Description
Follies – The First Complete Recording Original London Cast 1987 – Double Vinyl Record
The 1987 Original London Cast recording of Follies is a significant and beloved production of the classic musical, which features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Goldman. This recording is notable because it represents one of the first complete recordings of the show, capturing its rich and complex score in its entirety.
Follies is a musical that originally premiered on Broadway in 1971. The story takes place at a reunion of former performers from the “Weismann’s Follies,” a Ziegfeld Follies-like revue, set in a theater that is about to be demolished. As the characters reminisce about their past glories, the musical explores themes of nostalgia, regret, and the passage of time. It is known for its intricate and beautiful score, featuring songs that reflect the vaudeville and musical theater traditions of the early 20th century.
The 1987 Original London Cast recording features performances by an acclaimed cast, including Julia McKenzie, Diana Rigg, and Daniel Massey. Some of the key tracks and highlights include:
“Overture” – The instrumental opening sets the tone for the show, featuring themes from several of the songs.
“Beautiful Girls” – A grand, nostalgic number that introduces the former Follies performers.
“Don’t Look at Me” – Sung by Phyllis, showcasing her wit and sophistication.
“Waiting for the Girls Upstairs” – A reflective piece where the main characters reminisce about their younger days.
“The Road You Didn’t Take” – A solo by Ben, expressing his regrets about the choices he’s made in life.
“In Buddy’s Eyes” – Sally sings about her idealized view of her husband, Buddy.
“Who’s That Woman?” – A lively, show-stopping number featuring the former Follies girls.
“I’m Still Here” – One of the most famous songs from the show, performed by Carlotta, reflecting on her resilience through the ups and downs of her life and career.
“Too Many Mornings” – A duet between Ben and Sally, expressing their unfulfilled desires.
“Could I Leave You?” – Phyllis’s powerful and biting solo about the possibility of leaving her husband.
“Loveland” – The fantasy sequence where the characters’ inner lives are explored through pastiche numbers.
“You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow / Love Will See Us Through” – Duets that contrast the optimistic young love of the past with the disillusionment of the present.
“Losing My Mind” – Sally’s heart-wrenching solo about her unrequited love for Ben.
“The Story of Lucy and Jessie” – A jazzy number performed by Phyllis, exploring her complex identity.
“Live, Laugh, Love” – Ben’s nervous breakdown is depicted in this grand, vaudeville-style number.
The 1987 London production of Follies and its cast recording were well-received, praised for their faithful and complete rendition of Sondheim’s intricate score. This recording is especially valued by fans and collectors because it offers a more comprehensive representation of the musical than many previous recordings.
For fans of musical theater, and especially of Stephen Sondheim, the 1987 London Cast recording of Follies is a must-have, offering a rich and detailed interpretation of one of Sondheim’s most acclaimed works.
Brand new, never played and still wrapped in original seal that is peeling off do to storage wear, some edge and spine wear from storage
First Night Records 1987
Silver foil cover with exact artwork as shown in this listing picture
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Gatefold packaging
Track Listing
Act One
Side A
“Beautiful Girls” – Roscoe and Company
“Don’t Look at Me” – Sally and Ben
Montage: “Rain on the Roof” – Billie and Wally / “Ah! Paree” – Solange / “Broadway Baby” – Hattie
“Waiting for the Girls Upstairs” – Buddy, Ben, Phyllis, Sally, Young Buddy, Young Ben, Young Phyllis, Young Sally
Side B
“Who’s That Woman” – Stella and Company
“In Buddy’s Eyes” – Sally
“Country House” – Phyllis and Ben
“Too Many Mornings”- Ben and Sally
Act Two
Side A
“Social Dancing” – Company
“I’m Still Here” – Carlotta
“The Right Girl” – Buddy
“Could I Leave You” – Phyllis
“One More Kiss” – Heidi and Young Heidi
“Loveland” – Roscoe and Company
Side B
“Love Will See Us Through” – Young Buddy, Young Sally
“Buddy’s Blues” – Buddy, Sally, Young Sally, Margie
“Losing My Mind” – Sally
“You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow” – Young Ben, Young Phyllis
“Ah, But Underneath” – Phyllis and Company
“Make the Most of Your Music” – Ben and Company
“You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow/Love Will See Us Through” (reprise) – Young Buddy, Young Sally, Young Phyllis, Young Ben
“Beautiful Girls” (finale) – Company
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