Follies, one of Stephen Sondheim’s most personal and touching musicals, will have its first production at the Vienna Volksoper in a production by Martin G. Berger. The Chekhovian work with quotes from the music of the 1920’s to 40’s tells the story of two couples struggling with their life decisions and takes a nostalgic look at a glamorous and supposedly carefree past.
Leading Team
Stage direction Martin G. Berger
Set design Sarah-Katharina Karl
Costume design Alexander Djurkov Hotter
Lighting design Alex Brok
Video Vincent Stefan
Sounddesign Martin Lukesch
Choreography Marie Christin Zeisset
Dramaturgy Magdalena Hoisbauer
Cast on 23. May 2025
Past, present, future
Instead of a synopsis
“I used to think a great deal about the future.” (Sally)
Three decades after working as revue-showgirls at a theatre, Sally and Phyllis visit their former workplace for a big reunion gala. The sad reason for this get-together is the imminent closure of the theatre. During their time as showgirls, Sally and Phyllis met their husbands Buddy and Ben, who now accompany them to the reunion with former colleagues and companions: From the once dazzling diva to the former theatre manager, every one of the more or less young-at-heart guests indulges in memories. However, it’s not only past successes on stage they think of and talk about, but also their chosen paths in life, right and wrong decisions, painful love affairs, farewells and what might have been. As the evening progresses, the party also turns into the scene of very real relationship problems in the here and now: prompted by the reunion and all the memories it brings back, the two couples are forced to confront some long-suppressed truths. Although they try to keep up appearances, the pain of missed opportunities and unfulfilled longings lies dormant beneath the surface of Sally and Buddy, of Phyllis and Ben. Ultimately, all four need to decide the course of their future.
Follies: the Songs
Akt I
Prologue / Prolog
Overture / Ouvertüre
Beautiful Girls / Die traumschönen Frauen (Roscoe, Ensemble)
Don’t look at me, Verse / Schau mich nicht an, Strophe (Sally)
Don’t look at me / Schau nicht zu mir (Sally, Ben)
Waiting for the Girls Upstairs / Warten auf Mädels, die oben sind (Buddy, Phyllis, Sally, Ben und ihre jungen Ichs)
Montage: Rain on the Roof – Ah, Paris! – Broadway Baby / Montage: Regen regt sich am Dach – Ah, Paris! – Broadway Baby (Emily, Theodore, Solange, Hattie)
The Road you didn’t take / Der Weg, den man nicht ging (Ben)
In Buddy’s Eyes / Aus Buddys Sicht (Sally)
Who’s that Woman? / Wer ist die denn? (Stella, die ehemaligen Showgirls und ihre jungen Ichs)
I’m still here / Bin noch hier (Carlotta)
Too many Mornings / Zu viele Morgen (Ben, Sally)
Akt II
The right Girl / Die Eine (Buddy)
One more Kiss / Noch ein Kuss (Heidi und die junge Heidi)
Could I leave You? / Dich verlassen? (Phyllis)
Loveland (Ensemble)
You’re gonna love Tomorrow / Du wirst morgen lieben (Junger Ben, Junge Phyllis, Junger Buddy, Junge Sally)
Buddy’s Blues / Buddys Blues (Buddy, „Martha“ und „Sally“)
Losing my Mind / Ich verlier’ den Verstand (Sally)
The Story of Lucy and Jessie / Die Geschichte von Lexy und Nancy (Phyllis)
Live, Laugh, Love / Leben, Lachen, Lieben (Ben)
Chaos – End of Show / Finale (alle)
Photos and Videos
For all those who use a screen reader, a description of the visual aspects of the performance (set design, costumes...) follows here instead of the photo gallery.
The former revue stars in this musical come together in front of a translucent curtain that spans the entire stage at the front edge. Videos are also projected onto this curtain, including footage from the Volksoper—both exterior shots and images of the auditorium. This makes it clear that the musical is set in the Volksoper itself. Camera shots of the protagonists are also projected onto the curtain. Behind the curtain—which later rises to reveal the entire stage—there are several small, round platforms on the revolving stage, each featuring an oval arch made of light bulbs. These platforms rotate in a circle on the revolving stage; in some scenes, they are arranged in a line or configured into various shapes. This creates different atmospheres, which are enhanced by the lights gradually getting brighter and dimmer and by the flickering of the light bulbs. In some scenes, the inner section of the revolving stage rises; two show staircases on the left and right then lead upward, and a large sign made of light bulbs spelling out the words “Love Land” floats down onto the revue scene. For other revue scenes, different settings are created behind a red curtain using two-dimensional stage elements, lighting, and illuminated features: an ancient setting with painted columns, a 1950s American setting featuring a classic American car, and much more. The costumes include imaginative stage costumes for the revue scenes, glittering show costumes, and colorful dresses. When the former show stars meet, they wear evening gowns and suits, but also simpler dresses, slightly worn pants, and blazers for the men.
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Articles from our Weborello
"‘If Musical, Then Like This!’: Press Reviews of Follies
Follies was met with acclaim at its premiere. Now the first press reviews are in: “Cheers for the ensemble,” they say as well.
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Meeting Myself
Meeting Myself. The Follies ensemble reminisces about their theatrical past, first stage experiences, and sends greetings to their younger selves! Encounters that are as humorous as they are touching—just like Stephen Sondheim’s musical Follies, which will celebrate its premiere in an outstanding cast on April 12, 2025! English subtitles available for the Videos!
Press comments
If you're going to do a musical, this is how it's done! The Austrian premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s well-known musical is a triumph, thanks to a strong ensemble.
Die Presse
14. April 2025
A hit with the audience: the Austrian premiere of Sondheim’s ‘Follies’ at the Volksoper. hunderous applause for the ensemble.
Kronen Zeitung
14. April 2025
The orchestra under the baton of Michael Papadopoulos drives the performance forward, managing to render both the jazzy elements of the score and its nostalgic, lyrical aspects with elegance and precision.
Der Standard
14. April 2025
Stephen Sondheim’s musical 'Follies', brought to life with a strong ensemble and a good dose of wit.
Kurier
14. April 2025
The virtuously choreographed revue elements are executed with precision and provide top-notch entertainment, with singing ranging from solid to phenomenal. But the real essence lies in the human nuances — and in the music, which, under conductor Michael Papadopoulos, comes together in all its shades.
Falter
16. April 2025
