Stephen Sondheim’s FOLLIES
A 75th Anniversary Celebration Production!
Director-Phillip Colglazier, Music Director-Eunice Wadewitz, Choreographer-Gary Lanier
FOLLIES (musical): A true theatrical event, this legendary masterpiece is considered by many to be the greatest musical ever created. The time is 1971, and theatrical impresario Dimitri Weissman (famous for his garish Weissman Follies of yesteryear) hosts a reunion of ex-Follies performers in his crumbling theatre, setting the stage for a parade of brilliant ‘20s, ‘30s, and ‘40s pastiche numbers that have become every bit as famous as their models: ‘Losing My Mind,” “I’m Still Here,” and “Broadway Baby,” to name a few. Amid the reminiscing, two middle-aged couples confront some unpleasant truths about their past and present and come face to face with the future. Surreal, sophisticated, compelling, heart-wrenching and epic in scope, FOLLIES uses the musical theatre as a metaphor for the collapse of American innocence and naiveté in the post-Kennedy years. It is a showcase for powerful dramatic actors, featuring a large cast rich in character which provides opportunities for seasoned older performers. Spectacular and grand in scale, FOLLIES has also proven ideal for concert presentation and features many of Stephen Sondheim’s best-known songs and thrilling book by James Goldman, the author of A LION IN WINTER. (Cast: 12 men, 16 women, 6 showgirls, & chorus) Rated: PG-13
Auditions: Tuesday, September 2nd (7:00 – 10:00 p.m. West)
Call Backs: If needed. Wednesday, September 3rd (6:00 – 10:00 p.m. West)
Rehearsals: Monday, September 15th – Oct. 29th (seven wks)
Sponsor Night: Thursday, October 30th @ 7:30 p.m. ITT INDUSTRIES
Performances: (Wed. – Sun. Performances) Friday, Oct. 31st - Nov. 16th
Auditions: Auditions will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 2nd starting promptly at 7:00 p.m. and may take up to three hours or more. Please arrive early to check in and fill out the audition forms. Call-Backs will be on Wednesday, Sept. 3rd at 6:00 p.m. and all those who are asked to return should plan to be there from 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Audition Preparation: Be prepared to sing 32 measures of a ballad (slow song). Have your song memorized and bring sheet music in the proper key for the pianist - accompanist provided. Do not bring a CD or tape to sing with. You will be asked to learn a dance combination so please come appropriately dressed to move.
Call to Audition: Please call the Civic Theatre at 260-422-8641 ext. 221 to sign up to audition.
Cast of Characters: 12 Women, 12 Younger Women, 8 Men and 8 younger Men, which include 6 showgirls & chorus – All performers must be able to sing, act and move. A variety of vocal ranges are required.
Dimitri Weismann, age 60-80, the opulent and well-dressed owner of the old Weismann Theatre in New York.
Roscoe, Tenor (F to high G#), age 55-75, the man with the gorgeous tenor voice who used to introduce the Follies.
Sally, Alto (F# to B flat), age 45-60, lead, a wealthy but miserable fifty-year-old former Follie married to Buddy but in love with Ben.
Ben Stone, Baritone (low bA to E), lead, age 48-62, a Wall Street tycoon married to Phyllis but had an affair with Sally.
Young Buddy, Tenor (E to high G flat), age 19-27, the eager young suitor of Sally.
Buddy, Baritone (low C to high F), age 48-62, a charming wealthy salesperson married to Sally, friends with Ben.
Phyllis, Alto (low F# to B flat) age 45-60, the smart and vicious fifty-year-old wife of Ben and former Follie girl.
Young Phyllis, Mezzo (lowB flat to E flat), age 16-23, a showgirl in the chorus of the Weismann Follies.
Young Sally, Mezzo (low C to E), age 16-23, a twenty-year-old showgirl in the chorus of the Weismann Follies.
Young Ben, Tenor (E flat to high F), age 19-27, the twenty-year-old boyfriend of young Phyllis.
Theodore Whitman, Baritone (low B flat to D), age 45-65, Emily’s husband, the male half of the Whitman performing duo.
Emily Whitman, Mezzo (low B flat to D), age 45-65, Theodore’s wife and the female half of the Whitman performing duo.
Young Heidi, Soprano (E to high A flat), age 21-35, a former Follie and well-respected soprano.
Solange La Fitte, Mezzo (low A to high G), age 45-65, a former Follie.
Stella Deems, Alto (low E# to G), age 45-65, a former Follie.
Carlotta Champion, Alto (low E flat to B flat), age 50-70, a well-known movie star and former Follie.
Heidi Schiller, Soprano (low D to high F), age 85-100, a legendary ninety-year-old soprano.
Hattie, Alto, age 45-60, a former Follie.
Kevin, non-singer, age 25-40, an easily tempted waiter.
Vincent, older gentleman, dance duo partner with Venessa.
Vanessa, a former Follie, dance duo partner with Vincent.
Meredith Lane, a former Follie.
Willie Wheeler, age 60 (does a cartwheel)
DeDe, a former Follie.
Christine, a former Follie.
The singers and dancers double as Guests, Waiters, Waitresses, Chauffeur, Photographers, and some characters etc.
Margie – caricature of Buddy’s beloved affair.
Sally – caricature of Buddy’s wife