Follies: Musical Info & Synopsis


Synopsis:

Follies delves into the lives of former showgirls who reunite at a dilapidated Broadway theatre. Set against the backdrop of the theatre’s impending destruction, two couples, Sally and Buddy, and Phyllis and Ben, are forced confront their past and present. As the former showgirls reminisce about their youth, the “ghosts” of their former selves underscore their inner struggles and the choices they’ve made. Follies explores themes of nostalgia, lost dreams, and the passing of time.


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Musical Information

Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1971)

Cast Size: 20+

Genre: Drama / Fantasy

Setting: 1970s / USA (NYC)


Creative Team

Music/Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim

Book: James Goldman


Awards

Laurence Olivier Award: Best New Musical (1987)

New York Drama Critics’ Circle: Best Musical (1971)


Cast Albums

Original Broadway Cast (1971)➝

New York Philharmonic Concert Cast (1985)➝

Original London Cast (1987)➝

Broadway Cast (2011)➝

National Theatre Cast (2018)➝


Licensing

Follies is available to license through Music Theatre International.

Australasia Licensing

Europe Licensing

International Licensing

Resources

Audition Songs: Theatre Trip

Sheet Music: Amazon➝


Tags

1970s, Aging, Broken 4th Wall, Dramatic, Fantasy, Marriage, Metatheatre, Non-Linear, One-Word, Original, PopularTap Dance


Similar Musicals

If you’re looking to discover new shows, here are some musicals like Follies.

Birds of Paradise

Evening Primrose


References:

  1. Follies (libretto/script)
  2. Follies Cast Albums (1971-2018)
  3. Playbill archives for Follies, (1971 Broadway production)

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