Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 31, 1993 TAG: 9307310057
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KAREN L. DAVIS SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The story takes place 30 years ago at a reunion party on the stage of the old Weissman Theatre, where former entertainers have gathered to toast the good old days. Their memories come alive again onstage in flashbacks that compare the characters' hopes and dreams of yesterday to the often disappointing realities of today.
The Showtimers' production directed by Jeff Walker has a sizable cast of nearly 40. Among the most notable performances is Claire English, who portrays Phyllis Stone with humor and finesse in her renditions of "Phyllis's Folly: The Story of Lucy & Jessie" and "Could I Leave You?"
Phyllis is unhappily married to Ben Stone (played by R.B. Bortz), a workaholic who's discovered that wealth can't compensate every need.
When Phyllis and Ben reflect on their pasts, they appear as a younger couple in black and white. Costumes and lighting help cue the switch from past to present. Elizabeth Lewis and Todd Huffman play young Phyllis and Ben.
Likewise, Doray Feeser and George Stevens play a young Sally and Buddy in flashback scenes. Sally Plummer (portrayed by Rennie Chrisman) never forgot her love for Ben, even though she later married and raised a family with Buddy Plummer (played by Carl Bridgman).
Never able to compete with his wife's first love, Buddy admits to an ongoing affair but declares that he truly loves and wants Sally, if only she could forget Ben. Bridgman performs the most comical and rousing number in "Buddy's Folly: The God-Why-Don't-You-Love-Me-Blues."
As both couples review their pasts and reflect on the reasons for their present unhappiness, they ultimately discover overlooked blessings. Each reflects on personal follies, beginning with "The Folly of Love" and "The Folly of Youth" performed on a glittering but simple "Loveland" set.
The production plods through these storyline complications a little bit in the beginning, but once you figure out what's going on, the musical numbers are enjoyable and uplifting. Overall, the performances are adequate, if not always in sync.
The show lasts about two hours and has no intermission.
Other cast members include Jim Ripley, Richard Garst, Dale Johnson, Linda Dillehunt, Tom Imms, Dorothy Johnston, Betty Harden, Steven Trompeter, Barbara Burnett, Debra Nichols, Joanna Capps, William Capps, Mary Jean R. Levin, Stephanie Rowe, Sylvia K. Altizer, Inez Farrell and Patsy Castellano.
Castellano choreographed the show with Carter Cox. Music and vocals are directed by Diane Maher, Doray Feeser and Catherine Smith.
\ "Follies" is based on a book by James Goldman. Music and lyrics are written by Stephen Sondheim. The production continues at Showtimers' McVitty Road Studio through Aug. 8. Performances take place Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $8 and $9.
For reservations, call the box office at 774-2660.
by CNB