The Follies Story

It seems like only yesterday when the first season of the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies opened in our little town's beloved, but rarely used  Plaza Theatre movie house.

Riff Markowitz
Founder and
Managing Director

At the time, pundits said we were crazy. Scoffing, they asked, "Who's going to pay to see old ladies' legs?" Well, they couldn't have been more wrong. The public took the show to its heart, and today, nearly three-million patrons later, the Follies has gained a worldwide reputation for glamour and excitement, has spawned imitators, has been the subject of innumerable magazine and newspaper articles, has been featured in countless television specials, and plays to packed houses at every performance, up to ten shows a week, seven months a year.

Of even greater importance is what the Follies has done to the stereotypical image of old age. Our performers, who range in age from 56 to 86, dance and sing with a zest that even younger folk envy. The Follies has proven - beyond a doubt - Billie Burke's (aka Mrs. Florenz Ziegfeld and a star in her own right) famous quote, "Age doesn't matter unless you're a cheese."

Mary Jardin
Founder and
Director of Marketing

We pledge to remain true to the spirit of the 40s, 50s, and 60s keeping alive and well the music, comedy, and dance of those eras. As well, we promise to provide a world-class entertainment experience at every performance.

Our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your continued enthusiasm and support; we look forward to seeing you at the Follies' next season...and the one after that...and on and on.

Learn all about the founders

• "The Follies Man", impresario Riff Markowitz.
• Founder and Director of Marketing, Mary Jardin.