Theatrical Musical Review: Sondheim Follies (In Concert 1985)

This concert features many big name performers singing some of Sondheim's big numbers. The New York Philharmonic provides orchestration an it was performed at the Lincoln center.  The stories is that the Follies are having a reunion party, as their old theater is being demolished.  It gives rise to many people looking back at their lives, and where they have let themselves down, and where they have succeeded.  It is a melancholy look.   This performance in You Tube and Netflix is not just a showing of the concert.  The first half hour talks about putting the concert together with only four days, and then the last hour or so is the actual concert, but shortened.  Many pieces are not shown or shortened.
However performances of note include Carol Burnett singing "I'm Still here."  This is a shortened version of the song.  Mandy Patinkin sings "The God Why-Don't-You-Love Me Blues."  Lots of movement and energy, but in he end probably too much and gets in the way of focusing on the song.  Elaine Stritch sings "Broadway baby."  Lee Remick as Phyllis sings "Could I Leave You?"  When the answer comes up "Yes" she send Ben (George Hearn) into hysteria for "Chaos."
This is a pretty fun show.  However I would have enjoyed more concert and less documentary.

Musical Music Review: Sherry!

Sherry! The Broadway Musical, 2003

Sheridan Whiteside played by Nathan Lane, Maggie Cutler played by Bernadette Peters, Lorraine Sheldon played by Carol Burnett, Beverly Carlton played by Tommy Tune, Banjo played by Mike Myers and Bert Jefferson played by Tom Wopat

This is a musical based on the play “The Man Who Came to Dinner.”   The story plays out Sheridan Whiteside “Sherry” for short, is a popular radio personality and critic.  He breaks his leg at a friend’s house, and takes up residence there causing havoc to everyone with his need to be pampered.  X-rays come back negative for a broken leg, but he insists Dr. plays along as he continues the role of the invalid.  Socialite, Lorriane Sheldon,  would like to bag him, and every other man around.  Maggie Cutler is his secretary, and he has cajoled and kept her around and away from other men for many years.  He couldn’t survive without her.  Beverly Carlton is Sheldon’s suitor.  Bert Jefferson is the suitor of Cutler.  Banjo is a second act role to add comic relief, but he also participates in Whiteside’s schemes. 

This movie at times disintegrates into havoc.  Such is the condition for the Christmas Eve radio show.  Most of the music is forgettable, but you don’t forget Bernadette Peters.  She sings a show stopper song I the first act, “Maybe It’s Time for Me.”  That is a song that stays with you.  Carol Burnett sings the title song, “Sherry” and it is humorous and enjoyable.  She also sings ‘Putty in your Hands” which talks of her hopeless addiction to men. 

Maggie is intent on getting away, and having a life of her own.  Sherry does everything in his power to keep her on the ground.  He finally decides maybe the best thing to do would be to marry her himself, and then he can keep her around.  He decides against this, and lets her go.  In the last scene Sherry really does break his leg, and he send Maggie and Bert away to find happiness.  The son “Imagine That” Peters takes the lead, but then Nathan Lane adds a duet part which is very effective.

The original Broadway Production had poor reviews and ran for 67 shows.  The set was taken apart and burned, and the score was thought lost.  After 30 years it was found, and from that we have this studio version of the musical.