THE Encores! concert version of “Follies” that ran over the weekend has jolted Broadway out of its midwinter slump. Not since “Chicago” came roaring out of City Center 10 years ago has an Encores! production generated this much excitement.
Naturally, the talk this week is how – and when – to move the show to Broadway. And naturally, producer Barry Weissler, who made millions on “Chicago,” is in the hunt.
Weissler was in London last week when he got word that “Follies,” Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s legendary 1971 musical about middle-age, showbiz has-beens, shouldn’t be missed. He was spotted in the audience Saturday night and was overheard asking people if they’d pay Broadway prices to see “Follies.”
Weissler didn’t return calls seeking comment, a sign that he’s up to something.
Staged by Casey Nicholaw, who directed “The Drowsy Chaperone” and choreographed “Spamalot,” “Follies” featured a cast of top-tier Broadway talent, including Victor Garber, Victoria Clark, Michael McGrath, Donna Murphy and Christine Baranski.
Weissler isn’t the only producer chasing the show. Word is that the people who put up the money for “Hairspray,” “The Producers” and “Sweeney Todd” also have “Follies” fever.
The fever’s spread to Hollywood, as well. Rob Marshall, who directed the movie version of “Chicago,” wants to bring “Follies” to the big screen. So does Bill Condon, the director and writer of “Dreamgirls.”
“Interest in a movie has definitely heated up because of this concert,” says Bobby Goldman, James Goldman’s widow. Both she and Sondheim are very pleased with this “Follies” – no small thing if a Broadway move is to happen. The two have clashed over previous productions. “You know it’s a good production when Steve and I are getting along,” says Goldman, laughing.
Various scenarios are being spun out this week about moving “Follies” to Broadway. One depends on whether Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane decide to jump back into “The Producers.”
If they pass, “The Producers” is likely to close at the St. James in the spring, and “Follies” could slip in for a limited run before “Young Frankenstein” arrives in the fall.
The downside here is that Murphy, brilliant and sexy as a brittle socialite in an unhappy marriage, would have to be replaced. She’s committed to “LoveMusik,” a new show from Hal Prince, through the summer.
“Follies” would also be an expensive proposition, and turning a profit on a limited run would be extremely difficult. But one agent said it has to happen: “This was a great production. It’s got to move, and everyone wants to be a part of it.”