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The Birth of the Musical Follies: A Comprehensive Exploration of Its Origins and Impact

Jack Powell

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Published in Everything Was Possible: The Birth Of The Musical Follies

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The musical Follies opened on Broadway in 1971 to critical acclaim. It was a groundbreaking production that revolutionized the American musical theater landscape. With its complex characters, haunting score, and innovative staging, Follies became an instant classic and has remained one of the most beloved musicals ever written.

Everything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical Follies

by Cida Costa

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In this article, we will explore the origins and impact of Follies. We will discuss the creative team behind the production, the inspirations for the story and music, and the challenges that were faced during its development. We will also examine the critical and commercial reception of Follies, and its lasting legacy on musical theater.

The Creative Team

Follies was created by a team of some of the most talented artists in the American theater. The book was written by James Goldman, the music and lyrics were written by Stephen Sondheim, and the production was directed by Harold Prince. Goldman had previously written the book for the musical A Chorus Line, and Sondheim had written the music and lyrics for the musicals Company and A Little Night Music. Prince had directed some of the most acclaimed musicals of the 1960s and 1970s, including Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof, and Company.

The creative team for Follies shared a common vision for the production. They wanted to create a musical that was both entertaining and thought-provoking, a musical that would explore the themes of nostalgia, regret, and the passage of time.

The Inspirations

The inspiration for Follies came from a variety of sources. Goldman was inspired by his own experiences growing up in New York City, and by the stories that his parents and grandparents told him about the city's past. Sondheim was inspired by the music of Jerome Kern and Irving Berlin, and by the films of Vincente Minnelli and Douglas Sirk. Prince was inspired by the work of the German expressionist theater directors Bertolt Brecht and Max Reinhardt.

The result of this collaboration was a musical that was both unique and unforgettable. Follies is a complex and challenging work, but it is also a deeply moving and rewarding experience.

The Challenges

The development of Follies was not without its challenges. The creative team faced a number of obstacles, including a difficult rehearsal period and a troubled opening night. However, they persevered, and the final product was a triumph.

One of the biggest challenges that the creative team faced was the rehearsal period. The cast was large and the choreography was complex. The rehearsals were often long and difficult, and there were a number of disagreements between the creative team and the cast.

Another challenge that the creative team faced was the opening night. The show was not well-received by the critics, and it closed after only a few months. However, the show has since been re-evaluated, and it is now considered one of the greatest musicals ever written.

The Critical and Commercial Reception

Follies opened on Broadway on April 4, 1971. The show received mixed reviews from the critics. Some praised the show's originality and ambition, while others criticized its complexity and lack of a traditional plot. The show closed after only 522 performances, but it has since been revived several times to critical acclaim.

Despite its mixed critical reception, Follies was a commercial success. The show won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Score. It also ran for over a year on Broadway, and it has been performed all over the world.

The Lasting Legacy

Follies has had a lasting impact on musical theater. The show's complex characters, haunting score, and innovative staging have inspired generations of theater artists. Follies is a reminder that musical theater can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it is a testament to the power of collaboration.

Follies continues to be performed around the world, and it is considered one of the greatest musicals ever written. The show's themes of nostalgia, regret, and the passage of time are still relevant today, and it is a powerful reminder of the importance of living in the present.

The birth of the musical Follies was a groundbreaking moment in the history of theater. The show's complex characters, haunting score, and innovative staging revolutionized the American musical theater landscape. Follies is a reminder that musical theater can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it is a testament to the power of collaboration.

Image Attributions

Image of the Follies cast: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Image of Stephen Sondheim: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Image of James Goldman: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Image of Harold Prince: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Everything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical Follies

by Cida Costa

4.9 out of 5