Gary Griffin (Follies)

Chicago Shakespeare Theater launches its 25th anniversary season with Stephen Sondheim's FOLLIES, directed by Gary Griffin. While Gary may be best known for directing The Color Purple on Broadway, Follies is his fifth Sondheim production at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. We spoke about Gary's choice to have a 12-piece orchestra join the actors onstage. He hopes that the presence of live musicians encourages the audience to connect more fully due to this added dimension. Follies premiered in 1971 and garnered 7 Tony Awards. Stephen Sondheim is one of the most influential and accomplished composer/lyricists in Broadway history.