"Follies" Interview with John Campbell

    There are several shows in the area getting ready to take the stage, including the beloved musical Follies!

   To get you ready for the show, we have interviews with the cast to share, starting with the amazingly talented John Campbell, who plays “Buddy."

Q: What is “Follies” about? 

John: Frustrated expectations about love, life, marriage, career. As my character sings, "The things that you want, you don't seem to get." Sound familiar?

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show? 

John: I always enjoy working with director Bil Neal, and playing with the folks at Alchemy. Sondheim writes some wonderful tunes, and this show has some of his best.

Q: Tell us about the character you play. 

John: Buddy is at the reunion of the theater where his wife had performed 30 years earlier as a showgirl, and he has memories of their relationship back then while dealing with the difficulties of their marriage in the present.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

John: I have acted in several shows in the area, and directed a couple.

Q: This is Alchemy’s first musical production - what’s more challenging, the singing or the dancing?

John: For me, the dancing is definitely the greater challenge. Of course, in one of my numbers ("Buddy's Blues") I do both simultaneously, and that's a mental as well as physical workout. But it's a lot of fun too.

Q: Do you have a favorite number in the show?

John:"Losing My Mind" is simply exquisite. Jinnie Knight does a superb job with it. Hearing it is worth the price of the ticket.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

John: Sondheim's tunes are lovely, and his lyrics are sharp. You'll see some very, very fine acting from this talented cast, hear some wonderful voices, and enjoy the visual splendor of the glittering costumes and big dance numbers. The subject matter - couples struggling in their relationships - is difficult at times. If you aren't in such a situation yourself, you know someone who is, and you will see them on the stage. And yet… there is hope. You will laugh - there are some really funny moments - and you very well may cry; there is catharsis in the journey.

   Thanks, John!

   “Follies” - the musical will be presented by Alchemy Theatre on March 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., and March 8 at 2 p.m. at The Janice Chandler Auditorium (The Cabell County Board of Education Building) at 2850 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each.