Q&A: 'Follies' star Danny Burstein ready for Broadway

Danny Burstein, who received Tony nominations for his comic performances in “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “South Pacific,” has returned to Broadway in Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies,” also starring Bernadette Peters and Jan Maxwell.

When did you find out that the show would transfer to Broadway? Maybe the last couple of days during our run in D.C. at the Kennedy Center. It’s thrilling and wonderful — but it also means that our rent can be paid.

Are you surprised that “Follies” is still considered by many to be a flop musical? I honestly don’t understand it. There are moments of brilliance in this show — not just a few, but dozens and dozens. If you judge something just by whether it makes money, I feel sorry for you.

What’s your take on the role of Buddy? He’s a tragic figure. He’s at a point of his life where he’s trying to decide if he’s wasted the last 30 years, and trying to put an optimistic spin on that question.

Has Sondheim been involved with the rehearsal process? Yeah. This is the third time I’ve worked with him. You’re in a room with a genius, and he’s giving master classes on his songs. He’s just a brilliant, brilliant man — and generous at the same time.

“Follies” is now in previews at the Marquis Theatre and opens Sept. 12