Attention all theatre kids, both former and contemporary: Composer Stephen Sondheim has announced that his musical Follies will finally come to the big screen.
Dominic Cooke, known for the quiet drama On Chesil Beach will take on directorial duties. Cooke directed a West End revival in 2017 which also had a return engagement earlier this year.
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“Over the years, there have been many attempts to bring Follies to the screen, but not until Dominic Cooke’s brilliant production at the National Theatre of Great Britain did it seem like it could be a real movie. I’m more than delighted, I’m thrilled, that it’s finally going to happen,” composer Sondheim told Deadline.
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Follies centers on two actresses who once performed in a musical revue together. As the two reunite to commemorate the demolition of their old theatre, they reflect on their lives and career choices. The show became famous for contributing several musical standards, including the songs Broadway Baby, Losing My Mind and I’m Still Here.
The new film version, which also features David Heyman, Rose Allison and Rose Garnett as producers, has yet to set a cast or release date. That said, we wonder what Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand are up to at the moment…
Jackrabbit
Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand would be a great cast!
Joe Dalmas
No, they wouldn’t. Because the characters who match these actresses’ ages are secondary and neither one of them would accept playing a secondary character, so they would end up playing characters that are meant to be younger and it would all feel WRONG.
paul dorian lord fredine
can’t wait for one of sondheim’s best. if i may make a casting choice: patti lupone and meryl streep. love baba and liza but they’re both too old.
CMarks
Streisand is 77, Liza is 73, LuPone and Streep both 70. With only 7 years difference between oldest and youngest I don’t think any of them are actually aged out of the performance if willing to do a lesser role.
Kangol2
I’ve seen Follies live, and it’s one of my favorite Sondheim musicals. I’d say go with some combo of any of the great musical theater actresses who are between 60-75 and can still belt out songs.
jcoberkrom
I hope they get it right. Alas, there hasn’t been a good movie musical in this century has there?
Well, some okay ones, but not great like the 60’s.
Please NO Streep! That’s why I didn’t see Into the Woods.
Think a little outside the box. Elaine Page!!!
Hope they cast by appropriateness and not mythical “star power”.
OzJosh
There’s a good reason Elaine Paige has never done a screen musical. Back when Ken Russell was supposed to direct Evita and Paige was Tim Rice’s girlfriend, Rice insisted she be screen tested for the role. In his autobiography Russell said she looked like a baked potato singing.
Kanaka4127
Please dont screw it up like they did with Nine. Although there’s certain parts of that movie I do love. (Fergie, Kate Hudson)
Tombear
But can anyone compare to the late, great Alexis Smith singing “Leave Me”?
inbama
Streisand is too old for the leads, but she’d be perfect as scene-stealing Carlotta who sings “I’m Still Here.”
inbama
Hugh Jackman is the right age for Buddy. Anne Hathaway would be a heartbreaking Sally, but she’s have to be aged 11 years. Audra McDonald is the right age and would sing and act the hell out of it.
Phyllis? Cate Blanchett even if she has to be dubbed.