FOLLIES set to open at the Palais Theatre this Saturday

Victorian-Opera-presents-FOLLIESAn all-star cast will grace St Kilda’s Palais Theatre stage, this weekend, as Victorian Opera presents Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s Tony-Award-winning musical, FOLLIES, for a limited season this February.

Set in a run-down theatre scheduled for demolition, former chorus girls reunite to honour performing there during the interwar years. The theatre is ramshackle, and the harshness of age has tarnished the rosy tint of their nostalgia.

But as the women remember those glamorous years, the faded theatre is propelled back through time and transforms into its former grandeur.

Uniting for this unmissable production, the FOLLIES cast includes Marina Prior, Antoinette Halloran, Adam Murphy, Alexander Lewis, Colette Mann, Geraldene Morrow, Evelyn Krape, Merlyn Quaife, Rhonda Burchmore, Anne Wood, Taao Buchanan, Mia Simonette, Jack Van Staveren, Jacob Steen, Stephen Smith, Tom Blair, Grant Piro and Nina Korbe.

They are joined by Jared Bryan, Sienna Embrey, Mia Fenelon, Mitchell Fistrovic Doidge, Mikaela Jade, Pip Keltie, Emily Lodge, Callum Marshall, James Maxfield, Kristina McNamara, Max Patterson, Michael Ralph and Carter Rickard.

Audiences will instantly recognise the hit parade of iconic songs originating from this stellar musical including: Broadway Baby, I’m Still Here, Losing my Mind, Could I leave you? and In Buddy’s Eyes.

FOLLIES premiered on Broadway in 1971 and received 7 Tony Awards, including Best Original Score for Stephen Sondheim. The original West End production received the 1987 Olivier Award for Musical of the Year. The musical was later revived on Broadway in 2001 and 2011 and most recently at London’s National Theatre in 2017.

Victorian Opera’s Artistic Director Stuart Maunder AM is at the helm of the grand-scale new production. He reunites with many of his frequent collaborators including Tony Award-winning set and costume designer Roger Kirk AM, choreographer Yvette Lee, and lighting designer Gavin Swift. Victorian Opera’s Head of Music Phoebe Briggs conducts Orchestra Victoria.

“Continuing Victorian Opera’s commitment to re-examine the great classics of music theatre, we are proud to present one of Stephen Sondheim’s most iconic works: the 1971 masterpiece Follies,” says Maunder. “The works of Sondheim have made up a large part of recent Victorian Opera seasons and we are now thrilled to add the holy grail of Sondheim’s achievements.”

Follies blends the past and present. It brilliantly showcases living legends, current music theatre stars and a new generation of artists. We look forward to bringing the Follies extravaganza to life, creating the faded grandeur of a soon-to-be-demolished theatre, as well as glitz, glamour and artifice. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see a legendary show.”


FOLLIES
Palais Theatre, Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
Season: 1 – 6 February 2025
Information and Bookings: www.victorianopera.com.au

Image: Victorian Opera presents FOLLIES (supplied)