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Review

Follies, Ringwood Musical & Dramatic Society, Ringwood School Theatre

A SONDHEIM show that needs no less than eight leading ladies of mature years would be a daunting prospect for most companies - but for RMDS, with a plethora of former female principals still within its ranks, it was a challenge they were well placed to undertake.

They relished it, and, it would seem, the ‘in the round’ setting that was ideal for this most sophisticated of musicals. The close proximity of the audience brings everyone head to head with the emotional rollercoaster ride that ensues as a group of former Weissman Follies girls attend a reunion party and find themselves facing ghosts from a past that would be better left buried.

Pete Talman’s direction is, as ever, spot on, the casting throughout is superb, and that of the four main principals – Chris Grant (Phyllis Stone), Richard Bennett (Benjamin Stone), Chrissie Peckham (Sally Durant-Plummer) and Julian Peckham (Buddy Plummer) - is absolutely outstanding.

With Jane Lee at the musical director’s helm both the orchestra and singing are first rate - the ladies’ solos prove that the years have done nothing to diminish their vocal quality - and Cindy Wischhusen’s choreography ensures some lively ensemble numbers.
  
A triumph for all involved, without a doubt.

Linda Kirkman

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