kitt replaced Dolores Gray as Carlotta in the West End 'Follies', marking a resurgence in her career and leading to a successful solo performance at the same theatre.
Production Facts
- Follies, created by Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman, was inspired by a New York Times article about a reunion of Ziegfeld Girls.
- Originally titled 'The Girls Upstairs', the musical's name was changed to 'Follies' by producer and director Harold Prince.
- The original Broadway production of Follies opened on April 4, 1971, directed by Harold Prince and choreographed by Michael Bennett, and closed on July 1, 1972, after 522 performances.
- Follies was nominated for 11 Tony Awards in 1971 and won a total of seven, including awards for costume and scenic design.
- The 2001 Roundabout Broadway revival of 'Follies' was the first major production following the death of writer James Goldman in 1998, blending various elements from previous versions.
- The West End production of the musical 'Follies' at the Shaftesbury Theatre ran for 644 performances from July 21, 1987, to February 4, 1989, with a cast that included Diana Rigg and Daniel Massey.
- Dolores Gray, who played Carlotta in the West End 'Follies', famously continued her performances despite a broken ankle, albeit in a modified role.
- The 2011 Broadway production of 'Follies' was notable not only for its critical acclaim but also for winning a Drama League Award for Distinguished Production of a Musical Revival and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical.
