Follies

[Stephen]

I'm actually very excited about this casting announcement.

Joanna Riding really impressed me in The Girls last year. It will be nice to see what is likely to be quite a different take on the character.

I'm also a big Alex Hanson fan but he has big shoes to fill after Quast! It was really special seeing him in this as his Javert inspired me to try my way in this business!

[jek]

My 17 year old daughter who enjoyed Follies last year asked me, on seeing the casting announcement, who Joanna Riding is. When I said that she is the woman who handed her a piece of chocolate at Romantics Anonymous at the Sam Wanamaker her face lit up. That was such a lovely production and Riding was fantastic in it. As I remember she was in the Pajama Game some years back. Her casting is certainly tempting me to make a return visit to Follies.

[couldileaveyou]

After having seer her pitch-perfect Charlotte in A Little Night Music I have always imagined her as a Phyllis, but I'm sure Joanna will be a fantastic Sally who does the score justice.

[macksennett]

Do we know yet when the second booking period opens?

[Boob]

Jun 20, 2018 12:47:36 GMT couldileaveyou said:

After having seer her pitch-perfect Charlotte in A Little Night Music I have always imagined her as a Phyllis, but I'm sure Joanna will be a fantastic Sally who does the score justice.

I completely agree. JR is brilliant at playing brittle yet vulnerable - but this is sort of what Phyllis is, so will be interesting to see how she counterbalances JD in her interpretation of Sally. She’s a wonderful performer and will certainly tempt me back to the production - it could be just perfect with a Sally who can actually sing the score.

[frankubelik]

Much as I don't like Ms Riding's habit of staring into the middle distance, it will be good to have someone who can sing the score and is a (kind of) believable Follies girl. I am praying that we are saved from the hideous gurning and awful sound of Ms Bennett.

[sf]

Jun 21, 2018 5:52:58 GMT macksennett said:

Do we know yet when the second booking period opens?

NOT in the booking block that opens to the public in a couple of weeks (and to priority members this coming Thursday) - there's no mention of it on the website or in the brochure they sent out in the post, other than that "additional performances will be announced".

[Deleted]

Where is the promised NT cast recording of Follies? There's literally no information regarding a release date or anything except that it's been recorded by First Night Records...? Anyone got any scoop or ideas when we can expect the new album? 

[Someone in a tree]

Is anything mentioned on the Follies thread ?

[Being Alive]

My guess is that we'll get it when the show re-opens in February... although I'd like it sooner!

[theatremadness]

New cast of Follies announced. 




More seriously, heard very, very quiet whispers that there are new producers on board for the National return, with an eye looking towards the Palladium. Absolutely nothing set in stone (pardon the pun) or confirmed or booked or anything concrete whatsoever, just a rumbling I've heard.

[crabtree]

Nobody should query her superior exterior......

[Deleted]

Just booked for the last preview. Excited to see it again with the new leads.

[Jon]

Follies would struggle at the Palladium IMO and they'd have to redesign the set for that stage

[Stephen]

When could that happen? As the Summer musical this time next year?

I certainly think it would be popular and would be a lovely show for the Palladium!

[alece10]

As much as I love Follies can't see it being able to fill the place. Average Joe will never have heard of it. Even King and I which most people have heard of can't fill the place.

[distantcousin]

Jul 13, 2018 18:45:58 GMT alece10 said:

As much as I love Follies can't see it being able to fill the place. Average Joe will never have heard of it. Even King and I which most people have heard of can't fill the place.

Exactly  - to be a hit in the Palladium - you have to be super, super mainstream.   The musical equivalent of a Hollywood blockbuster.

The King And I is VERY old now and recognition amongst the general public is fading.

[will121]

Well I adore Follies and consider it one of Musicals finest achievements. But have to agree that putting it into the Palladium would be financial madness. I liked the King and I this week mainly for the Star that is Kelli O'Hara, I felt honoured to see her, but the piece itself despite the PC overhaul has lost its mojo in 2018. Back to Follies, where is the Cast Recording that has apparently been done?

[Someone in a tree]

Jul 14, 2018 10:37:39 GMT will121 said:

Well I adore Follies and consider it one of Musicals finest achievements. But have to agree that putting it into the Palladium would be financial madness. I liked the King and I this week mainly for the Star that is Kelli O'Hara, I felt honoured to see her, but the piece itself despite the PC overhaul has lost its mojo in 2018. Back to Follies, where is the Cast Recording that has apparently been done?

What is the PC overhaul? Is it script changes or more sesnsitive direction?

Please and ta!

[Deleted]

Jul 14, 2018 10:37:39 GMT will121 said:

Well I adore Follies and consider it one of Musicals finest achievements. But have to agree that putting it into the Palladium would be financial madness. I liked the King and I this week mainly for the Star that is Kelli O'Hara, I felt honoured to see her, but the piece itself despite the PC overhaul has lost its mojo in 2018. Back to Follies, where is the Cast Recording that has apparently been done?

I love the way they recorded Follies w/Imelda, and then cast Joanna Riding, an actual singer, in the reboot for the next year. I think, as someone already suggested, they will wait to produce the album around Christmastime so that they can sell the CD at the show in January at the NT. 

[sf]

Jul 14, 2018 14:25:05 GMT @anthonyhope said:

Jul 14, 2018 10:37:39 GMT will121 said:

Well I adore Follies and consider it one of Musicals finest achievements. But have to agree that putting it into the Palladium would be financial madness. I liked the King and I this week mainly for the Star that is Kelli O'Hara, I felt honoured to see her, but the piece itself despite the PC overhaul has lost its mojo in 2018. Back to Follies, where is the Cast Recording that has apparently been done?

I love the way they recorded Follies w/Imelda, and then cast Joanna Riding, an actual singer, in the reboot for the next year. I think, as someone already suggested, they will wait to produce the album around Christmastime so that they can sell the CD at the show in January at the NT. 

Staunton, to be fair, is a perfectly good singer - she sounds terrific in 'That Day We Sang'. She's just not the most appropriate voice for Sally.

[Deleted]

Full cast announced. Thrilled to hear Alyn and Gemma will be in the show! Also thrilled for Tracie reprising her Olivier nominated performance. Had zero interest in returning to this, but with Tracie performing again I could be tempted.

Interesting to see them say more performances are to be added!

www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/follies-national-theatre-full-casting-2019_47727.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=3october2018

[Being Alive]

Hoorah for so many returners (leads and ensemble) - would we assume that Claire Moore will play Hattie in place of Di Botcher?

I'm just so pleased that it's back in all it's glory.

[Deleted]

Ooo Clare Moore!

I won't lie, I saw Tracie's name and skipped past everyone else.

[alece10]

Just seen Harry Hepple's name there too. He was Pippin at the Menier and a fine performer.