Follies: Short introduction with the soloists

Solo Singers from Follies: „Stephen Sondheim is the most important musical composer of the 20th century. The Volksoper stirred great emotions with three of his works: "Sweeney Todd", "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum", and "Into the Woods". In Follies, Sondheim blends the world of revue entertainment with a heavy dose of melancholy. The word Follies refers to dazzling revues, think of the Folies Bergère or the Ziegfeld Follies in 1930s New York. Originally, it also refers to the lovestruck fool. and the musical revolves around both: revue life and love! Sally and Phyllis used to perform as showgirls in the Follies revue. Three decades after their great successes they visit a gala at their former stage together with their husbands. Now, the two couples stand facing each other: Phyllis and Ben Sally and Buddy and suddenly, the couples also come face to face with the former versions of themselves. A confrontation with their past, and with their own transience. The staging is by musical specialist Martin Berger. He describes the musical as a Chekhov play with show numbers. The beautiful surfaces of the revue world mask marital problems and life crises. But what happens when the shiny surface begins to crack? That is entertaining to watch, With opulent show moments and breathtaking choreography. It is nostalgic and melancholic, but above all, it is deeply moving, with fantastic songs. Join us on our journey into the past.”