Follies

The storyline of this production is about Dimitri Weissman (Howard Collis) who invites the cast of thirty years earlier to a reunion before the theatre is closed down completely after several years of decay and not being used by anyone apart from the ghosts. The plot follows the lives of four married performers, Sally & Buddy (Siobhan McMahon & Martin Bracewell) and Phyllis and Ben (Audrey Lucas & Andrew Donovan).

The whole show takes place in a theatre and HAODS are so fortunate to have the large and wonderful stage at The Capitol on which to perform. The scenery consisted of scaffolding, stairs, sofas and a few other pieces of theatrical furniture. There were forty performers and with that number the stage was able to be used to full effect - especially in the big tap dance routine in act 1 and the cabaret section in act 2.

The songs in the production - solos, duets and ensembles - were all excellently performed, My favourite song was “One More Kiss” by Heidi and Young Heidi (Hazel Wellcome and Ellie Attfield). The best known song from this show is probably “Losing My Mind” - and I also enjoyed this very much. The cabaret songs of the “Follies” in act 2 were really lively and choreographed excellently and gave a good lift after the traumas of the two couples arguing.

The band of seventeen was lead by James Lelean and the strong sound that he produced complemented the singers perfectly. It was so good to hear a full band including strings, brass, harp, horn and other wind instruments expertly duplicated on keyboards.

Costumes for the cast of the current time period were well chosen and the “Follies” costumes for the thirty years earlier were glitzy and eye-catching.

Although I still wonder about the storyline towards the end, it is not too important as the show had energy, pathos, glitz and pzazz. Congratulations go to the director, choregrapher, musical director, stage crew and lighting technicians for an extremely entertaining evening.

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