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We were amongst those fortunate to see last night's thrilling Charity Gala, and as Eli already so rightly reported from rehearsals, "Follies in Concert" was far from being an adequate description! The staging reminded me of a couple of the New York Encores that I've seen - with elevated sections and the orchestra sharing the stage with the cast.
And what a cast! As Nicholas Parsons pointed out, there's no way the producers could have afforded a production on such a scale if they'd actually had to pay anyone! All who worked on the show very generously gave their time totally for free. The program reveals that the huge cast comprised 28 major players, 12 young dancers/ensemble and a further 20 young chorus/ensemble - together with an orchestra of 35!
The Weissman Follies' star turns were marvellous. I especially loved Imelda Staunton (a firm audience favourite) singing 'Broadway Baby', and Meg Johnson and company's 'Who's That Woman?' Kim Criswell brought the house down with 'I'm Still Here'; Josephine Barstow and Charlotte Page were equally well received for 'One More Kiss'. It was nice to see Patrick Mower (doing a great accent!) as Dimitri Weissman – he doesn't seem to age at all!
I feel that one of the show's triumphs was that the entire cast had been extremely well chosen with regard to the character's “older” and “younger” selves. This was particularly so in the case of the four leads, and enabled scenes in which both the Young and older Ben/Phyllis/Buddy/Sally interacted, to be both brilliantly and poignantly presented.
Philip looked fantastic (every inch the suave, successful businessman in his immaculately cut suit) and sang like a dream. He was surely born to play this role. I've seen 'Follies' several times before, but have never felt so sympathetic toward Ben. For the first time I felt that I really understood his character.
Liz Robertson is such a beautiful, talented and stylish performer. She plays the sophisticated Manhattanite with ease, and she and Philip made the most handsome couple.
Tim Flavin was perfectly cast as Buddy and handled the role effortlessly, including the very difficult 'Buddy's Blues'. Much as I like Michael Praed (who was originally cast) I have to say I can't really see him as Buddy.
Maria Friedman was well-chosen to play Sally and was heart-breaking. Overall, I thought this production was much better cast than the fairly recent one at the Royal Festival Hall.
Many thanks to all concerned with Follies in Concert'. You should all be feeling extremely proud of yourselves!
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PS I thought Trevor McDonald (who played the Radio Announcer) was very cute and funny at curtain call. He seemed to have no idea what to do or where to stand and kept dancing about and getting in everyone's way! :-)
Philip endearingly linked arms with both his leading ladies in a very caring and protective way. Aaaah!
