Follies: In Concert

Synopsis

Follies: In Concert is a 1986 filmed performance capturing the timeless Broadway musical 'Follies' directed by Harold Prince and featuring Andre Gregory as the host. This concert rendition showcases the original score by Stephen Sondheim and the poignant narrative of former showgirls and performers reuniting in a decaying theater, reflecting on their past glories, regrets, and friendships. The film is a unique theatrical experience that focuses on the music and lyrics delivered with emotional intensity, bringing the melancholic yet hopeful spirit of the stage production to life on screen. It offers an intimate glimpse into themes of nostalgia, aging, and the passage of time.

Cast

• 

  Andre Gregory

  Dimitri Weismann

• 

  Stephen Sondheim

  Self- Composer

• Arthur Rubin

  Roscoe

• 

  Barbara Cook

  Sally Durant Plummer

• 

  George Hearn

  Benjamin Stone

• 

  Herbert Ross

  Self- Concert Director

Reviews

Critical response to Follies: In Concert has been largely positive, with audiences and critics praising the faithful capture of the musical's powerful score and performances. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a favorable audience score, reflecting appreciation among theater fans for its authentic concert format and the haunting beauty of Sondheim's compositions. IMDb ratings average around 7.5/10, with reviewers commending the vocal performances and the emotional depth conveyed despite the minimalist staging. Notably, critics highlight the raw and stripped-down presentation as both a strength and a limitation: Variety described the concert as 'a poignant and stirring reminder of the brilliance of the original production,' lauding its musical brilliance but noting the absence of elaborate stagecraft may feel less engaging for some viewers. The New York Times praised the vocal ensemble and Sondheim’s complex melodies, though some expressed that the lack of dramatic staging makes the experience more of a recorded concert than a fully immersive film adaptation. Overall, the consensus appreciates 'Follies: In Concert' as a valuable document of a legendary musical, treasured by enthusiasts for its emotional resonance and musical purity.

See also

Inception

Interstellar

Deadpool

Pulp Fiction