Christiane Noll, Adam Heller, Emily Skinner and Bradley Dean Couple Up in FOLLIES, Beginning Tonight at The Rep

One of the most daring and innovative musicals of all time will launch 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.

Sondheim's remarkable musical salutes the world of show business with lavish panache. The former stars of the Weismann Follies have gathered one last time to relive their faded glories. Past and present collide as their memories spring to life. Filled with an exuberant score and poignant observations of love and memory, it's an unforgettable musical experience.

The play captured seven Tony Awards following its debut in 1971, and has seen prominent revivals on Broadway and abroad.

Follies is The Rep's biggest production in more than a decade, featuring a cast of 28.

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 Rubert 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.

Curtain times are Tuesdays at 7 pm; Wednesdays-Fridays at 8 pm; selectedWednesday matinees at 1:30 pm; Saturday matinees at 4 pm; selectedSaturday nights at 8 pm; Sunday matinees at 2 pm; and selected Sundayevenings at 7 pm.

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.

The Loretto-Hilton Center is located at 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University).

The Rep is partnering with the Saint Louis Art Museum to enhance the patron experience of Follies. Participants can take a free one-hour tour through art and artifacts representing different faiths from throughout the world. No reservations are required and more information can be found at www.slam.org.

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