On Theater: A Gem of a revival for Sondheim’s ‘Follies’
The good news is that Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies” is being revived in an elaborate production at Garden Grove’s Gem Theater. The bad news is that it’s gone after the Feb. 19 closing matinee.
“Follies” focuses on two couples at a “memorial” evening for the New York theater they called home 30 years before — the building is to be imploded to make room for a parking structure. It features some of the composer’s best musical numbers, including “Broadway Baby” and the survivor’s anthem, “I’m Still Here.”
At the Gem, home of the producing group One More Productions, director Damien Lorton has assembled some terrific voices to propel this concert version. He also excels in the role of Buddy, one of the aforementioned foursome, who’s driven to distraction by his lacking sense of commitment.
He’s paired with the golden voice of Adriana Sanchez, who draws the choice solos “In Buddy’s Eyes” and “Losing My Mind” and sells them beautifully. Tension arises when it becomes clear that she and Ben, the male half of the other couple, still have the hots for each other after three decades.
Tom Patrick is exceptionally strong as Ben, memorably singing “The Road You Didn’t Take” and pairing with Sally on “Two Many Mornings.” Meanwhile, his wife, Phyllis, dynamically played by Claire Perry, berates the cheating Ben with the malice-packed “Could I Leave You?”
As if that weren’t enough, the legendary Beth Hansen shows up as aging chorine Carlotta to draw sustained applause for her emphatic rendition of “I’m Still Here.” Another big name, Roberta Kay, couldn’t survive a bout of the bug that ran through the cast on production week — she was still in bed with a triple-digit temperature on opening night and was skillfully replaced by Kelly Hines for the upbeat number “Ah, Paris.”
As the old-timers go through their paces, they’re reminded of their salad days by four performers enacting their much-younger selves. Kudos to Nicole Cassesso, Ashley Montgomery, Colby Hamann and Alex Bodrero for these energetic depictions.
But wait, there’s more. Shannon Page revs up for a cool rendition of “Broadway Baby,” Debbi Ebert and Shauna Bradford do some time traveling to play a past and present Stella in a peppy dance number backing “Who’s That Woman,” with Ebert’s vocalizing rocking the house, and Peggy Magee teams up with Alan Collins for a sultry tango.
Choreographers Shauna Bradford and Heather Holt-Smith have fashioned some impressive ensemble numbers, elaborately costumed by Larry Watts, in particular the heavily sugar-coated “Loveland.” The setting — basically two sets of staircases on either side of the stage — was designed by Wally Huntoon.
Forty-five years ago, this show about closing a theater was employed to open another — the now-shuttered Schubert in Los Angeles. “Follies” hasn’t been seen much locally since, and it’s truly a pleasure to renew the acquaintance.
TOM TITUS reviews local theater.
*
IF YOU GO
What: “Follies”
Where: Gem Theater, 12852 Main St., Garden Grove
When: Closing performance at 2 p.m. Sunday Feb. 19
Cost: $30 to $26
Information: (714) 741-9550, ext. 2211
