Is it a coincidence that over 40 years have passed since the Stephen Sondheim/James Goldman “Follies” opened the inaugural season in what used to be Cygnet Theatre, this past weekend?
Starlight Musical Theatre opened its 45th season with Sondheim’s award winning “Follies” in the summer of 1990 at the San Diego Civic Center starring Don and Bonnie Ward.
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| Patti Goodwin |
It has not been staged here in San Diego since then when Cygnet’s artistic Director Sean Murray felt he had not the right venue (i.e. a large enough stage) to meet the needs of all the Follies Cast and Zigfield like Follies girls. (A Pretty Girl Is Like a Memory)
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| Karole Foreman |
“Follies” is short on script but long on underlying meanings. It’s about mixed memories, lost opportunities, rivalries, misunderstandings, unhappy marriages and past animosities. All these feelings weave through the former Weisman girls, Phyllis and Sally (Karole Foreman and Sandy Campbell). It doesn’t help that their husbands Ben and Buddy (David S. Humphrey and Russell Garrett) show up for the reunion as well. (“Too Many Mornings” Ben and Sally)
Set (Ralph Funicello/Andrew Hull) in a soon to be run down theatre of happier days, a reunion of ageing showgirls is about to take place. They show up one by one, looking, remembering, sighing and greeting the next set of past performers.
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| Dance number Here is where the story veers off and the narrative is not about the music. As they come together, past and present memories weave through and tangled feelings abound, and the ghosts of their pasts are played out right before our eyes Oft times it’s difficult to follow since it first appeared that there were two stories two sets of couples (young and older) and my mind was a bit boggled. |
The concept of “Follies” is unusual. When done well, as it was on the opening night at The Joan, it works most of the time. It works magnificently when the entire cast outdoes itself and especially under the direction of Murray.
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| Leigh Scarritt |
With a stellar cast and a few good recognizable tunes, you can’t go wrong: Sandy Campbell, who never disappoints, is exceptional and always at her very best voice (“Losing My Mind” “In Buddy's Eyes”), Karol Foreman (“Could I Leave You?”) is vibrant, octogenarian Patti Goodwin came out of retirement to belt out (“Broadway Baby”), one of my favorites, Melinda Gilb ("Who's That Woman") brought the house down with her funny antics, and stunning Anise Ritchie and elegant looking Dagmar Krause Fields (ensemble) all fit in nicely. Lest we forget, sassy, sexy Leigh Scarritt never fails to disappoint (her bittersweet “I’m Still Here” is so her character), another of my favorites.
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| Ralph Johnson, Leigh Scarritt, Kiai Buglr, Anise Ritchie and Melinda Gilb. |
The also ran men in the show, are good but compared to the women, with the exception of Ralph Johnson, David S Humphrey take second fiddle. Humphrey is a rich tenor and it was great seeing him back on stage, (remember him from “Forever Plaid”?) Eddie Yaroch and Amanda Naughton make a fine couple as Emily and Theodore Whitman.
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| Sandy Campbell, David Humphrey, |
Katie Banville Choreographed, Elisa Benzoni designed the costumes, Peter Hermann (my man) did the wigs and makeup, Matt Lescault Woods, sound, Amanda Zieve, lighting.
Patrick Marion leads a seven piece orchestra with Kyle Bayquen on Bass, Devon Henderson, Trumpet, Kaeylin Henderson,Trombone, Nathan Hubbard, Drums/Percussion, Amy Kalai, Reeds and Patrick Marion Conductor and keyboard.
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| Abby Depuy and Dagmar Krause Fields |
Coincidence or not, 35 years might be a lifetime for some, but for The Follies’ Girls it seems like a blip in time.
Good luck for future performances at the new Joan and thanks to both Joan and Irwin Jacobs for having the foresight to dream.
Enjoy.
See you at the theatre.
When: Runs through Oct. 19th. 7 p.m.
Wednesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays
Where: Cygnet Theatre at The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego
Tickets: $44 and up
Photo: Karli Cadel Photography
Phone: 619-337-1525
Online: cygnettheatre.com
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