I love Terri White's way with this often-song song. Her authority, sense of humor, and first class voice are a winning combination of show business magic.
I saw this production twice on Broadway at a time when I really couldn't afford to go. But now I've forgotten what were the circumstances preventing my logical mind from agreeing to go. Sometimes we have to trust our hearts. This show was everything I've always prayed for in musical theater. I laugh, cried, clapped like crazy, felt depression and pure joy. I was alive. Thank you for posting. All those memories come flooding in.
I remember I saw one of the last (was it the last?) performances of it on Broadway, and Terri White got a standing ovation for that number that just went on and on until she cried. We were all absolutely stunned by it and she utterly deserved the applause. (Side note: I saw her in 1980 when she was a young woman playing an old woman. I saw her in 2011 in this as an older woman playing someone who felt young.) I later saw an interview with Jan Maxwell in which she said the whole cast took an entire month just to learn the steps for that one number.
If memory serves, in the original production (1971) there was an additional chorine without an older equivalent to represent the fact that one of the women had died at some point before the reunion. If that was in fact the case, then Bennett's genius was in full evidence as choreographer and co-director with Prince.
You're welcome! The way Heidi Schiller blocked Emily Whitman from view during "Beautiful Girls" made me laugh so hard, and the Montage in the LA run is amazing as always! This footage was shot about 7 days prior to closing and the cast simply gave their all at every performance.
Yes, I was there too on closing night in LA too. Great night, terrific performances and I did catch the bits for Elaine Paige, (different from D.C. production.) Saw the original in 72 as well in NYC, will never forget it.
Glad this was posted. Caught Elaine Paige's two added bits, her bumping into the wall, or her (hard to hear on this recording) diva inquiry, "Are we doing the whole number?", in which Terri replies with an agitated, "Yes we're doing the whole number!" Just plain funny. Love it. Went to closing night in L.A. Went to the closing of it in L.A. in 1972, too. Talk about ghosts...!
This is great and reminds me of our Lynda Baron from the Original London Cast which was featured on the Olivier Awards that year, its on here too, ''Lynda Baron Follies''. Anyone remember our fabulous singer Kim Cordell from the 60s? she would have been great too. Thank you for posting these marvellous clips.
I LOVE that. I hope they bring it over to the UK. Looks a brilliant production. Never really been an Elaine fan, but have watched a few bits on UA-cam now and may be coming around!
Wow. You're one of a few special people that appreciates the transfomative power of theater - like this brilliant production [& the original production] of "Follies". I think I may be a fanatic, too. Simply one of the best shows ever conceived IMHO.
My two favorites also. I saw the original Follies the second time the week it closed and was at the closing night performance of Chorus Line.I have a piece of the original “Line” in my possession. Who’s that woman is the best staging of a number
Wow. You're just the second person I've come across that's seen both productions. Was floored by the original, but this production was even better in many ways, and I thought it couldn't be improved upon!
Actually, Elaine asks, "Are we doing the whole thing?" Terri replies, "Yes we're doing the whole thing!" Elaine also eliminates the two double turns and just spins her finger twice. She really found her footing in this role. Closing night audience gave a standing ovation after this number. Terri was in tears.
We did it for her performance on Broadway too. The ovation just went on and on, I've never seen anything like it. Then again, I've never seen anything like that performance either.
Oops I forgot to mention. Rosie Ashe once played Phyllis in a concert version of Follies in Brighton sometime in '83. It pre-dates both the Wythenshawe and the original West End productions.
Yay! thank you Thank You THANK YOU KateBush you rule! I've been wanting to see the LA Cast do "Who's That Woman" ever since I heard it was....um...out there...available...ahem hehehe. I'm in the UK so no chance of ever seeing the production. And this version is so much bouncier than all the others! Particularly at 5.12 when it picks up speed! What are "Beautiful Girls" and the older performer's "Montage" like in the LA show, do you know? :-)
I also think that the finale of the first act is missing something. Sometimes I fancy that the ghosts of the Follies ladies are waltzing with their respective partners (with their older selves in the background - oblivious to everything around them and reminiscing about their past relationships) starting at the point where Ben and Sally are belting out the final verse of "Too Many Mornings"; with a full-blown orchestra. That would've been a grand finale for the act one!
Only if you have time and feel in a kindly mood - please can you upload them? :-p I initially didn't like the Who's That Woman choreography in this production, I liked it when it ended up with a circle, but now it has really grown on me! I wish they'd recreate it in our West End with the likes of goddess Julia McKenzie, charmer Millicent Martin, Gillian Lynne, Caroline O'Connor, Maria Friedman and more. I doubt it would sell though, it' all movies-turned-into-musicals here at the moment.
Sure, I'll upload them soon when I find the time... :) I like your idea! The perfect West End revival cast for me would be: Maria Friedman (Sally), Caroline O'Connor (Phyllis), John Barrowman (Ben), Millicent Martin (Carlotta), Julia McKenzie (Hattie), Rosalind Plowright (Heidi), Liliane Montevecchi (Solange)... I can't think of anyone who can play Stella at the moment and I really don't care much about Buddy. Maria Friedman should DEF play Sally - I'm sure she's gonna be great in that role!
I love your cast! I'd like to see Caroline singing the wonderful "Could I Leave You?" in London! I think JOJ would be a perfect Ben! Can Peter Polycarpu be Buddy? An older Patina Miller would be a fantastic Stella, I believe...
During the Broadway Baby montage, I've always wanted the ghosts/younger selves of Hattie, Solange (with an entourage of ghostly fans!), Emily, and Theodore to perform their routine in the background like they did in the Papermill production of 1998. They also explored the possibility of a long-standing rivalry between Hattie and Carlotta which made the Papermill Follies even more realistic.
My heart really sank when that aluminum curtain came down: a desperate attempt to glam things up before the whole concept was complete. It really breaks the spell of the ghosts dancing and spoils the transformation into the follies. This would have really confused me if I hadn't seen it before.
Oh dear, how could I ever forget Rosemary Ashe! She's one of my all-time favorite Carlottas. She's too young to be Heidi imho but make-up artists and hairdressers could do wonders lol.
Uhm, I guess you're right. JOJ voice is more suited to Ben. Plus, John Barrowman's voice hasn't deepened that much imho. Peter P. can be Buddy. I can't get the image of him singing "Buddy's Blues" right now lol. I heard that Caroline O. nailed Phyllis in the 2011 Chicago production of Follies. They said "Lucy and Jessie" is the highlight of the entire show!
And Rosie Ashe!! You've set my mind racing now while I watch this for about the thirtieth time. Rosemary Ashe would be a blinding Stella but could probably legitimately sing the Heidi role. Rosemary singing the best part of Dirty Laundry: ua-cam.com/video/H2jtUTwZteY/v-deo.html#t=00m58s
HA! We think very alike! Although I would keep Elaine and her bouncing bosom as Carlotta and have Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie) sing Stella. Also I have have always fancied Zizi Jeanmaire (with an abundance of ghostly fans and boys) for Solange! Zizi in the 70's ua-cam.com/video/V2ZAij_Zl_U/v-deo.html in the 2000's ua-cam.com/video/bGjRfMTOFu4/v-deo.html I would also include Kathryn Evans and Sally Ann Triplett in a London production, Dora Bryan would be a great Hattie, bless her.
Rest in Peace beautiful Jan Maxwell.
I love Terri White's way with this often-song song. Her authority, sense of humor, and first class voice are a winning combination of show business magic.
I saw this production twice on Broadway at a time when I really couldn't afford to go. But now I've forgotten what were the circumstances preventing my logical mind from agreeing to go. Sometimes we have to trust our hearts. This show was everything I've always prayed for in musical theater. I laugh, cried, clapped like crazy, felt depression and pure joy. I was alive. Thank you for posting. All those memories come flooding in.
I remember I saw one of the last (was it the last?) performances of it on Broadway, and Terri White got a standing ovation for that number that just went on and on until she cried. We were all absolutely stunned by it and she utterly deserved the applause. (Side note: I saw her in 1980 when she was a young woman playing an old woman. I saw her in 2011 in this as an older woman playing someone who felt young.)
I later saw an interview with Jan Maxwell in which she said the whole cast took an entire month just to learn the steps for that one number.
If memory serves, in the original production (1971) there was an additional chorine without an older equivalent to represent the fact that one of the women had died at some point before the reunion. If that was in fact the case, then Bennett's genius was in full evidence as choreographer and co-director with Prince.
You're welcome!
The way Heidi Schiller blocked Emily Whitman from view during "Beautiful Girls" made me laugh so hard, and the Montage in the LA run is amazing as always! This footage was shot about 7 days prior to closing and the cast simply gave their all at every performance.
And thank for risking getting kicked out of your expensive seat at a show I enjoyed this dream cast thank you
The lady storms this performance a good solid stage performance
Yes, I was there too on closing night in LA too. Great night, terrific performances and I did catch the bits for Elaine Paige, (different from D.C. production.) Saw the original in 72 as well in NYC, will never forget it.
Glad this was posted. Caught Elaine Paige's two added bits, her bumping into the wall, or her (hard to hear on this recording) diva inquiry, "Are we doing the whole number?", in which Terri replies with an agitated, "Yes we're doing the whole number!" Just plain funny. Love it. Went to closing night in L.A. Went to the closing of it in L.A. in 1972, too. Talk about ghosts...!
Wish I could have seen this, so awesome. I love Follies.
I saw this in London in the late 80's - with Diana Rigg and Dolores Gray.
This number was pure joy.
This is great and reminds me of our Lynda Baron from the Original London Cast which was featured on the Olivier Awards that year, its on here too, ''Lynda Baron Follies''. Anyone remember our fabulous singer Kim Cordell from the 60s? she would have been great too. Thank you for posting these marvellous clips.
I LOVE that. I hope they bring it over to the UK. Looks a brilliant production. Never really been an Elaine fan, but have watched a few bits on UA-cam now and may be coming around!
Wow. You're one of a few special people that appreciates the transfomative power of theater - like this brilliant production [& the original production] of "Follies". I think I may be a fanatic, too. Simply one of the best shows ever conceived IMHO.
Follies, along with A Chorus Line, are the two greatest shows ever to come to Broadway.
Agreed.
My two favorites also.
I saw the original Follies the second time the week it closed and was at the closing night performance of Chorus Line.I have a piece of the original “Line” in my possession.
Who’s that woman is the best staging of a number
Wow. You're just the second person I've come across that's seen both productions. Was floored by the original, but this production was even better in many ways, and I thought it couldn't be improved upon!
STUNNING. Even moreso live but thank you so much for posting!!
Actually, Elaine asks, "Are we doing the whole thing?"
Terri replies, "Yes we're doing the whole thing!"
Elaine also eliminates the two double turns and just spins her finger twice. She really found her footing in this role. Closing night audience gave a standing ovation after this number. Terri was in tears.
We did it for her performance on Broadway too. The ovation just went on and on, I've never seen anything like it. Then again, I've never seen anything like that performance either.
Oops I forgot to mention. Rosie Ashe once played Phyllis in a concert version of Follies in Brighton sometime in '83. It pre-dates both the Wythenshawe and the original West End productions.
You're welcome! I'm glad you like it! :D
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!! I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!!!!1
Yay! thank you Thank You THANK YOU KateBush you rule!
I've been wanting to see the LA Cast do "Who's That Woman" ever since I heard it was....um...out there...available...ahem hehehe. I'm in the UK so no chance of ever seeing the production. And this version is so much bouncier than all the others! Particularly at 5.12 when it picks up speed!
What are "Beautiful Girls" and the older performer's "Montage" like in the LA show, do you know? :-)
I also think that the finale of the first act is missing something. Sometimes I fancy that the ghosts of the Follies ladies are waltzing with their respective partners (with their older selves in the background - oblivious to everything around them and reminiscing about their past relationships) starting at the point where Ben and Sally are belting out the final verse of "Too Many Mornings"; with a full-blown orchestra. That would've been a grand finale for the act one!
Only if you have time and feel in a kindly mood - please can you upload them? :-p
I initially didn't like the Who's That Woman choreography in this production, I liked it when it ended up with a circle, but now it has really grown on me!
I wish they'd recreate it in our West End with the likes of goddess Julia McKenzie, charmer Millicent Martin, Gillian Lynne, Caroline O'Connor, Maria Friedman and more. I doubt it would sell though, it' all movies-turned-into-musicals here at the moment.
Sure, I'll upload them soon when I find the time... :)
I like your idea! The perfect West End revival cast for me would be: Maria Friedman (Sally), Caroline O'Connor (Phyllis), John Barrowman (Ben), Millicent Martin (Carlotta), Julia McKenzie (Hattie), Rosalind Plowright (Heidi), Liliane Montevecchi (Solange)... I can't think of anyone who can play Stella at the moment and I really don't care much about Buddy. Maria Friedman should DEF play Sally - I'm sure she's gonna be great in that role!
Do you have Elaine's "I'm Still Here"from the LA run?
Do you have Jayne Houdyshell "Broadway baby" in LA?
I love your cast! I'd like to see Caroline singing the wonderful "Could I Leave You?" in London! I think JOJ would be a perfect Ben! Can Peter Polycarpu be Buddy? An older Patina Miller would be a fantastic Stella, I believe...
During the Broadway Baby montage, I've always wanted the ghosts/younger selves of Hattie, Solange (with an entourage of ghostly fans!), Emily, and Theodore to perform their routine in the background like they did in the Papermill production of 1998. They also explored the possibility of a long-standing rivalry between Hattie and Carlotta which made the Papermill Follies even more realistic.
Papermill was an experience!
They do in the National Theatre 2017 production!
My heart really sank when that aluminum curtain came down: a desperate attempt to glam things up before the whole concept was complete. It really breaks the spell of the ghosts dancing and spoils the transformation into the follies. This would have really confused me if I hadn't seen it before.
That just looks like a lot of fun.
jeanemail7 a wonderful show xxxxx
Oh dear, how could I ever forget Rosemary Ashe! She's one of my all-time favorite Carlottas. She's too young to be Heidi imho but make-up artists and hairdressers could do wonders lol.
So weird, I was in the audience the night this bootleg was recorded! Hahaha
Uhm, I guess you're right. JOJ voice is more suited to Ben. Plus, John Barrowman's voice hasn't deepened that much imho. Peter P. can be Buddy. I can't get the image of him singing "Buddy's Blues" right now lol. I heard that Caroline O. nailed Phyllis in the 2011 Chicago production of Follies. They said "Lucy and Jessie" is the highlight of the entire show!
I’d like to acknowledge those chaine turns at 3:31
And Rosie Ashe!! You've set my mind racing now while I watch this for about the thirtieth time. Rosemary Ashe would be a blinding Stella but could probably legitimately sing the Heidi role.
Rosemary singing the best part of Dirty Laundry:
ua-cam.com/video/H2jtUTwZteY/v-deo.html#t=00m58s
This is how to stop a show!!!
HA! We think very alike! Although I would keep Elaine and her bouncing bosom as Carlotta and have Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie) sing Stella. Also I have have always fancied Zizi Jeanmaire (with an abundance of ghostly fans and boys) for Solange!
Zizi in the 70's ua-cam.com/video/V2ZAij_Zl_U/v-deo.html
in the 2000's ua-cam.com/video/bGjRfMTOFu4/v-deo.html
I would also include Kathryn Evans and Sally Ann Triplett in a London production, Dora Bryan would be a great Hattie, bless her.
My friend Harvey Evans was in the original cast. Lovely man.
Harvey played young Buddy,
Harvey Evans must have been an absolute delight to know as a friend. He breathed LIFE into every performance, at any age. And WHAT a great tap dancer.
@@TheMrchuck2000 He was a wonderful person and a great talent. He is missed!
@@johntlew And he played older Buddy in the Long Beach California production 20 years later.
I saw Harvey play older Buddy in San Jose Light Opera production around same time as Long Beach California.