Follies: The first press reviews are in!

“‘Follies’ at the Volksoper: If you're going to do a musical, this is how it's done! The Austrian premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s well-known musical is a triumph, thanks to a strong ensemble.” (Die Presse, April 14, 2025)

“Fortunately, the voices often favor emotion over the smooth perfection typical of musicals. The orchestra, conducted by Michael Papadopoulos, is well worth hearing. In the end, not everything turns out well, but the couples go home changed—and the audience, reflective and inspired.” (Kurier, April 14, 2025)

“A hit with the audience: the Austrian premiere of Sondheim’s ‘Follies’ at the Volksoper. hunderous applause for the ensemble.” (Kronen Zeitung, April 14, 2025)

“The orchestra under the baton of Michael Papadopoulos drives the performance forward, managing to render both the jazzy elements of the score and its nostalgic, lyrical aspects with elegance and precision.” (Der Standard, April 14, 2025)

“The virtuously choreographed revue elements are executed with precision and provide top-notch entertainment, with singing ranging from solid to phenomenal. But the real essence lies in the human nuances — and in the music, which, under conductor Michael Papadopoulos, comes together in all its shades.” (Falter, April 16, 2025)

“In addition to the leading roles, several vividly drawn supporting characters had their own numbers. Stefanie Dietrich made a phenomenal house debut as Stella — her number, ‘Who’s That Woman?’ was a highlight of the first half. Sona MacDonald was also a perfect fit for the smoky, seductive Carlotta, earning mid-scene applause.” (Die Presse, April 14, 2025)

“Stephen Sondheim’s lesser-known musical 'Follies', brought to life with a strong ensemble and a good dose of wit.” (Kurier, April 14, 2025)

“The pre-finale of the first act is the high point of the Volksoper’s new production of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Follies’ — a celebration of that special kind of beauty that only develops over decades; topped off with an impromptu split—and lots of applause. In these moments, the ‘Follies’ production is exactly where it belongs: In the midst of that beauty, that dignity, and the potential for sentimentality that — as Hollywood has long since discovered—lies in well-told stories about people who are no longer quite so young.”
(Kurier, April 14, 2025)

“At the end of the second half, all four main characters had one final solo. Most memorable were Peter Lesiak as the loser with impressive slapstick skills, and Bettina Mönch as the diva with a powerful voice.” (Die Presse, April 14, 2025)

“Berger has a reliable ensemble and gives each role definition - from the emotional couple Sally & Buddy (Ruth Brauer-Kvam, Peter Lesiak), to the combative Phyllis and womanizer Ben (Bettina Mönch, Drew Sarich). Sona MacDonald delivered a brilliant solo, Stefanie Dietrich was delightfully witty. (…) Michael Papadopoulos provides the show’s drive from the podium.” (Kronen Zeitung, April 14, 2025)

“We see scenes from two marriages, dream fantasies of the characters, and nostalgic journeys through memory. In Stephen Sondheim’s 'Follies', this blend serves as an excellent springboard to contrast the tensions of married life with the dazzling revue moments of the past (choreography by Marie-Christin Zeisset). Director Martin G. Berger pulls it off with style.” (Der Standard, April 14, 2025)