Paris In Every Note: Cady McClain Celebrates Follies

A lyrical journey across iconic cities, where love meets art in a charming Follies tribute.

By Pratibha Pratibha linkedin_icon
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In a vibrant display of theatrical homage, Cady McClain recently shared a captivating post that revives the timeless lyrics of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies. The post, rich with imagery and wit, draws us into a world where the romance of Paris outshines even the glittering neon of New York or the rhythmic allure of Madrid guitars. Cady’s unique twist on these classic lines not only resonates with longtime theater enthusiasts but also invites a new generation to experience the magic of musical storytelling.

Lyrical Tribute To Timeless Cities

Cady’s post artfully weaves together a journey across cities – from New York’s neon to Berlin’s bustling bars, from Shanghai’s silks to the soulful guitars of Madrid. Yet amidst these cosmopolitan backdrops, one refrain rings louder than all: “But ah! Paree!” The lyric captures the notion that while every city has its signature charm, Paris remains the unparalleled embodiment of love and artistic passion. The original caption punctuated with playful rhymes, reads:

“New York has neon, Berlin has bars,
But ah! Paree!
Shanghai has silk and Madrid guitars.
But ah! Paree!
In Cairo you find bizarre bazaars.
In London “pip! pip!” you sip tea.
But when it comes to love.
None of the above
Compares, compris?
So if it’s making love
That you’re thinking of,
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah! Paree!
I have seen the ruins of Rome,
I’ve been in the igloos of Nome.
I have gone to Moscow. it’s very gay—
Well, anyway.
On the first of May.
I have seen Rangoon and Soho,
And I like them more than so-so.
But when there’s a moon.
Goodbye, Rangoon—
Hello. Montmartre, hello!
Peking has rickshaws, New Orleans jazz.
But ah! Paree!
Beirut has sunshine — that’s all it has,
But ah! Paree!
Constantinople has Turkish baths
And Athens that lovely debris.
Carlsbad may have a spa.
But for ooh-la-la,
You come with me!
Carlsbad is where you’re cured
After you have toured
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah! Paree!”

The playful cadence and rhythmic rhyme capture the spirit of a bygone era in theater while bridging it with modern-day sensibilities. The blend of humor and nostalgia in the post emphasizes that art, in all its forms, continues to evolve while cherishing its roots.

Cady Mcclain’s Theatrical Journey

A veteran of stage and screen, Cady McClain is no stranger to the spotlight. With decades of experience in television, theater, and film, her career is punctuated by iconic roles that have won the admiration of audiences worldwide. This post is yet another example of how she seamlessly marries her love for classic theatrical material with her distinctive, engaging persona. Her career, which includes memorable performances and a commitment to artistic excellence, is highlighted by moments that range from teaching at renowned institutions to starring in celebrated productions.

Drawing upon her rich career history as referenced in public records and her notable presence on social media, McClain has often shared insights from her time on set and backstage, along with musings that celebrate the art of performance. For instance, in earlier Instagram updates, she’s been seen guiding passionate acting students at Michael Howard Studios, underscoring her dedication to the craft of theatre. These glimpses into her professional life illustrate a continual cycle of giving back to the arts while celebrating its past glories.

Paris – The Epitome Of Love

At the heart of the post is a tribute to Paris, portrayed as a city where love and beauty meld into an irresistible allure. While icons like New York, London, and Cairo each boast their unique attractions, Paris emerges as the definitive symbol of romance. The recurring exclamation, “Ah! Paree!” serves as a refrain that encapsulates the magical pull of the city on both artists and lovers alike.

This lyrical celebration is not just a nod to the aesthetics of a beautiful city but also a subtle reminder of the universal language of art. McClain’s rendition of these well-loved words from Sondheim’s masterpiece is a testament to the enduring power of music, poetry, and performance. The post invites readers to reminisce about personal memories associated with various global landmarks, while also reaffirming that when it comes to matters of the heart, nothing compares to the charm of Paris.

A Multifaceted Star In A Changing Landscape

As the entertainment industry evolves with digital trends and new media, figures like Cady McClain continue to stand as pillars of timeless artistry. Her ability to connect classical material with contemporary sensibilities speaks volumes about her versatility and passion. The accompanying image in her post, featuring her with a thoughtful expression that mirrors the depth of the lyrical tribute, adds a layer of visual authenticity to the narrative. The photograph – a glimpse into her world – shows the elegance and reflective mood that often characterizes her on-screen and off-stage persona.

Further enriching the conversation, earlier Instagram posts reveal McClain engaging with fellow artists and industry professionals. From congratulating teams behind hit series like Beyond the Gates to sharing moments from her instructional days at Michael Howard Studios, her social feed is a mosaic of work, passion, and intimate glimpses into the theatrical life. These snippets collectively paint the picture of an artist who continually reinforces her roots in performance art while exploring new creative avenues.

The post is a reminder that while trends come and go, the essence of great art remains timeless. It celebrates not only a city and its incomparable allure but also a storied career that keeps inspiring audiences. Cady McClain’s thoughtful interplay between classic lyrics and modern day expression proves that with the right blend of passion and creativity, even the simplest words can spark a vibrant discussion about life, love, and art.

In this lively celebration of performance and place, McClain encourages us all to embrace the beauty of differences. Whether reminiscing about global cities or the enduring charm of Paris, her homage resonates as a call to value art in every moment, in every form.

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Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

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