Follies (2013)

In a crumbling Broadway theatre set for demolition, the former stars of a 1940s musical revue performed at the theatre gather for one last time. For some, it's a joyous reunion but for two unhappily married couples, the past and present clash. Directed by Olivier Benezech, this is a filmed production of the Stephen Sondheim musical done at the Toulon Opera House in France. Sondheim's musical has never been filmed in its entirety (there was a concert version in 1985 that was filmed). This production remedies that and barring any feature film version, this remains the only one readily available (unless you have Amazon Prime which has a print of the National Theatre production). This production uses Jonathan Tunick's original orchestrations. Benezech uses cinematic techniques like split screen (perhaps too much) and while the performances are a mixed lot, this remains a solid effort. The best performance comes from Jerome Pradon as Buddy. His American accent is impeccable, you'd never guess he's French though it was probably a mistake to have him do The God Why Don't You Love Me Blues in his underwear. Liz Robertson as Phyllis can't seem to catch fire until the Story Of Lucy And Jesse. Julia Sutton nails Broadway Baby perfectly and if Nicole Croiselle doesn't have the vocal range for I'm Still Here, she makes up for it with acting the song and still makes it a showstopper. Inexplicably, one change from the original production, the part of Solange is played by a male (Denis D'Arcangelo) as a drag queen. Far from the definitive production of FOLLIES but a more than decent effort. The excellent choreography is by Caroline Roelands. With Graham Bickley, Charlotte Page and Sarah Ingram.