Follies (APAC)
About the show
Astoria Performing Arts Center presents Stephen Sondheim's classic musical where, before their former theater is demolished, the former "Weismann Follies" showgirls reunite to say goodbye.
In one evening, memory and time intermingle as two couples confront the truth about their past and their present in order to face the future. Featuring some of Sondheim's most well-known songs, including "Losing My Mind," "I'm Still Here," and "Broadway Baby," 'Follies' juxtaposes innocence with sophistication, harsh reality with surrealism, and the dreams of what will be with the regrets of what was.
"I've already purchased my ticket to see it again...Bondarin is a smart director who eagerly serves the work, and this production is full of her smart decisions. The result is more excellent theatre than we the audience have any right to expect for a ticket price of $18!...The production values could be higher. Some performers aren't quite up to the task (though many others are quite good). But this 'Follies' sings, it dances, it feels...You'll rarely in your life get such value for your money." Full Review
"'Follies' transported me back in time as I enjoyed such Broadway standards as 'I'm Still Here' and 'Could I Leave Her?' The story concerns a reunion of Weismann's Follies in a crumbling Broadway theatre, scheduled for demolition. We wander through the memories of two couples and alternate between two casts playing the characters in different stages of life set thirty years apart. Although the original book's plot is thin, this production of 'Follies' is flawless. You are in for a treat." Full Review
“The lead actors are all superb in their own right, but it is the choreography by Brians and direction by Bondarin that allows the entire cast to shine...APAC’s understated set allows you to hear, see and feel the cabaret numbers in their pure emotionality. Who among us has not experienced regrets about lost love, how life might have gone if another path had been chosen?...APAC has managed to take a master’s work and breathe fresh life into it.” Full Review
“A thought-provoking book by James Goldman and a monumental score by Stephen Sondheim...Bondarin has done a splendid job with the staging...and clearly delineating the changes in time...The show flows seamlessly...Higgins leads a partially visible six-piece band, which handles the complex score with aplomb...Thanks to the crystal-clear enunciation of the entire cast...not one brilliant syllable is lost.” Full Review
“Much of the success of this revival is due to the performers, who all make the effort to explore the full dimensions of their characters. And they're all super talented...Two of the standouts are Henderson's rendition of ‘The Story of Lucy and Jessie’ and Horton's Buddy's Blues’. They blew my socks off. One critique is the sound...This cast is doing such fantastic work, but we can't enjoy everything they bring to the table if we can't hear them...A terrific tribute to an earlier period in th... Full Review
See it if you love Sondheim and want to experience a fantastic production of this classic musical. APAC creates great theater in their small space.
Don't see it if you don't mind missing a fabulous Sondheim production with classy sets, costumes, and especially classy actors, singing their hearts out.Go!
See it if You love "Follies" or you've never seen it before.
Don't see it if You don't like musicals, or you like them frothy and mindless.
See it if you love singing, dancing, and nostalgia.
Don't see it if you don't like to have a good time.
See it if You are a Sondheim fan, or have never seen this show - it's a fantastic rendition of it. And, love seeing a musical fully stages w/out mikes
Don't see it if If you are so narrow that you only like to see big splashy shows on Broadway. Or don't like musicals at all
Also APAC has always produced top notch musicals (straight plays too, but t... Read more Read less
See it if You want to see an excellent production of Follies- great choreography,-intelligent staging-passionate performances. A delight. Don't miss!
Don't see it if You don't want to shlep to Queens- but I encourage you to do so!!! Great performance and better than most to the crap on Broadway right now.
See it if you love everything Sondheim as this modest production brings so much emotion and entertainment. Cast is superb. Beautiful direction.
Don't see it if you’re a snotty theater goer who only appreciates grandiose musicals. but seriously there are hidden gems beyond broadway. this is a diamond
See it if You like great singing, great dancing, and painful stories about people making mistakes
Don't see it if You want a perfectly written show -- this is early Sondheim and you can tell
See it if You like the very best of musical theatre and can adjust to the non-fanciness of the production.
Don't see it if You don't like musicals, or you only enjoy Follies with stars and production values
Also I really, really, really enjoyed this production, and I recommend it v... Read more Read less
See it if You like classic shows and don’t mind small productions
Don't see it if You’re not a Sondheim fan, and are expecting a big broadway production
See it if You love Sondheim, or even if you don't. This is a beautifully realized production of one of the great musicals in an intimate space.
Don't see it if You don't like going to Queens. Oh, just take the ferry! :-)
See it if You love this show. An amazing job of bringing a gorgeous, complicated show to life. One of the most satisfying productions I've seen.
Don't see it if You don't know where Queens is.
See it if you enjoy quality musicals with wonderful performances! The show has great acting, direction, and choreography! Worth the trip.
Don't see it if you don't like Sondheim musicals.
See it if You enjoy Sondheim, splashy dance numbers, wonderful singing, and supporting off broadway! A delightful revival with quality actors!
Don't see it if You don’t like musicals or think Astoria is a shlep. (It’s not! see this show!)
See it if u want to see Greg Horton(Buddy), Bruce Sabath(Benjamin),Marcie Henderson(Phyllis),Tina Stafford(Sally) and LaDonna Burns(Stella), all great
Don't see it if you don't want to be put on the waiting list (which you should ! ! ) : People met with success the night I was there. The run is sold out
See it if you love follies!
Don't see it if you don't like to feel things in the theatre
See it if A superb production with solid performances and staging. Really enjoyed it. Well staged! Fun! Surprised at how good it was.
Don't see it if You don’t like Sondheim shows or refuse to leave Manhattan to see a show. (But you should! It’s a delight!)
See it if you want to see a brilliant show, dazzling staged with distinctive performers.
Don't see it if you expect the same level as the iconic productions on Broadway
See it if You can never get enough of Sondheim’s masterpiece. A miraculous production- beautifully cast and staged.
Don't see it if You prefer frivolous light-hearted musical theatre. Plenty of Spongebob and Buffet around in that case.
Also Hard to believe what miracles were accomplished here. The cast is unif... Read more Read less
See it if you like the composers work
Don't see it if you don't like Sondheim
See it if you enjoy excellent leads with a fine ensemble, directed and staged superbly - all of the elements come together in a rather ho-hum story.
Don't see it if you do not like Sondheim, you don't like Off-Off Broadway theater even at its best, you desire more contemporary themes.
See it if you like good old fashioned Sondheim musicals.
Don't see it if you're looking for intense drama.
See it if you want to support ambitious work off broadway. Amazed at how rich and funny even a lower budget production is of this masterpiece.
Don't see it if you need big spectacle or across-the-board Tony calibre acting (one of the four leads was a bit weak).
Also VERY impressed at how ambitious this was. Fun costumes, beautiful set,... Read more Read less
See it if Enjoy a great production by a small organization that always does great work. Great use of a small space & excellent cast and choreography.
Don't see it if Book of the show is not for everyone as not much happens. If you're looking for a big glossy show then APAC is not for you.
See it if Ambitious production of a great musical. The director has done an excellent job with the large cast and the show is engaging and moving.
Don't see it if You want a polished Broadway-like production. The performances are uneven (one lead was fairly weak), and the stage can get pretty crowded.
See it if you love Sondheim, love musicals, love great singing and dancing and love profound, touching stories that speak to our humaness.
Don't see it if you don't like musicals or shows about older women reliving their glory days and finding resolution.
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