Follies: This is Broadway

Stephen Sondheim's 1971 musical, "Follies," has finally gotten the production it deserves. Jan Maxwell, Bernadette Peters, and about a dozen other Broadway veterans (plus Elaine Paige, the titaness of London musical theater) bring "Follies" to dazzling life at the Marquis Theatre in this brand-new production.

This is the hot Broadway ticket for fall 2011, and it ain't no jukebox musical for brainless tourists. This is true Broadway, with songs and storylines that have depth and meaning.

Sondheim's musical is not perfect; "Follies" has its flaws. But there are about 25 moments that are nothing short of greatness. Sondheim's innovative genius and his deep love of musical theater is on regal display here. This production is not to be missed by true fans of musical theater. It's the thinking person's musical (i.e., true Broadway).

Jan Maxwell and Bernadette Peters are in peak form. People will be talking about these performances for decades. I am also reasonably certain that "Follies" is going to clean up at the next Tonys.