Act II PV Wraps Up The Season With Follies

The musical Follies, created by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Goldman (book), debuted on Broadway in 1971 under the direction of Harold Prince and Michael Bennett. This iconic work blends nostalgia, drama, and a profound exploration of regret and life choices. Set in a dilapidated theater, Follies tells the story of a group of former showgirls who gather for one final party before the building is demolished. The story unfolds over a single night, alternating between the present and memories of the past, exploring the youthful dreams and aspirations of the main characters as they confront their current realities. Through flashbacks, visions, and spectacular musical numbers, the play examines the passage of time and the emotional toll of life’s decisions.

The musical focuses on two middle-aged couples: Sally and Buddy Plummer, and Phyllis and Ben Stone, who reunite at the party. Years earlier, Sally and Phyllis were showgirls in the famous (albeit fictional) "Weismann’s Follies," inspired by the Ziegfeld Follies. Meanwhile, Ben and Buddy were young, ambitious businessmen and admirers.

During the reunion, the cracks in both relationships come to light. Sally remains in love with Ben, though he never fully reciprocated her feelings. Buddy, Sally's husband, is aware of her lingering affection for Ben and has carried on an affair with another woman. Meanwhile, Phyllis and Ben reveal a cold, distant relationship riddled with infidelity and resentment.

Throughout the night, the characters confront their younger selves, who appear as ghosts on stage, reminding them of their aspirations, hopes, and choices. These interactions highlight the stark contrast between who they once were and who they've become, revealing the sacrifices they've made along the way.

The show culminates in a surreal sequence known as "Loveland," where each character performs a number reflecting their internal struggles. This section includes some of the musical’s most memorable songs:

"Losing My Mind": Sally confesses her obsession with Ben and her emotional emptiness.

"The God-Why-Don’t-You-Love-Me Blues": Buddy expresses his frustration and despair over their failing relationship.

"The Story of Lucy and Jessie": Phyllis examines her internal conflict between who she is and who she used to be.

"Live, Laugh, Love": Ben attempts to maintain the facade of success but ultimately breaks down emotionally.

By the end of the evening, the characters return to the present, marked by their introspective revelations. Although not all conflicts are resolved, there is a tacit acknowledgment of their realities and a sense of resignation—perhaps even acceptance—of the lives they have chosen.

Core Themes

The Passage of Time: The play delves into how time transforms people and erodes youthful dreams.

Regret: Each character grapples with the "what ifs" of their lives.

Nostalgia: Through musical numbers and flashbacks, the musical celebrates and mourns the golden days of the past.

Duality: The characters face a clash between their younger, idealistic selves and their disenchanted adult versions.

While the production presented at Act II PV blended several musical pieces not included in the original Follies, it stayed true to the storyline and script. Sondheim's score features a mix of musical styles from the golden age of theater and introspective, emotionally impactful songs. Follies received mixed reviews upon its debut but has become a success in Puerto Vallarta’s musical theater scene, known for its psychological depth, which some may find grotesque, yet its dazzling production evokes the sensation of watching a high-caliber musical.

Local Adaptations of Broadway Musicals in Puerto Vallarta

The artistic community in Puerto Vallarta (and other regions) often opts to stage adaptations of Broadway classics rather than complete productions. This decision stems from various artistic, logistical, and cultural factors:

Copyright and Licensing: Producing a full Broadway show requires securing rights, which are costly and strictly regulated. Creating an "inspired" version allows for greater flexibility and avoids legal challenges.

Production Costs: Full productions entail high expenses for sets, costumes, lighting, and special effects, which may be unfeasible for local groups. Adaptations offer a more economical solution, with selected scenes and tailored styles.

Audience Preferences: Puerto Vallarta’s audience, comprising residents and tourists, may not be familiar with full productions or their intricate narratives. Adapted highlights and original scenes resonate more effectively, making the show accessible and engaging.

Local Talent and Training: Broadway musicals demand advanced technical and artistic skills in singing, acting, and dancing. While Puerto Vallarta has significant talent, access to specialized training may be limited. This leads to creative reinterpretations using available resources.

Artistic Innovation: Many local artists view adaptations as an opportunity to innovate and add their unique touch. Rather than mimicking the original musicals, they reimagine them, blending styles and reflecting Puerto Vallarta’s cultural identity.
Event Length: Broadway musicals typically run for 2-3 hours, which may not suit local event audiences. Shorter, dynamic performances with selected scenes are more appropriate for local expectations and schedules.

Venue Limitations: Smaller theaters and venues in Puerto Vallarta lack the technical infrastructure to replicate Broadway-scale productions, prompting adaptations to fit available spaces.

Tourism Appeal: As a tourist destination, many productions aim to attract diverse visitors. Adaptations allow for eye-catching, unique elements that may not be in the original musical, catering to a heterogeneous audience.

These choices reflect creativity, pragmatism, and adaptation to local conditions rather than a lack of capacity or interest. They democratize access to musical theater and enrich the local artistic scene with original and relevant reinterpretations.