58 and 85 – These are the ages of two extraordinary ladies whose stars have shone particularly brightly from the Plaza Theatre stage during the past few weeks.
Regarding the former, Susan Anton made her debut bow here at the Follies recently and left audiences cheering for more. We knew she was good, but Wow! We've included a short video below, so you can see for yourself. And, if you miss her between now and March 7, you can always return May 13 – 17 when she returns to close our Follies’ 18th season.
Regarding the latter, we were most honored when Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet declared January 15 to be "Dorothy Kloss Day" here in Palm Springs and presented Miss Kloss with a city proclamation onstage during our third act. You can read more below, but I'm sure you wouldn't be surprised to learn that, just before the ceremony, she asked the mayor backstage, "Are the banks and post offices going to be closed next year as well, or is this just a one-shot deal?" She was only half kidding.
Palm Springs first became famous as a getaway for Hollywood stars. While you may not see many walking the streets nowadays, you will certainly see them in Follies' audiences, as our "Who's Been Sitting In My Chair" story below clearly illustrates.
While my February missive arrives a little early this year, the reason is completely legitimate: We want to give you as much advance notice as possible that Valentine's Day is quickly approaching on February 14. This year, the Follies has two performances that day for you and your sweetie to enjoy. If you don't have one (a sweetie), I'll just let you know that the Follies has been the location for more than one romantic matchup. If you meet someone in the theater, though, and start breathing heavily, fluttering your eyelids and rolling your shoulders, please tell us that you're just flirting. Otherwise, as our safety officers are all trained to identify early signs of heart attack, they might run for our in-house defibrillator.
Until the next time, just stay alive! |
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Don't miss Follies Guest Star Susan Anton through March 7 then again May 13 through 17.
First known as the Muriel Cigar Girl, this talented beauty quickly gained stardom in film, TV, Las Vegas and Broadway.
The video below is just a sample of what you'll see on stage at the historic Plaza Theatre.

Susan Anton welcomes volunteers from the Palm Springs Airport USO, who were celebrating the facility's second anniversary. In 1970, Anton toured with the Miss America USO, traveling to Vietnam and performing for the 7th Fleet. Holding the Follies poster is Palm Springs USO Director Greg Peck.
January 15 Declared "Dorothy Kloss Day" in Palm Springs

(lt. to rt.) The Follies Man, Dorothy and Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet pose for photos after the proclamation presentation.On January 15, 2009, Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet declared that day to be "Dorothy Kloss Day" for residents and visitors of Palm Springs, California.
Presenting her with a proclamation onstage during the show's third act in front of newspaper reporters and television news crews, Dorothy received a standing ovation from the Follies audience who attended this very special performance.
"Dorothy Kloss is an inspiration!" said Pougnet. "Her example and outlook on life is a true testament to the fact that getting older just means getting better! That's why it is an honor to proclaim today as ‘Dorothy Kloss Day' in Palm Springs."
"I can't believe it . . . I'm just thrilled," Kloss told the Mayor and the Follies Man. "Thank you for this wonderful honor."

Dorothy receiving a standing ovation from the Follies audience. |

Dorothy posing with friend Marilyn Ruchbeg. These two dancers toured together to such cities as Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro nearly 70 years ago! |

Dorothy greeting fans after the performance. |
As you can see from the photo to the left, Route 66 fans love wearing their Route 66 clothing to a Follies performance this season as we salute The Mother Road.
For those who don't want to feel "left out," we've just added a terrific Route 66 cap to our lobby souvenir stand and online store.
The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies not only attracts celebrities to its stage as guest stars, but also to its seats as members of the audience. Just in case you recognized a famous face at the Plaza Theatre but couldn't recall the name (and were too polite to ask), here are some of the stars who have visited us lately:
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Before Andy launched his solo career, the Williams Brothers (from left: Dick, Andy and Don) achieved stardom on Bing Crosby's recording of "Swingin' On A Star" and as part of the (now) legendary nightclub act starring Kay Thompson.
Motown Founder Berry Gordy attended to see protégé Freda Payne guest star in the Follies holiday show. It was Gordy from whom she received her very first recording contract.
Actor, producer and former football star "The Hammer" Fred Williamson never misses a Follies season. |
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Murray Slaughter's wife, Marie, on the hit series The Mary Tyler Moore Show is actress Joyce Bulifant's most recognizable role, but she's guested on countless television series and was a regular on The Match Game and The $10,000 Pyramid.
With recurring roles on Falcon Crest; The Facts of Life; Barnaby Jones; The F.B.I.; Ironside; Love, American Style; and Nanny and the Professor, everyone recognizes actor Roger Perry.
Multiple-Emmy Nominee for NYPD Blue, you've also seen actress Sharon Lawrence in such series as Hidden Palms, Monk and Desperate Housewives.
Best known to over 450 million viewers worldwide as "Thorne Forrester" on CBS's The Bold and the Beautiful, Jeff Trachta made a return visit to the Follies this season.
Child actress Maria Lark has co-starred for five seasons on The Medium, is the youngest co-host ever on The View and guested three times on The Tonight Show starring Jay Leno. |
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"Only if you take me to the Follies first!" |
If you can't think of just the right Valentine's Day gift despite the best efforts of the good folks at Hallmark, Whitman's and FTD, a Follies gift certificate makes the perfect solution! It's the gift that says, "I really care!" because it's non-fattening, non-allergenic and won't wilt and turn brown overnight. The friendly folks in our Reservations department will tell you all about it when you call them at (760) 327-0225. |
"Should I tell him of my secret crush on The Follies Man?" |
The Follies' website now has a "Hot Deals!" page with periodic special offers. Be sure to check this week's just-added hot deals!
We partner with over 35 restaurants, hotels, attractions, retailers and special services to assist in making your visit to Palm Springs and the Follies even more enjoyable. Please browse the "Visitor Information" page of the Follies website for a complete listing plus additional helpful details.
This page also includes parking information and street directions to make getting to the Follies as easy as possible!
Some also offer special promotions specifically for our patrons, so be sure to mention you are attending the Follies when you call to make your reservations or when you visit.
If you want to attend the Follies but no longer drive the freeways, don't forget about our rapidly expanding Join A Group program.
There are currently motor coach groups departing from the following areas with seating availability*:
- Los Angeles County:
Inglewood, Lakewood/Long Beach, Lawndale, Los Angeles, North Hollywood, San Gabriel, Venice and West Hollywood
- Orange County:
Cypress, Fountain Valley, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, Orange, Seal Beach and Tustin
- Inland Empire:
Chino Hills and Pomona
- Hemet Area:
Hemet and Sun City
- San Diego:
Carlsbad, Escondido, La Mesa, Oceanside, San Diego, Santee and Vista
- Northern California:
Bay Area and San Jose
- Arizona:
Goodyear, Lake Havasu, Mesa, Phoenix, Sun City/Sun City West and Yuma
- Nevada:
Las Vegas
- New Mexico:
Albuquerque
For more specific information on individual bus transportation to and from the Follies, call our Reservations Department at (760) 327-0225 or email us your request.
* More groups are booking each day so even if you don't see your city listed, call us!
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