Dear Group Leaders and Tour Operators,
We're just a few days away from the October 30 opening of the Follies' spectacular all-new 17th season, entitled Tin Pan Alley! And what a Follies it'll be as we salute the Golden Age of American popular music and welcome a series of acclaimed guest stars including Kaye Ballard, The Four Aces, Melba Moore and Anna Maria Alberghetti! Good seats are still available for most performances, but don't delay in reserving seats now for our newest edition!
We have continued last season’s special offers for parties of 10-14 and 15-19, as well as traditional groups of 20 or more. You can save 10% to 40%, with your level of savings based upon the actual number of tickets purchased.
And beginning today, Wednesday, October 17, we are accepting group reservations for the Follies' 18th season. No, that’s not a misprint. Follies 18 will run from October 2008 through May 2009 with another fabulous, all-new edition. Groups of 20 or more can book their space NOW!
Simply call, fax or email us at the numbers below and a group representative will be happy to confirm your arrangements.
We look forward to welcoming your groups back the Fabulous Follies!
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Shari Lipman
Group Sales Manager
groupsales@psfollies.com
760-778-7657
800-967-9997
(Fax) 760-322-3196
By “Follies Man” Riff Markowitz
Greetings, Darlin’s,
We’re in the thick of rehearsals, an annual exercise requiring the stamina of Marine Corps basic training and the operational organization of the Normandy invasion.
We’re still adding new numbers to the show every day, but already there are quite a few standouts. Our opening sequence is a rollercoaster ride through 60 years of great Tin Pan Alley songs, from “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” to “Steam Heat,” with a tip of the bowler hat to dance styles from George M. Cohan to Bob Fosse!
One might think our well-seasoned cast members would want to rest on their laurels, but no: inspired by the Golden Age of American pop music, our choreographers have created more intricate and athletic dance routines than ever before. And the cast has risen to the challenge, though none more so than Guinness Record “World’s Oldest ‘Still Performing’ Showgirl” Dorothy Kloss. At 84, Miss Kloss does a tap solo so thrilling it stops rehearsals every day! When dancers applaud one of their peers with that much enthusiasm, I feel sure you’ll have the same response.
Our songbirds, Judy Bell and Trina Parks, enjoy a friendly rivalry that only makes each of them better every year. This season, Miss Bell delivers a heart-rending version of “The Man That Got Away.” And Miss Parks responds with a lively rendition of the Louis Armstrong classic, “’Zat You, Santa Claus?” in our holiday sequence. But they come together in the Finale to sing an “Amazing Grace” so stirring it will inspire even the most determined cynics among us.
Speaking of our annual Winter Holiday scene, “A Jolly Follies Christmas” will only be presented through December 31, and I'm certain you won’t want to miss the dancing penguins! (Yes, we know penguins live at the South Pole, not the North. But that’s only in real life. This is Follies Land!)
The hustle and bustle in our rehearsal hall is easily matched by our Wardrobe Department upstairs. There, a veritable army of skilled seamstresses are hard at work sewing thousands of sequins and feathers on a hundred new costumes! But with all that talent so close at hand, can I get a loose button fixed on one of my shirts? No! Apparently the Follies Man ranks somewhere far below the “Hot List” of fashion priorities.
But I really shouldn’t complain, because we’re seeing great things from our new costume designer, Thi Thu Hanyak. Born and raised in Switzerland, Miss Hanyak created costumes for European productions of Broadway musicals. But she also worked at several world-famous houses of haute couture, first at Atelier Brunner and later for Christian Lacroix and Laurent Peret, so she has the perfect background in high fashion and low comedy. The collection of Follies finery she has designed is dazzling!
Of course it wouldn’t be a Follies without a guest star and great variety acts, so we eagerly await the arrival of comedy legend Kaye Ballard (appearing October 30 through December 31), and impressionist Mr. Babe Pier and Joanne Wilson’s Wonder Dogs (both appearing all season). You can read more below about Miss Ballard’s illustrious 70 years (!) in show business. And we’ll include more information on Mr. Pier and Miss Wilson in next month’s missive.
Well, Darlin’s, much as I enjoy writing to you, I don’t want the cast and crew to get the idea they can get along without me. I have a strong hunch this new show will be our best ever, and I’d better get back to rehearsal so I can humbly take at least a little bit of the credit for it.
But, come what may, we’ll be ready and waiting for you at the historic Plaza Theatre, beginning October 30 at 1:30 p.m.
Riff Markowitz
"The Follies Man"
The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies is only performed at the historic Plaza Theatre, but the Follies’ Community Ambassadors travel throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond to spread the gospel of “The Little Show That Could.” You can attract new members to your group and heighten the excitement of returnees by hosting a Follies Ambassador presentation.
Ambassador presentations provide the “inside scoop” on how the Follies is produced, using music, video, comedy and a lively question-and-answer session. Each presentation is geared to the specific interest and profile of the audience invited by the host.
If you would like more information on how the Follies Ambassadors can help you increase the numbers in your group, please contact the Follies Ambassador Manager, Dolores Dey, at (760) 778-7654, or email: ambassador@psfollies.com.
In the coming months, the Follies will be attending the following tradeshows and would be delighted to meet with you or your representative about the many ways the Follies can assist you in filling your motorcoaches!
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Group travel is more affordable and convenient, and for many it can be more memorable, too. Why not order a Party Plan and make your group visit to the Follies even more special? These add-on packages include refreshments, souvenirs or a combination of both. Your travelers will enjoy the deluxe experience (and they’ll save money, too: up to 60% off the individual purchase price).
Complete details can be found by clicking here or by simply calling the Follies Group Department at (760) 778-7657 or (800) 967-9997.
Since 1947, the U.S. Marines have been looking after America’s needy children during the holidays through the Toys for Tots program. By distributing over 300 million new toys since the program began, Marines deliver a message of hope and let children know that someone cares. The Follies is pleased and proud to participate as a toy drop-off location for the 12th year.
The Toys for Tots program has a rich history of providing for youngsters in need. In 1948, Walt Disney designed the Toys for Tots logo still in use today; Disney also designed the first Toys for Tots poster used to promote the nationwide program. Nat "King" Cole, Peggy Lee and 
Vic Damone recorded the Toys for Tots song written by Sammy Fain and Paul Webster in 1956. (You can hear the song by clicking here.) Bob Hope, John Wayne, Doris Day, Lorrie Morgan, Tim Allen and Kenny Rogers are but a few of the long list of celebrities who have given their time and talent to promote Toys for Tots.
If you are interested in donating, simply bring a new, unwrapped toy to the collection bin, located in the Plaza Theatre lobby, during any Follies performance from October 30 through December 16, 2007.
From November 30 through December 2, 2007, Palm Springs will welcome a “mini-regional” convention of the Red Hat Society. Numerous activities are scheduled as part of the convention, entitled Holiday Oasis, including attendance at the Friday night performance of the Follies. On Saturday night, Red-Hatter participants, along with Exalted Queen Mother Sue Ellen Cooper, will march en masse down Palm Canyon Drive as part of the 2007 Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade.
If you are a proud wearer of the Red and the Purple, you may want to join in the fun! For more information, click here.
We know that communication is key to filling buses and we want to assist you in any way possible.
Monthly, the Follies sends an informative and entertaining "Confidential" newsletter to our most loyal patrons with news on upcoming shows, special offers and items of general interest to our many fans. If you or any of your travelers would like to receive this monthly communique, just send your email to groupsales@psfollies.com or go to the Home page of the Follies website www.psfollies.com and click the "Get Our Free E-Newsletter" icon.
In each newsletter, we spotlight several of the Follies' tourism partners and this month, we are featuring restaurants. A number of these eateries also offer special discounts for Follies Groups, so be sure to mention you’re visiting the Follies when you call for more information.
* Within walking distance of the Follies
BILLY REED’S RESTAURANT Group Info: For groups of 20 or more, lunches start at $17 per person (all inclusive) and dinner from $22 per person (all inclusive). Bus drivers are treated for lunch or dinner. Since 1975, the most popular restaurant in Palm Springs, according to Zagat Survey. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner anytime, daily early bird specials too. CAFÉ JASMIN* Homemade food. Soups, sandwiches and salads. Combinations soup/sandwich. Specials of the day include: goulash, stuffed cabbage, stuffed peppers, pasta with homemade meatballs. CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN* Group Info: For group information, please contact General Manager Doug Smith at (760) 322-6075. Within a half-block of the Follies in the Desert Fashion Plaza, California Pizza Kitchen features an imaginative line of hearth-baked pizzas, including the Original BBQ Chicken pizza, and a broad selection of made-to-order pastas, creative salads, soups, sandwiches and delicious desserts. Palm Springs CPK offers Dine-In, Take-Out, Curbside Service, Catering and an Award-winning CPKids Menu. A full bar is also available, serving CPK specialty cocktails and a wide selection of beer and wine. Also visit CPK’s Palm Desert location in the El Paseo Collection at 73-080 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260, (760) 776-5036. CEDAR CREEK INN, PALM SPRINGS Very popular restaurant with patio, delicious salads, sandwiches, entrees, steaks, daily specials, "early birds" and desserts. Live music and Happy Hour. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch. CHOP HOUSE* The finest USDA PRIME aged beef, steaks, chops, fresh fish. "Best Steaks in the Desert" according to the Desert Sun. Rated one of "America's Finest Prime Time Top 10 Steakhouses." A prime cut above in culinary excellence, personalized service and relaxed sophistication. Dinner nightly. Also visit the Chop House’s Palm Desert location at 74-040 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260, (760) 779-8946 CRAZY BONES BARBEQUE PALM SPRINGS* Group Info: Call (760) 779-8946 or email groups@kaisercorp.com THE FALLS* Group Info: For group info, please contact Christine Fahey at c.fahey@thefallsprimesteakhouse.com or phone her at (760) 416-8664. Prime steaks, fresh seafood, prime rib, fish, chicken, lamb. Tableside Caesar salad, Bananas Foster, Smokin' Martinis. Late supper served until 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Also visit our La Quinta restaurant at 78-430 Highway 111, La Quinta CA 92253, (760) 777-9999. Also visit The Falls’ La Quinta location at 78-430 Highway 111, La Quinta, CA 92253, (760) 777-9999. HOG’S BREATH INN LA QUINTA Group Info: Call (760) 779-8946 or email groups@kaisercorp.com Clint Eastwood-themed restaurant. Steeped in cool, Southwest-meets-Hollywood ambience, thanks to the 2nd-floor patio views, fireplaces, rough wood and rustic decor. The menu features straight-forward American fare accented with California flair. Lunch, dinner, Happy Hour, piano bar. HYATT REGENCY SUITES PALM SPRINGS* Join us for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and Saturday and Sunday brunch. Special Dining Prices before and after the Show. Ask about our Fabulous Follies Group Rate. Bus tours welcome! THE INN ON EL PASEO Established in 1980, this charming home-style restaurant, known as the "El Paseo Restaurant Landmark," offers beautiful patios and gracious service in a home-away-from-home atmosphere. Open seven days. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. KAISER GRILLE PALM SPRINGS* Group Info: Call (760) 779-8946 or email groups@kaisercorp.com Critics' Choice, Locals' Favorite. Terrific food at affordable prices. Critically acclaimed menu and food with sophisticated yet casual ambiance. Steaks, chops, strictly fresh seafood, pastas and more from our exhibition kitchen. Lunch, dinner, Happy Hour and Early Bird Dinner.
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LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA* Casual Mexican dining, outdoor patio for dining, dancing and music. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Entertainment nightly. LE VALLAURIS* Group Info: Le Vallauris accepts groups on its patio for pre- or post-show dining. ''This perfect gem offers delicious French Mediterranean cooking and impeccable old-time service in a fancy setting where the delightful patio and charming dining rooms are romance refined.'' Zagat Guide. MATCHBOX* Group Info: Please contact Christine Fahey at christinef@matchboxpalmsprings.com or phone her at (760) 416-8664. Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro is an exciting restaurant with a decidedly hip and urban feel. Matchbox offers incomparable thin crust pizza and chef-driven bistro dishes that are simply and classically prepared. Open 4pm to 1am, seven nights a week. MELVYN’S RESTAURANT* Internationally acclaimed dining at its finest. In its 32nd year serving locals, visitors and world-famous celebrities with a menu to satisfy the most discriminating gourmet, along with the service to make it a complete dining experience. Enjoy your favorite music and dancing in our Casablanca lounge, seven nights a week. MORONGO CASINO RESORT AND SPA Southern California's favorite Four-Diamond Casino Resort and Spa. The place for you to stay before or after the show. We welcome tours, and have special amenities for tours that stay while attending the Follies. World-class Sage Spa and gaming are here to keep you entertained, along with 12 food and beverage outlets and show venues. The largest Premium Outlet Mall on the West Coast is right next door. Complimentary shuttle to and discount book for Desert Hills Premium Outlet Mall. PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY Group Info: Phone Gabriele Wich at (760) 325-1449. Travel from the desert floor to a pristine alpine forest. With a restaurant, gift shop and 54 miles of hiking trails, there is something for everyone at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. PEABODY’S CAFÉ* Right next door to the Palm Springs Follies, serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week and serving dinner on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Full bar and all entrees are under $10. PINOCCHIO IN THE DESERT* Group Info: Affordable group rates available. Contact Desiree Huenen-Gerhardt at (760) 322-3776. Casual, romantic outdoor and indoor dining in beautiful downtown Palm Springs. Open from 7:30 a.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located on Tahquitz between Indian and Palm Canyon Drive, around the corner from the Follies. SPECIAL OFFER: Show your Follies ticket and with the purchase of a lunch or dinner entree, enjoy a complimentary "Special Follies Dessert." (Please show ticket before ordering. Valid for groups up to 10 people. Not valid with discount menu. Holidays excluded.) POMME FRITE* French and Belgian cuisine since 1999. “Out of this world Mussels and Pommes Frites.” Zagat 2002. Join us for Dinner before or after the Show. ROCK GARDEN CAFÉ Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, a full bar and homemade breads and pastries. Enjoy dining by waterfalls, ponds, trees and natural desert rock. SHERMAN’S DELI AND BAKERY* Family owned New York-style deli with full bakery. Voted #1 deli in the Valley, with heated outdoor patio. Also visit Sherman’s Palm Desert location at 73-161 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260, (760) 568-1350. SPOTLIGHT 29 CASINO The Valley's largest casino! 2,000 slot machines and 30 favorite table games. The Rattlesnake is the most awarded restaurant in the Coachella Valley. WANG’S IN THE DESERT* A favorite spot for locals and visitors alike! Enjoy Pan Asian/Chinese cuisine while overlooking a tranquil, indoor pond; unwind during $2 cocktail Happy Hour; mingle with friends on the outdoor patio or book a party in the VIP Room. Wang's is the place to see and be seen! SPECIAL FOLLIES DISCOUNT: 15% off entire check. Bring your Follies ticket or stub (one ticket or stub per table). Offer is good through June 1, 2008, except for holidays, special events or other promotions. WYNDHAM HOTEL, CAFÉ TERRAZA* Group Info: For special group information, please contact Matt Schvaneveldt at (760) 416-2976. Three blocks from Downtown, our renowned Café Terraza is a full-service indoor/outdoor Palm Springs restaurant, serving contemporary cuisine with a definite Southwestern influence for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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