Follies
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"Follies" is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Goldman. The show premiered on Broadway in 1971 and has since become a beloved classic of the musical theater canon.
The story is set in the dilapidated Weismann Theatre, which is about to be torn down. The theater was once the site of the glamorous Follies revue, and as former performers reunite for a farewell party, they begin to confront the ghosts of their past. The show alternates between present-day scenes and flashbacks to the Follies performances of the past, where the former performers are seen as their younger selves.
As the former Follies performers reminisce, they confront the painful truths and secrets that have been buried for years. The show is a meditation on nostalgia, regret, and the passing of time. The music is a tour-de-force of Sondheim's unique style, with songs that range from poignant ballads to raucous show-stoppers.
"Follies" has been praised for its stunning score, intricate staging, and emotionally resonant story. It has been revived several times on Broadway and in the West End, and remains a favorite of musical theater enthusiasts around the world.