Meredith Performs Theatre will present a spectacular student and alumnae production of Follies, directed by Catherine Rodgers, Oct. 23-27 in Jones Auditorium. This bittersweet backstage musical, with book by James Goldman and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, opened on Broadway in 1971 and had a Broadway revival last year. It features some of Sondheim’s most memorable songs, including “Broadway Baby,” “Losing My Mind,” and “I’m Still Here.”

Follies is set at an eventful reunion of aging former chorus girls who performed in the “Follies” long ago. The theater in which they pranced about in their scanties is about to be torn down, and they and their beaus have returned for one last look at that venerable stage and the ghostly memories that come to life as they reminisce.

Guest artist Peter Vitale, who starred in Meredith Performs Theatre’s warmly applauded presentation of Sunday in the Park with George, returns to play Ben. The all-star cast also includes Meredith alumnae June Burbage (DeeDee), Jen Crocker (Ghostly Showgirl/Lucy), Holly Hendricks (Sally), Becky Johnson (Carlotta), and Martie Todd Sirois (Phyllis).

Other Meredith alumnae involved in the production include director Catherine Rodgers, musical director Tammy Holder, scenic designer Christa Phillips, and choreographer Krystal Tyndall.

Meredith student Vanessa Streeter will serve as costume designer. Students performing in the production include: Maureen Barbour (Young Sally), Anne Ellithorpe-Luker (Heidi), Katherine Eves (Emily), Lormarev Jones (Stella), Amanda Martin (Solange), Emily McLendon (Jessie/Dance Captain/Photographer), Gina Mosley (Young Carlotta/Lucy), Jane Penry (Young DeeDee), Lisa Rost (Young Phyllis), Laura Rummage (Young Heidi), and Kerry Willison-Parry (Hattie).

Meredith Performs Theatre presents Follies Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 23-26, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m. in Jones Auditorium at Meredith College in Raleigh. $8 ($6 students and seniors and $4 for groups of 10 or more). 919/760-2840.
http://www.meredith.edu/music/theatre/theatre_homepage.htm or http://www.geocities.com/sondheimguide/follies.html [inactive 10/03].