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Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks: The Comedy of Errors

2013/14 Season

Recently On Our Stages

Production History

book by James Goldman • music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
directed by Gary Griffin

produced originally on Broadway by Harold Prince
orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick
by special arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh

in Chicago Shakespeare’s Courtyard Theater
October 4 – November 13, 2011

“ The heart of Follies, to Griffin’s great credit, beats here with palpable force.” –Chicago Tribune

Follies soars in Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin's exhilarating new production, featuring a company of over 40 actors and musicians. The dynamic setting of CST's intimate Courtyard Theater brings audience members closer than ever into the legendary "Weismann Follies" company—whose reunion uncovers ghostly illusions from the past amidst the startling realities of the present. The Broadway premiere garnered seven Tony Awards, including Best Score, and engendered the classic standards "I'm Still Here," "Losing My Mind" and "Broadway Baby."

Approximate Running Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes (includes intermission)

Follies is presented in the Jentes Family Auditorium.

It is 1971 and on the stage of the Weismann Theatre, soon to be torn down to make room for a parking lot, Dimitri Weismann has gathered together the surviving players of his lavish pre-war Follies. It isn't long before the ex-showgirls are gleefully reprising their old numbers. The atmosphere is heightened by the presence of the ghosts of everyone's former selves, who sometimes sing along, sometimes reenact important memories, and sometimes interact directly with the evening's events as they unfold.

Two couples in particular are taunted with the failed promises of youth by their younger counterparts. Sally is compelled to rekindle with her old flame Ben (who married her best friend Phyllis from the old days), and the reunion is turned upside-down for all four. It is not until they come face to face with the choices they've made in life that they are able to acknowledge past follies.

	An Interview with Stephen Sondheim Listen to composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim as he discusses his life's work in musical theater and his influences with BBC Radio4.
	More about Stephen Sondheim Explore the Academy of Achievement's tribute to Sondheim, including profiles, photos, interviews and more.
	Production History Since its premiere on Broadway in 1971, Follies has played on stages around the globe.
	The Real Follies Learn about the legendary Ziegfeld Follies and their producer Florenz Ziegfeld who inspired the musical.
	Open Door: Audience Enrichment Programs CST offers pre- or post-show programs with members of the cast or scholars: Pre•Ambles, Pub Cast Calls and Talk Backs.
	Watch a clip from The Great Ziegfeld (1936)- "A Pretty Girl is like a Dream"
	Watch a clip from Ziegfeld Girl (1941)- "You Stepped out of a Dream"

The Cast
See who's who among the actors.

The Creative Team
See who’s who on the creative team—the director, designers and other artists who contribute to the creation of the world of the play.

	Video Preview Chicago Magazine says “If you see one musical a season, this is the one.” Enjoy a video montage of Follies, live on stage in CST’s spectacular Courtyard Theater.
	Photo Gallery See a preview of Chicago Shakespeare's Follies.
	From the Choreographer Choreographer Alex Sanchez provides a glimpse behind-the-scenes as Caroline O'Connor (playing Phyllis Rogers Stone) and dancers Julius C. Carter and Rhett Guter rehearse "The Story of Lucy and Jessie."
	From the Director CST's Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin discusses Stephen Sondheim, Follies and Shakespeare.
	Design Gallery Award-winning Costume Designer Virgil C. Johnson�s credits include many productions at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, throughout Chicago and across the country. Take a sneak peek at his costume ideas for Follies.

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