Sondheim’s ‘Follies’; Fringe Festival; ‘Orlando’: N.Y. Weekend
Ageless Bernadette Peters burns through Stephen Sondheim’s torchy “Losing My Mind.” That’s just one highlight of “Follies,” Sondheim and James Goldman’s killer musical about the end of burlesque and youthful optimism.
After an acclaimed revival at the Kennedy Center, the show -- about two couples revisiting their days as stage-door johnnies to a pair of follies girls -- has moved into the Marquis Theatre.
Sondheim’s spectacular pastiche score includes the upbeat “Broadway Baby,” the acid “Could I Leave You?” and the mock song-and-dance number, “Buddy’s Blues.”
Jan Maxwell adds a cartwheel to the daredevil course that is “The Story of Lucy and Jessie.” Elaine Page, the original Evita and Grizabella, belts the incomparable “I’m Still Here.”
At Broadway and West 46th Street. Information: +1-877-250- 2929; http://www.folliesbroadway.com.
Afterward, wax nostalgic over wine and cheese or something more ambitious at Elsewhere, 403 W. 43rd St.; +1-212-315-2121.
Saturday
Catch a matinee of the lushly romantic “Death Takes a Holiday” by Maury Yeston, the composer-lyricist of “Grand Hotel” and “Nine.” Based on the play that became a hit film for Fredric March, Yeston’s romantic score, with a book by Thomas Meehan, abounds with lovely songs put across by a sensational ensemble at the intimate Laura Pels Theatre.
111 W. 46th St. Information: +1-212-719-1300; http://www.roundabouttheatre.org.
After the matinee, catch the between-shows theaterati chomping iceberg lettuce with Gorgonzola crumbles and great burgers at Joe Allen, 326 W. 46th St.; +1-212-581-6464.
Pick a show, any show, at The New York International Fringe Festival. Now in its 15th year, the new edition offers some 200 events, each ticket $15 in advance or $18 at the door. You never know what your $15 will buy -- maybe the next “Urinetown” (and maybe not).
Today’s options include in alphabetical order: The comedic “The Apartment: A Play With Four Sides”; “The Bobbed-Hair Bandit,” about a Brooklyn couple’s 1924 crime spree; “The Booby Prize,” an “uplifting” one-woman show, and “The F***ing World According to Molly,” about a poet-slash-security guard with bed bugs and other issues.
There’s also “Gleeam,” a musical comedy that promises to combine TV’s “Glee” with the “Scream” thriller franchise.
Through Aug. 28 at venues around the city. Information: http://fringenyc.org/.
Or go down to the Bowery Ballroom tonight to hear why Woods has become such a phenomenally popular band. Listen to their appealing blend of folk rock and indie pop, along with some of the near-countertenor vocals that are all the rage today (see Grizzly Bear, Fleet Foxes, Beach House, etc.).
Also appearing are label mates Ducktails, along with White Fence and Widowspeak.
6 Delancey St. Information: +1-212-533-2111; http://www.boweryballroom.com.
Sunday
Mostly Mozart is under way at Lincoln Center, and this afternoon features two oddities worth attending: A post-brunch- friendly 4 p.m. concert, and a chance to hear Handel’s mind- bending, virtually neo-modernist opera “Orlando.”
The players are San Francisco’s Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, and the singers are led by Clint van der Linde in the title role.
Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 66th Street. Information: +1-212-721-6500; http://www.mostlymozart.org.
Afterward, check out chef Daniel Boulud’s newest outpost, Boulud Sud, a tribute to his hometown of Lyons, France, and a temple of sunny Mediterranean classics like planked octopus and baked cod. 20 W. 64th St.; +1-212-595-1313.
Adventurous jazz singer Jane Monheit returns to familiar leaves in the American songbook. By her side is Mark O’Connor, a music polymath of extraordinary range: composer of contemporary longhair music, classical violinist and swing musician of thrilling dexterity. They’re closing out a brief run at the Blue Note with a set that’s sure to end your weekend on a high note.
131 W. 3rd St. Information: +1-212-475-8592; http://www.bluenote.net.
(Jeremy Gerard is a critic for Muse, the arts and leisure section of Bloomberg News. The opinions expressed are his own.)
-- With assistance from Philip Boroff. Editors: Manuela Hoelterhoff, Jeffrey Burke.
To contact the writer of this column: Jeremy Gerard in New York at jgerard2@bloomberg.net.
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Manuela Hoelterhoff at mhoelterhoff@bloomberg.net.
Bernadette Peters
Joan Marcus/Boneau/Bryan-Brown via Bloomberg
Bernadette Peters as Sally Durant in "Follies," opening at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway Aug. 7.
Bernadette Peters as Sally Durant in "Follies," opening at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway Aug. 7. Photographer: Joan Marcus/Boneau/Bryan-Brown via Bloomberg
Ron Raines
Joan Marcus/Boneau/Bryan-Brown via Bloomberg
Ron Raines as Benjamin Stone in "Follies," opening at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway Aug. 7.
Ron Raines as Benjamin Stone in "Follies," opening at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway Aug. 7. Photographer: Joan Marcus/Boneau/Bryan-Brown via Bloomberg
"Death Takes a Holiday"
Joan Marcus/Roundabout Theatre Company via Bloomberg
Julian Ovenden and Mara Davi in "Death Takes a Holiday" in New York. The play is directed by Doug Hughes.
Julian Ovenden and Mara Davi in "Death Takes a Holiday" in New York. The play is directed by Doug Hughes. Photographer: Joan Marcus/Roundabout Theatre Company via Bloomberg
"Death Takes a Holiday"
Joan Marcus/Roundabout Theatre Company via Bloomberg
Julian Ovenden and Jill Paice in "Death Takes a Holiday" in New York, directed by Doug Hughes.
Julian Ovenden and Jill Paice in "Death Takes a Holiday" in New York, directed by Doug Hughes. Photographer: Joan Marcus/Roundabout Theatre Company via Bloomberg
Philharmonia
Randi Beach/Mostly Mozart via Bloomberg
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra of San Francisco. The orchestra is part of Mostly Mozart at Lincoln Center.
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra of San Francisco. The orchestra is part of Mostly Mozart at Lincoln Center. Photographer: Randi Beach/Mostly Mozart via Bloomberg
Jane Monheit
Vincent Soyez/American International Artists via Bloomberg
Jazz singer Jane Monheit. Monheit is joined by violinist Mark O'Connor on Sunday, Aug. 14 at the Blue Note jazz club in New York.
Jazz singer Jane Monheit. Monheit is joined by violinist Mark O'Connor on Sunday, Aug. 14 at the Blue Note jazz club in New York. Photographer: Vincent Soyez/American International Artists via Bloomberg
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