The musical, “Follies,” opened on Saturday evening, May 18, at the North Fork Community Theater to a genuinely impressed audience that closed out the show by standing and cheering for the cast. With music and lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim and a book authored by James Goldman, “Follies” features a cast of 31 different actors. The performance is directed by Stephen Ness, who had an impressive cast ready to deliver brilliant performances complete with dazzling costumes, vivacious dancing, and individual and chorus singing—all laced with profound messages. “Follies,” which runs until June 2, left the “sold-out” Mattituck audience cheering and mesmerized.
Alongside robust life experiences and a shadowy temperament, the show ingeniously brings nostalgia to the front of the stage. Lifetimes occur in the period of an evening before the final demolition of the now derelict but once historic Weissman Theater. The final night here, for one last time on stage, is celebrated by former “Follies” girls as they gather before an evening that stirs emotions on multiple levels for all in attendance. Some of the most difficult songs are performed beautifully, passing on the messages of the story and frequently culminating in thunderous applause at its completion. Both the singing and the outstanding costumes were worthy of Broadway.
Special praise is saved for the extensive cast including Michaael Lyn Schepps who played Sally Durant Plummer, delivering breathtaking numbers. Mary Caulfield and Rusty Kransky portrayed Phyllis Rogers Stone and Buddy Plummer respectively, with each actor gracing the stage with their own elegance and unique talent. A touching and complicated version of the character Ben Stone is portrayed by the dignified Stuart Whalen and actress Julia Cappiello stars as the enthralling Young Sally, with Young Phyllis exceptionally portrayed by Raven Janoski.
Regarding the rest of the cast, an exceptionally convincing Young Buddy is portrayed by Andrew Lenahan. Nicholas Mackey brought enormous vocal moments as the character of Young Ben, and Carlotta Campion is brought to life by Nancy DiGirolamo. Two other crowd favorites were Laura Pearsall playing Stella Deems and Hattie Walker portrayed by Dee Martin. Kathy Paska and Linda Aydinian portrayed Emily Whitman and Solange La Fitte respectively.
Heidi Schiller was performed exceptionally well by the talented Eileen Trilli. Stasia Schaum had beautiful moments as Young Carlotta and Jenna Spates shined as Young Stella, as did Katrina Lovett who portrayed Young Hattie. Veronica Spaeth stood out as Young Emily, while Mary Sellers as Young Solange and Kat Motlenski as Young Heidi owned their moments on stage.
Particular accolades must be handed out to Peter Harrington who performed as Roscoe, Michael Horn as Theodore Whitman, Kevin Magee as Dmitri Weissman, and Andy O’Brien for his portrayal as Kevin. Other members of the ensemble who were undoubtedly captivating consisted of Theresia Hand, Judith Ugalde, Cassidy Mullin, Liam Glueckert, Lon Shomer, and Linda Pentz.
Of course, no show is complete without the production team, which in this case includes Music Director Matthew Surico, Senior Executive Producer Emilie Corey, Co-producer Cappiello, Co-producer Liz Liszanckie, Choreographer Jenna Spates, Lighting Design Robert Taylor, Costume Design Katrina Lovett, Costume Assistant Julia Cappiello, Set Construction Rowland Hautsch, Manager Addison Heck, and of course, Sound Design John Lovett.
Congratulations to Director Stephen Ness for his inaugural attempt at directing and ultimately sculpting an enormous cast into a group that delivered an incredibly enthralling and successful show. The final “Follies” performance is slated for Sunday, June 2, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at nfct.com or at the door for $30.
