FOLLIES at 50: A panel with the cast and creative team of the original Broadway production.

The legendary and groundbreaking musical FOLLIES is celebrating its 50th Anniversary Tonight. Catch the reunion only on Backstage Babble. Featuring: Ted Chapin (Production Assistant/Historian), Kurt Peterson (Young Ben), Marti Rolph (Young Sally), Susan L. Schulman (Press Agent), Mary Jane Houdina (Assistant to Michael Bennett, Young Hattie), and Michael Misita (Young Vincent).

[@charleskirsch4107]

RIP Mr. Sondheim--thank you for all that you left us with.

[@rmarkread3750]

Thank you! What a pleasure it has been to learn more about our musical theatre heritage. Thank you again.

[@peteralfano4278]

glorious....saw that original 3 times while in college. It's still in my head and eyes. Each revival I've seen can't compare...even though they were good. Any chance to hear that score live.....

[@charleskirsch4107]

RIP to the wonderful Susan L. Schulman--a fantastic press agent and human being.

[@drsunshine1959]

Such a magnificent show...it was the second Broadway show I saw and the memory will last with me forever. I had the honor of playing Ben in a production and it remains one of my favorite roles. Oh, to be able to do it again!

[@petemichael4512]

I had yet to be able to go to NYC and a see a show on Broadway. I did buy the original cast album and listened until the music was etched in my mind. I loved the music, but the song I treasured the most, Losing My Mind, sung by Dorothy Collins. I fell in love with her on Your Hit Parade and the combo of her singing and that song is still tops of my favorite Broadway moments. I finally made it to NYC at the end of '75 and saw Bennett's A Chorus Line (original cast at the Schubert) ahead of its Tony win the following June. Thanks Charles.

[@Jonathanbroder]

I LOVE these kinds of reminiscences from these people. SO interesting to hear. Thank you so much for getting these folks together.

[@hermanwinkels9778]

What an amazing program. In the spirit of the show itself, thank you for organizing this reunion.

[@mfa192654]

This was an EXCELLENT video! Thank you for all your work to make it happen!

[@evans54]

Sonya Levkova died in 1980 but was only in her 50's during Follies

[@garybassin1651]

This was so delightful. I was also fortunate to attend the first cast reunion at Broadway on a few years ago. Oh, to hear all those wonderful stories. My first time seeing the original production at the Shubert in Los Angeles was also the night they did This Is Your Life, Alexis Smith.

[@carylieforte6804]

They did This is You Life Alexis Smith at the Theater after the performance in LA? I would love to get a copy of that, if it even exists. I've looked online but nothing so far. Any ideas?

[@garybassin1651]

@Carylie Forte It used to be here on KZbin, but it looks like it was taken down. Probably some copyright thing.

[@Seabasstien]

13 and my very first Broadway show! Fell in love with Broadway thanks to Yvonne De Carlo for playing Lily Munster, she's the reason I begged to see the show. Her I'm Still Here is the best!! Drop the mic

[@henryfung6789]

I agree. Yvonne De Carlo is one of my favorites.

[@ejb7969]

I'm in awe of all of you. I feel so privileged to be able to listen to you and watch you describe your experiences and feelings from that legendary production. I hope that in my lifetime I will be able to see a restored, enhanced video of it. (I miased seeing it in person by just 2 years - my first Broadway show was the original A Little Night Music. I didn't get to see Follies live until the 2011 Broadway revival.) THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH for doing this!

[@chookaschookas444]

Amazing. Thankyou

[@Vikingvideos50]

I love this! Thank you for posting it!

[@louisdeffaa3525]

Charles, you should be very proud of this terrific accomplishment! You've preserved some valuable history here-- Chip Deffaa

[@lotteweill]

Charles Kirsch perfect job of hosting, you let the their stories flow magnificently.

[@tenorboyo]

Charles, you are extraordinary. So beautifully spoken and so wonderfully researched. As a Follies cast member from Oz, I salute you. I'm so glad I came . tx

[@charleskirsch4107]

@TomBlair, thank you very much. I really appreciate that. We're all glad YOU came!!

[@happgood]

Excellent work, Charles. You are an amazing young man to put these productions together. Bravo!

[@EricMontreal22]

This was absolutely brilliant--thank you Charles and everyone involved. I realized the first Follies I aw live as a young teen was the second, 1995 Houston production Mary Jane choreographed which played in Seattle too, where I saw it (Judy Kaye and Constance Towers were in it). Wow. Two small nitpicks--I wish someone had at least mentioned James Goldman's name besides the bit about his infamous widow, but was so glad Marti gave him a credit at the end--did the cast ever see him at all at rehearsals?? And also in the live Boston audio we hear that the original opening was a long medley and very different from the prologue--would have loved hearing about that change. But it's silly to complain--this was wonderful!

[@alancutler6453]

How great! Thanks Charles. I think I saw Follies when it went to LA after finishing in NY. I also saw the revival in 2011.

[@jimwebber1900]

Delightful all around! Thank you Charles Kirsch for making this happen. You did a great job.

[@charleskirsch4107]

Thank you very much for watching--I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@DamienSlattery68]

Thank you Charles and all the Follies veterans !

[@charleskirsch4107]

Thank YOU! Hope you enjoy it!!

[@DamienSlattery68]

@@charleskirsch4107 just posted it to my Michael Bennett & his Musicals on FB. This is wonderful.

[@roysonline]

Thank you so much and many congratulations.

[@charleskirsch4107]

Thank you for watching!!

[@bartgreenberg9001]

My late husband, who saw the original production 50 times, and performed it once at his birthday party with his “present” Michael Bennett, would have loved this.

[@charleskirsch4107]

It means a lot to know that you watched. Thank you. And how wonderful your husband saw it SO many times! He must have really loved it--I'm sure he was there in spirit!

[@reginaldsims8897]

50 times ! Wow. I saw it 4 times. But 50 is incredible. I saw the show 4 times I was 18. I was a young Afro-American male about to go to college. I loved the show. AND FELL IN LOVE WITH MARY MC CARTY IN WHO'S THAT WOMAN just blew me away. The taught me about life and regrets. And as face my 50th reunion I have no regrets. ...and my dear I AM still here . Too bad we fans can't have a reunion. The star trek people do

[@kevingammon8576]

Thank you Charles.Wot a joy to listen to these stories.One of the greatest musicals of the 20th century.

[@haineshisway]

Congrats, Charles!

[@charleskirsch4107]

Thank you! I am so glad you watched--I'm a big fan of you and your books.

[@kidmarine7329]

Well done Charles.

[@lotteweill]

No one mentions the early mirror number tech rehearsal, where the tiny mirrors came loose from the costumes and flew all over the stage, it was literally a bloody mess. Nor does anyone mention that they had to hire cherry picker machines to lift the women ghosts, in their large headdresses to the top of the stairs out of town.

[@charleskirsch4107]

If you want to see myself, Kurt Peterson, and more Broadway stars in person, come to 54 Below on September 6! 54below.com/events/charles-kirschs-backstage-babble-live/ Show less