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Stephen Sondheim: "Follies"

 When Jayne Houdyshell appeared in "Follies," she had long interludes of "back-stage waiting." But she loved the score so much, she wouldn't return to her dressing room. She would just sit by the curtain; she would listen to the orchestra. 


One of the more ravishing songs is "Too Many Mornings," in which Sondheim seems to channel Puccini. On its surface, this is a love duet. Ben, the star, is reaffirming his love for his ex-girlfriend, Sally. He expresses regret for the "many mornings" he has wasted, wishing his life were different from the life he has actually chosen. (Wishing that "the room might be filled with you.")

But something is happening between the lines. Ben isn't really singing to Sally, in the present; he is singing to the ghost of Young Sally. He doesn't want a new love affair. He wants to be twenty years old again.

As Ben tries to persuade himself that he is ready to leave his marriage, his thoughts become a little wobbly; there is a sense that he is trying too hard. "It was always real -- and I've always loved you this much. We can always feel this happy..." It's like when you have paid a great deal of money for a concert you don't really like, and you can't bear to think about the credit card transaction. "I'm having a wonderful time! A truly fantastic time!!!!"

I wish I could see Victoria Clark, at Carnegie Hall, in June. One can't have everything; I am coping.

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