Everything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical Follies

Ah, what a joy to read! "Follies" was a landmark musical upon release in 1971, coming hot on the heels of - and besting - Sondheim's first great work, "Company". Done well, it's a haunting examination of ageing, the demise of 'classic' culture, and how our nostalgia conflicts with a culture obsessed with modernity and youth.

By stroke of good luck, Ted Chapin was able to witness the creation of this musical from first rehearsal to opening night. This book possesses a wealth of vignettes which are fascinating, not just to people who know Sondheim and "Follies", but to anyone who is interested in how a new work of theatre is created. Chapin bears witness to early issues with script, set, costumes, choreography and vision. He recalls the show more painfully awkward consequences when a couple of contracted performers are let go. He walks us through the tense period of dress rehearsals, Boston previews, and the transition to Broadway. And, between the director/choreographer debates, he captures what must surely be the most fascinating element of this show - the inevitable comparisons between the characters (a bunch of ageing former stars who are now out of place in this world), and the cast members (exactly the same thing).

Of course, it's not perfect. Chapin's prose style is adequate and descriptive, but nothing special. And - although this isn't his fault - he can only write about what he witnessed. As a result, for instance, we don't really get much insight into the casting process, and most importantly very little insight into Stephen Sondheim's own creative process. But of course, that's the subject for other books. Anyone who knows "Follies" is bound to be delighted by this first-hand account of the production. And even if you don't, there is plenty in here to satisfy any theatregoer about the highs and lows of producing a new work. show less

Last week I saw a production of Follies at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. The direction and ensemble was excellent with a few standout numbers and only minor flaws (the sound system). The performance so excited and intrigued me that I picked up this book at the Chicago Public Library. If you love musical theater you will not be disappointed reading it for Ted Chapin provides unique insights into the creation of a what is now, forty years later, a classic musical.
Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics), Harold Prince (director & producer), and James Goldman (book) were all in or entering the prime of their careers and Michael Bennett who choreographed the show was soon to reach the peak of his too short career. All the elements of the show more creation are told with fascinating detail that could not be provided by any one else, for as a production assistant (gofer) Ted Chapin had access to all and a chance to participate and listen to many illuminating conversations. From the days preparing the scenes in the very location where the scenery was being built to the tryouts in Boston and back to Broadway for the opening the Chapin shares the odyssey in which he had a close if somewhat small hand. The results of the work of the creators and cast are the stuff of musical theater history, but seeing the musical performed forty years later here in Chicago confirmed for me that this is a classic of the American theater. Ted Chapin's book is a great way to share in the birth of that classic. show less