Overview

The Ziegfeld Follies were an annual series of extravagant Broadway revues produced and staged by Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. that ran from 1907 through 1931, with later renewals in 1934 and 1936. Performed in New York City, these shows blended song, comedy, dance and visual spectacle to create a form of popular theatrical entertainment distinct from traditional book musicals. The Follies drew direct inspiration from Parisian music-hall revues such as the Folies Bergère and adapted that model for American audiences on Broadway.

Production, Design and Presentation

Florenz Ziegfeld emphasized lavish production values: ornate sets, elaborate costumes, startling lighting and carefully staged tableaux. Scenic and costume designers — notably Joseph Urban among others — supplied a visual style that combined glamour with theatrical innovation. The producers initially associated with mounting the shows included industry figures such as Klaw & Erlanger, who were prominent theatrical managers of the era.

Format and Notable Performers

Each edition of the Follies was essentially a revue, composed of a sequence of unrelated numbers: comedic sketches, solo turns, chorus dance sequences and showstopping production pieces. A signature element was the chorus of "Ziegfeld Girls," presented as an emblem of contemporary beauty and fashion, often appearing in coordinated costumes and tableaux. Many performers who later became stars appeared in the Follies, including Fanny Brice, Will Rogers, Eddie Cantor and W. C. Fields.

History and Development

Beginning in the early 20th century, the Follies evolved alongside changes in popular entertainment, borrowing from vaudeville, European revues and the rising American songbook tradition. While the original run ended in 1931, periodic revivals and cinematic adaptations extended the brand's visibility and helped cement its place in musical-theatre history.

Legacy and Cultural Importance

The Ziegfeld Follies left a durable imprint on American popular culture: they helped define standards of stage spectacle, influenced Broadway production aesthetics, and contributed to the celebrity careers of performers who crossed into film and radio. The idealized imagery of the Ziegfeld Girls persists in discussions of early 20th-century fashion, advertising and the commercialization of glamour.

Notable Distinctions and Facts

  • The Follies were revues rather than plot-driven musicals, emphasizing variety and visual display.
  • The shows are often cited as a key bridge between vaudeville and the modern Broadway revue.
  • Several Follies numbers and stars helped launch careers that expanded into other entertainment media.

For further reading on the format and influence of this theatrical phenomenon, contemporary sources and modern histories of American musical theatre provide detailed accounts and archival materials.