Have you ever found yourself intrigued by the character of Carlotta Campion in the musical Follies? She is a fascinating figure, with a rich history and a captivating presence on stage. From the original Broadway production to the upcoming National Theatre’s rendition, Carlotta has been brought to life by talented actresses who have left their mark on the character. But who is Carlotta in Follies, really? What makes her such a compelling figure? In this discussion, we will uncover the layers of Carlotta’s character and explore her significance in the world of Follies, leaving you eager to discover more about this enigmatic woman.
Cast Announcement
Tracie Bennett has been announced as the actress who will portray Carlotta Campion in the National Theatre’s production of Follies. With Imelda Staunton’s casting as Sally Durant Plummer and Janie Dee’s role as Phyllis Rogers Stone, this production is shaping up to have a stellar cast. Under the direction of Dominic Cooke and with choreography by Bill Deamer, Follies promises to be a remarkable production.
Tracie Bennett’s portrayal of Carlotta Campion is sure to bring depth and complexity to the character. Known for her Tony-nominated performance as Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow, Bennett’s talent and versatility will undoubtedly shine through in this iconic role. It will be fascinating to see how she interprets Carlotta’s journey as a former Weismann Girl, reflecting on her past while surrounded by her younger self.
Imelda Staunton, who has previously wowed audiences with her legendary performance in Guys and Dolls, will undoubtedly bring her immense talent to the role of Sally Durant Plummer. Janie Dee, known for her exceptional stage presence, will bring her unique charm and vulnerability to the character of Phyllis Rogers Stone.
With Dominic Cooke’s direction and Bill Deamer’s choreography, Follies is set to be a visually stunning and emotionally impactful production. The combination of these talented individuals is sure to create a memorable and compelling theatrical experience.
Musical Background
Follies, a Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman musical, first premiered on Broadway in 1971 and has since become a beloved and enduring production. The impact of Follies on Broadway cannot be understated. With its exploration of themes such as regret and nostalgia, the show resonates deeply with audiences, evoking a sense of longing for the past. One of the most intriguing aspects of Follies is the role of the younger selves, who appear alongside the older characters, highlighting their dreams and aspirations that were left unfulfilled.
One of the standout moments in Follies is when Tracie Bennett sings ‘I’m Still Here’. This song holds great significance as it showcases the resilience and strength of the character Carlotta Campion. Throughout the different productions of Follies, the character of Carlotta Campion has evolved, with actresses like Yvonne De Carlo and Elaine Paige bringing their own unique interpretations to the role. Tracie Bennett’s portrayal of Carlotta Campion in the National Theatre’s production promises to be a memorable one, as she takes on the challenge of singing ‘I’m Still Here’ and embodying the spirit of survival that the song represents. Follies continues to captivate audiences with its timeless themes and unforgettable music, cementing its place as a classic in the world of musical theater.
Tracie Bennett’s Previous Work
As we explore the impressive career of Tracie Bennett, it is impossible not to be captivated by her previous work in the world of musical theater. Here are four highlights that showcase her talent and versatility:
- Tracie Bennett received a Tony nomination for her performance as Judy Garland in “End of the Rainbow.” Her portrayal of the iconic singer captivated audiences and demonstrated her ability to bring complex characters to life.
- Bennett will have the opportunity to sing Sondheim’s anthem of survival, “I’m Still Here,” in the role of Carlotta Campion in “Follies.” This powerful song showcases her vocal range and emotional depth.
- Yvonne De Carlo originated the role of Carlotta Campion in the original Broadway production of “Follies,” and Elaine Paige performed the role in the 2011 Broadway revival. Bennett’s casting in “Follies” was reported by the Daily Mail, generating excitement among theater enthusiasts.
- In addition to her Tony-nominated performance and her role in “Follies,” Bennett has taken on various Broadway revival roles throughout her career. Her ability to breathe new life into classic characters has made her a sought-after talent in the theater world.
Tracie Bennett’s impressive body of work and her ability to tackle challenging roles make her a perfect fit for the role of Carlotta Campion in “Follies.” Audiences can expect a captivating and memorable performance from this talented actress.
Use of Original Book
The National Theatre’s production of Follies will be using James Goldman’s original book, providing a unique opportunity to experience the show as it was originally intended. This version differs from the one Goldman reworked for the 1987 London revival, which starred Julia McKenzie and Diana Rigg. The significance of using the original book lies in preserving the authenticity of the story and characters as envisioned by the creators. Rufus Norris, the director of the National Theatre, expressed his excitement about this decision, highlighting the importance of Sondheim’s work. Tracie Bennett’s performance as Carlotta Campion, a role originated by Yvonne De Carlo in the original Broadway production, is highly anticipated. De Carlo’s impact on the show cannot be overstated, as her portrayal of Carlotta and her rendition of the iconic song “I’m Still Here” earned her a place in theater history. By using the original book and casting a talented performer like Bennett, the production aims to capture the essence and legacy of Follies while bringing a fresh perspective to the stage.
Statement From Rufus Norris
Rufus Norris, director of the National Theatre, shares his excitement and admiration for Imelda Staunton’s legendary performance in Guys and Dolls, expressing his delight at having her take the lead in Follies. Norris is thrilled to have Staunton and Janie Dee return to the National in 2017, recognizing their immense talent and their ability to bring depth and nuance to their characters. He praises Staunton’s versatility as an actress and her ability to captivate audiences with her powerhouse performances.
In addition to Staunton’s return, Norris also acknowledges the importance of Stephen Sondheim’s work in Follies. Sondheim is known for his complex and emotionally resonant music and lyrics, and Norris is excited to bring his genius to the stage.
Norris also mentions Dominic Cooke’s direction of the production, highlighting his ability to bring out the best in the actors and create a cohesive and compelling production.
Lastly, Norris appreciates the opportunity to showcase mature female performers in Follies. He believes that it is important to celebrate and uplift the talent and experience of these actresses, and he is confident that the show is well cast and will be a resounding success.
Kristen Finlay’s Role in Follies
Imelda Staunton and Janie Dee’s return to the National Theatre in 2017 is not the only reason to be excited about the production of Follies; the casting of Kristen Finlay as Carlotta Campion brings a fresh perspective to the show. Kristen Finlay’s portrayal of Carlotta adds depth and complexity to the character, showcasing her journey from a Weismann Girl in the 1940s to a successful performer in movies, Vegas, and TV.
| Kristin Finlay’s Background in Theatre | Reasons for Joining the Production |
|---|---|
| – Involved in theatre since junior high school | – Sucker for Sondheim |
| – Started doing community theatre shows at Keyano Theatre in grade 10 | – Excited about the opportunity for mature female performers |
| – Taught high school drama before moving into directing and designing shows | – Wanted to work with strong performers |
| – Directed, written, produced, and designed many shows in Edmonton | – Appreciates the well-cast show |
| – Former Artistic Director of Walterdale Theatre | – Enjoys the atmosphere in rehearsals |
Kristen Finlay faced several challenges in preparing for the role, including memorizing a long song with lots of words and initially struggling with the fake-tap dancing. However, she overcame these challenges and found fulfillment in pushing herself to excel in her performance.
The best aspects of doing the show for Kristen Finlay include working with old and new friends, enjoying the positive atmosphere in rehearsals, and being part of a well-cast production with exceptional singing abilities. Kristen’s background in theatre and her passion for Sondheim made her an ideal fit for Follies, and her portrayal of Carlotta adds a unique perspective to the show.
Yvonne De Carlo’s Career Highlights
Yvonne De Carlo, known for her iconic role as Lily Munster in the sitcom ‘The Munsters,’ had a diverse and successful career in both film and television. Here are some highlights of her career:
- Film Success: Yvonne De Carlo gained fame in B movie westerns and adventures. She was often cast based on her vampish looks and shapely figure. Some of her notable films during this period include ‘Slave Girl,’ ‘Casbah,’ and ‘Scarlet Angel.’ However, she reached her peak of fame playing Sephora in the 1956 epic ‘The Ten Commandments.’
- Television Career: Yvonne De Carlo’s star rose again when she was cast as Lily Munster in the sitcom ‘The Munsters.’ The show ran for two seasons from 1964 to 1966 and became a cult classic. Yvonne De Carlo’s portrayal of Lily Munster kept her in the public eye. Interestingly, she took the role on ‘The Munsters’ to pay for her husband’s medical expenses.
- Personal Life: Yvonne De Carlo married Bob Morgan, a stunt man, in 1955 and they had two sons. She took on roles to support her husband’s medical expenses after he was injured. Yvonne De Carlo’s personal life influenced her career choices, and she remained dedicated to her family throughout her career.
- Legacy and Recognition: Yvonne De Carlo’s performance in ‘Follies’ earned her a place in theatre history. She was considered the biggest draw of the show due to her fame from ‘The Munsters.’ Her name appeared prominently on the marquee alongside the principal actors. Yvonne De Carlo’s perseverance throughout her career was reflected in her iconic song ‘I’m Still Here,’ and she left a lasting impact on both the Broadway and film industries.