Everything Was Possible

The Birth of the Musical Follies

By: Ted Chapin

Narrated by: Jonathan Groff

As the sole production assistant for Stephen Sondheim’s Follies, Ted Chapin had a front row seat for the creation of one of the most important American musicals of all time. He kept a detailed journal of his experiences, and his rich storehouse of memories forms the core of Everything Was Possible, which itself has become a modern classic of musical theater history. Chapin was there in the drama-filled rehearsal room, typed endless rewrites, ferried new songs around town, pampered the film and television stars in the cast, and traveled with the show to its Boston tryout and back to New York for the opening night on Broadway.

Combining the zeal of an enthusiast with a journalist’s narrative chops, Chapin takes the listener on a roller-coaster ride through the creation of an original Broadway musical.

Updated to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Follies, this edition includes a new afterword that brings the history of the show forward to today, diving into recent productions around the world, new recordings, the continued promise of a film version, and the legacy of the show in the wake of Stephen Sondheim’s death in 2021.

©2003 Ted Chapin (P)2022 Recorded Books

remarkable

never wanted it to end. what a testament to time, place, and the vitality of the american musical at its zenith.

Beyond outstanding

This is obviously THE book for Follies fans. A true insider’s take on how this audacious show was built from ground up. Chaplin tells it all truthfully with no maliciousness towards anyone, and you really get a sense of being there. Brilliant choice having the wonderful Jonathan Groff read. It’s an absolute pleasure listening to him.

An inside look

An opportunity to re-live the magic one more time through the author's eyes and the narrator's voice. Thank you! What a treat! 🙂

A true standout in theater books!

I loved this book from the first note to the last. A divinely intimate and detailed account of what it took to get this show up and running all the way to opening night on Broadway. Superbly narrated by Jonathan Groff who conveys the youthful innocence and enthusiasm of the young ( at the time) author. One of the very best theater memoirs I have read ( or listened to!)

“God is in the details” - Stephen Sondheim

If there was ever a book that theatre professors should point to when asked about books on the theatrical process, it would be this one. The level of detail from Chapin is astounding. I was captivated from the first rehearsal to the final close of the curtain.