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Stephen Sondheims Follies. A Big Show From A Big Society - A Crit. |
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Written by Samantha Fields
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 Stephen Sondheims Follies. A big show from a big society. HAODS, the oldest local drama society and the largest has pulled a new, pre-Easter bunny from the hat and delivered for Henley a splendid and most remarkable production. Stephen Sondheim is renowned, perhaps unjustly for difficult music coupled with deep, dark plots. Perhaps a better summation would be that the music demands skill in performance and he challenges the audience to think as well as enjoy.
The first problem a society has to face when considering this show is the requirements of casting. There are over thirty named characters with ages ranging from 60-year old hoofers to their young egos starting out on life as eager 20-year old singers and dancers. HAODS is truly fortunate in counting amongst its members such actors and it was a joy to see so many older faces showing that their skills had not faded with time, coupled with newer members with youthful ability and exuberance.
It is show about the past; set in the past, New York in the 1970s. Impresario Dimitri Weismann produced follies extravaganzas at a theatre just off Broadway between the two world wars and we meet the once-young singers and dancers as they gather together for a final party before the theatre is pulled down to make way for a parking lot. The story takes us back even further into the past of the youthful, halcyon times of the 1930's and the ghostful memories becomes real people, setting out on life's difficult and challenging future. 'We all make bargains with our lives' remarks one actress as they all reflect on their past lost opportunities and errors.
Director Judy Yeates has to be congratulated on this splendid production. The cast has been well drilled, she has created a finely balanced landscape on the stage, and especially the frozen moments when old memories conjure the spirits of past events and double voices speak and sing in unison. These moments require great skill and timing from cast, music and lighting and it all comes together in this show. It is difficult to praise individuals for this is great ensemble production where the total balance is on all the actors. The choreographer, Jennifer Scott has created exciting moments especially when the aged-hoofers meet their young counterparts in a spectacular, glittery, tap-dance routine. The 1930s dance routines are great fun.
The opportunities for the singers have been taken up with vigour and
expertise and the MD Amy Wanlass, who also played with skill in the pit,
has truly enhanced her reputation. With such difficult songs as only
Sondheim can produce, the vocal accomplishments of the cast cannot be
praised too highly.
The show not only sparkled vocally, but also in the costume department.
Party goers all looked wonderful, reflecting their character and we were
treated to true pre-war glitz and glamour with magnificent Rio-style
show girl costumes dazzling us every time they appeared from the past.
The transformation to Loveland was also outstanding with the cast in
smokey blues and greys recreating a showgirl scene from the past
HAODS has risen to the demands of Follies and produced an evening of
pure entertainment. Though it is a show about nostalgia it is also a
show about life. It is thought provoking but above all it is great
entertainment. Well-done HAODS and thank you for inviting me to review
this spectacular show.
Robert Sterling
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