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thefangirlsdilemma's review against another edition
4.0
An entertaining and illuminating look into the creation of one of the great American musicals
kvonny's review against another edition
4.0
It was amazing to read how the genius of Sondheim, Prince and Bennett worked together creating this musical. I loved all the tidbits of the good, the bad and the ugly along with all the changes and trials that got this show on it's feet. I'm seeing the show for the first time at the Kennedy Center next month and really can't wait to see it since reading this book.
gjmaupin's review against another edition
4.0
More than anything, I enjoyed this as a look at what turned out to be the dying days of a kind of analog theater, while also being a look at how much all stage productions have in common. Good inside baseball for theater folk; nice glimpses into a different world for non-theater folk.
offbalance80's review against another edition
4.0
I considered myself a somewhat informed theater fan. I know many people in various aspects of the trade, so I thought I understood what it took to mount a professional production. After reading this book, I realize I had no idea. This is a must-read for anyone who loves theater. I learned so much about the production process by reading this book. I also learned a ton about productions of musicals that didn't make it (someone tried to make a musical version of Lolita. Yes, THAT Lolita), and a little bit about the ones that did. Reading this you'll get far more insight about the stars of the show, Michael Bennett's process and Hal Prince's process. Stephen Sondheim is a bit more of a ghost, making fleeting appearances. However, fans of the theater, students of it, and fans of Follies should get their hands on this book right away.
booksinbedinthornhill's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
A great recounting of the creation of Follies from someone who was not only in the room where it happened but who, thank heavens, kept a journal!
andremthefoozle's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
A detailed walkthrough of the inception of Sondheim's (and Prince's and Goldman's and Bennett's) Follies from someone with a unique position of observation. Chapin writes with wonderful detail to put you within the world of the production. It is sometimes a challenge to keep all the members of the team straight (Which song does Shutta sing? What department does Flossie work in?) though there are enough reminders and links to keep you from getting lost.
Groff's narration of the audio version is smooth and conversational. You feel like a younger Chapin has started telling the story at a party and you're captivated by the details he can recall.
Listening in a few longer stretches results in noticing some repetitive events or noticings, but if I had broken up my reading into smaller chunks I'm sure I would have appreciated their presence in reminding me of a key idea.
Groff's narration of the audio version is smooth and conversational. You feel like a younger Chapin has started telling the story at a party and you're captivated by the details he can recall.
Listening in a few longer stretches results in noticing some repetitive events or noticings, but if I had broken up my reading into smaller chunks I'm sure I would have appreciated their presence in reminding me of a key idea.
reeeeedmg_123's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.5
This book got really boring and flat but it wasn’t too bad!!!
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Body shaming, and Medical trauma
liamdonovan's review
5.0
Yes, this book is as wonderful as everyone says it is. Particularly special to read such a detailed rehearsal account when there are no rehearsals currently happening, even disregarding the “death of the theatre” themes presented in Follies and elaborated on in this book.
sireno8's review against another edition
5.0
Complete engrossing read. The level of detail is often is almsot exhaustive. What's particularly impressive is the author's objectiveness. He gives us lots of facts, lots of background and lots of personalites and weighs in with an opinion rather than reporting from a prejudiced point of view. This makes the reader really feel like we're in on something since we can form our own opinions rather than having them handed to us. He's respectful but not worshipful. He also doesn't let anyone's future (or past) acheivement overshadow them here. A fascinating piece of theatrical history.
alexislynae's review against another edition
3.0
I definitely would have enjoyed this book more if I were more familiar with Follies. As it stands, I did enjoy the fascinating portraits of Hal Prince, Stephen Sondheim, and Michael Bennett at work.