Follies at the Volksoper: A nostalgic musical about aging!

Follies at the Volksoper: A nostalgic musical about aging!

The musical “Follies” is currently being performed at the Volksoper and addresses themes of aging and reflection on past decisions. Originally premiered in 1971, the plot depicts how former showgirls, Sally and Phyllis, reunite with their husbands at their theater's closing party 30 years after their fame. The story unfolds in the fictional world of 2055, where the theater has been demolished after a war and a dictatorial regime. Small newspaper reports that Sally Durant traveled from Bregenz to the demolition party and the characters appear in individual numbers that stand out from the ensemble pieces.

The production at the Volksoper is directed by Martin G. Berger, with a set design by Sarah-Katharina Karl and costumes by Alexander Djurkov Hotter. Other creative minds include Alex Brok for the lighting design and Vincent Stefan for the video elements. The piece is musically directed by Michael Papadopoulos, while the main roles are played by Ruth Brauer-Kvam (Sally), Drew Sarich (Ben) and Bettina Mönch (Phyllis). Julia Koci (Hattie), Stefanie Dietrich (Stella) and Sona MacDonald (Carlotta) can be seen in the supporting roles.

Reflection on the past

“Follies” uses the interaction between aged characters and their younger alter egos to portray complex emotions and address the challenges of aging. The play gives the characters the opportunity to nostalgically reflect on their past and ask questions about their life choices. The further development of the musical as an art form is stimulated by the cultural influences of the 19th century, such as opera and vaudeville, which made it a dynamic genre that conveys emotional messages, such as The knowledge determines.

The structure of Follies, which consists of various musical numbers containing both solo and ensemble pieces, shows a significant evolution of the musical, which began in the 1920s with the introduction of the book musical. This genre combines action, song and dance into a coherent narrative.

Performance dates and future of the genre

The Volksoper is offering several performances of “Follies,” including dates on April 17th, 25th and 30th and May 1st, 14th, 17th, 23rd and 27th, 2025. Musicals like “Follies” are not only entertainment, but also a reflection of social challenges and trends. Social themes are increasingly finding their way into musicals and reflect current social issues. Technological advances have also created the possibility of using elaborate sets and effects, which is shaping the future of musicals.

Overall, the musical remains a vibrant and ever-changing genre that demands openness to new creative concepts and technologies while preserving and reinterpreting traditional elements. With each new piece, viewers can expect an exciting mix of tradition and innovation.