Our Legendary Line of Long-Legged Lovelies

At age 24

Jane Owens

"Ladies with lace parasols, men in straw boater hats, lemonade in the park, ice cream socials . . . all those things before my time--that's the 'good ol' summertime' to me."

When you think about America's entertainment capitals, New York, Hollywood and Las Vegas immediately come to mind. But there is actually a fourth and that is where Jane Owens spent much of her career.

After starting out in New York and doing two tours of No, No, Nanette across the U.S. and Canada and several musical productions at New Jersey's Club Bene, Jane headed for warmer climes, then settled in Florida. She performed in nearly all of the Gold Coast's top musical venues, and created her own seven-person review, Fabulous Fosse, which toured all of south Florida.

Some of her fondest show business memories are from her two USO Tours--one to the Far East and one to Germany.

A career highlight was touring with her sisters in a three-girl act entitled "The Taylor Maids," under the direction of noted choreographer June Taylor.

In her second season with the Follies, Jane, 63, is thrilled to be working again with her sister, Follies Dance Captain Jill Owens.

MORE FUN FACTS

Her first USO tour was the most memorable experience of her life. Coming through the clouds to the sight of Mt. Fuji made her wonder, "Are we landing on another planet?" The tour was very rewarding, not only because the troops were so appreciative, but she also met her future husband, comedian Danny Wald, who appeared on the same bill.
The most challenging experience of her life was finding joy after her husband's passing four years ago.
"I think when we're given hardship and adversity, it's to help us grow and learn a life lesson. It's often difficult to believe this at the time, but when you reflect upon the situation, you can see why it was part of your life. It's best to think of 'problems' as really 'opportunities for solutions'."
Her favorite books are dictionaries and encyclopedias.

Greta Albritton

"Playing 'kick the can' with the neighborhood kids and pushing a stroller with my cat Tommy in it, dressed in doll clothes, up and down the street are fond summer memories."

Greta Albritton began dancing at four years of age in her hometown of Steubenville, Ohio. While in junior high, she had . . . Read More!

Judy Bell

"Picnics, gardening, visiting family and friends, and not looking at the clock . . . freedom--that's my idea of summer!"

Since she came yodeling out of the hills of West Virginia, Judy Bell has enjoyed an impressive career spanning nearly her entire 74 years.

Her own musical comedy revue, The Judy . . . Read More!

Leila Burgess

"Summer is about relaxing, going to the beach, laughing, eating, flirting--and, unlike in my youth, NOT going in the water and NOT getting suntanned."

As Company Dance Manager and Creative Consultant, Leila Burgess contributes to all Follies production numbers and wardrobe design, and manages the . . . Read More!

Stephanie Eley

"The good ol' summertime to me means going to the beach, barbecues, lazy hot days, late afternoon thundershowers, early sunrises and late sunsets."

Joining the Follies this season is a petite lady with a show business resume that's anything but!

Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, her profession was . . . Read More!

Jill Gordon

"Going to the beach is still my favorite summertime fun. I fondly recall the smell of suntan lotion at the beach, family barbecues and swimming when I was a kid."

The Deputy Company Dance Manager of the Follies is Jill Gordon, who, at 68, is in her 15th year with the show. She started on stage in . . . Read More!

Glenda Guilfoyle

"My family renting a cabin in New Jersey and going to Palisades Amusement Park are my favorite childhood memories of summer."

She is the prototypical classic showgirl with a lifetime spent kicking up her heels in the chorus line. At 78, she is in her 17th season as a Fabulous Follies Long-Legged . . . Read More!

Joni Naber

"My husband and I enjoy taking fishing trips to Idaho where we stay in a cottage on Twin Lakes. But I definitely do not touch any live bait!"

Joni Naber, 75 years young, joined the Follies six years ago after owning and operating a dance studio in her native Washington, D.C., for 47 years. But that . . . Read More!

Jill Owens

"Summer was about going to my grandmother's house in a very small town. I'd practice acrobatics for hours in the front yard, and an audience would always gather to watch me."

The Dance Captain of the Follies is Jill Owens, 69, now in her 13th season as a Long-Legged Lovely.

She first made the jump . . . Read More!

Suzanne Vitale

"During the summer I love laying out in the sun and going every week to see a different Broadway show at Muny Opera (St. Louis, Mo.), the largest outdoor theater in the U.S."

Suzanne Vitale, 73, is returning to the Plaza Theatre stage for her fourth Follies season. Previously, she toured with . . . Read More!