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Greetings, Darlin's!
As well, you will find more information hereafter about four marvelous new cast members - Wendy Barry , Leonard Crofoot , Don McCardle and Joni Naber . While many, many talented folk audition for the Follies, we strive to find that especially gifted someone. I trust you will agree that I have succeeded! We've also included in this email a few photos of the final stages of our costume construction. Even more photos can be found on our Follies Favorites "members only" pages. If you're not already a member, please join by clicking here . |
There is absolutely no charge and you will learn even more about "all things Follies." We even have a gallery of delicious family recipes by our Follies cast - not that they have time to ever make any of them with the long hours they work, but their grandkids can at least say, "Remember when Grandma made that delicious apple pie." I closed my message last month with a mention of the "dog days of summer." Thankfully, we have now emerged from that dreaded season, but did you know the origin of the phrase? The brightest star in the night sky is Sirius, named by the Egyptians after their god Osirus, whose head in pictograms resembled that of a dog. In the summer, however, it rises and sets with the sun leading the ancients to believe it was responsible for the summer temperatures by adding its heat to the sun's. The star can found in the constellation Canis Major (Bigger Dog) later named by the ancient Romans. There will be a test immediately following class. May I wish you and your family a very happy and un-laborious Labor Day Weekend (next month I'll tell you how that holiday began!) Make a pledge to "Jerry's Kids" and throw a burger on the barbie.
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As we return from our summer vacation to commence rehearsals on September 5, I ponder the season ahead with great anticipation. I've included in the box directly opposite a scene from the motion picture (and later Broadway Show) 42nd Street (which is about a Broadway show) that sums up what our cast is about to embark upon. The only difference is the Follies cast doesn't rehearse five weeks...they rehearse eight...maybe because we're old and it's tough to remember all that stuff! 
At long last, I'm very happy to now announce the Follies' spectacular new variety acts for our upcoming 16th season. All season long, you'll enjoy the quick-change artistry of Victor and Tatiana Manjos - from Russia with love. They are unbelievable! 
Through December 31, we present acrobatic mime Denis Lacombe . If I told you any more about this act, I'd ruin the surprise, but you simply won't believe it either. 
Then, from January 10 through season closing on May 20, from Argentina, "The Dancing Gauchos." Talk about energy! 
You're gonna dance until your feet fall off, and you're not able to stand up any longer, but five weeks from now we're going to have a show. Now some of you people have been with me before, you know it's gonna be a tough grind. It's gonna be the toughest five weeks that you ever knew. Did you all get that? Now anybody who doesn't think he's gonna like it had better quit right now. What do I hear? Nobody? Good. Then that settles it. We start tomorrow morning." 
Happy New Year!!! Okay we're a little early, but it's NOT too early to reserve your seats for either of the Follies' two extraordinary New Year's Eve performances. With special show times of 3:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., you will first be welcomed to the Plaza Theatre with a courtyard champagne reception. Next, you'll find the theater lobby decked out in holiday finery along with special New Year's décor, then, when you reach your seat, you'll also find a gift bag containing a Follies poster, streamers, hats and noisemakers. Later during the show, there will even be a contest for the "Oldest Living Person" in the audience, who'll receive a gift basket filled with special Follies goodies AND two complimentary passes to a future Follies performance. Tickets are going fast to both performances, with the early show still having the best selection. Log on soon to www.psfollies.com to purchase your tickets for "New Year's At The Follies!"
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Wendy Barry, 69, makes her debut with the Follies this season. She was born in the tiny Australian village of Pendle Hill, but her career has taken her all over the world. She even danced at the wedding of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco! Barry was featured in several London shows with stars such as Anthony Newley and Michael Crawford. She danced in successful film musicals including Oliver!; Ken Russell's The Boyfriend; Les Demoiselles de Rochefort starring Gene Kelly; and The Young Ones and Summer Holiday with Cliff Richard. Barry is also no stranger to television, having appeared on the variety shows of Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdink and Julie Andrews, as well as on TV programs in at least six different European countries. But her proudest achievement is her family: two daughters, a son and a grandson. When you were growing up, who was your "idol"? |
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Leonard Crofoot, 58, made his debut at age 12, playing a grasshopper with the Kirov Ballet. On Broadway he originated the role of Tom Thumb in Barnum, and appeared in five other original Broadway shows: Gigi, Grind, The Happy Time,“Come Summer and The American Dance Machine. Crofoot’s recent film credits include The Singing Detective and the Coen Brothers’ The Man Who Wasn't There. His television work includes Star Trek: The Next Generation, Saved by the Bell, CSI, and a national commercial for Jenny Craig starring Kirstie Alley. He has toured his one-person show, Nijinsky Speaks, throughout the United States, including critically acclaimed engagements in New York and Los Angeles. But Crofoot is happy to put other pursuits aside this year to make his first appearance with the Follies. When you were growing up, who was your "idol"? |
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Don McCardle, 73, found early success in nightclubs in Ohio and New York, dancing with such stars as Rosemary and Betty Clooney, Gene Krupa, Connie Francis and Frankie Laine. He also choreographed and performed on The Gene Carroll Show and Landmark Jamboree for groundbreaking WEWS-TV in Cleveland. Drafted into the Army in the 1950s, he spent his tour of duty choreographing shows for the USO. After he was discharged, McCardle worked as an engineer for Goodyear Aerospace. But he never retired from performing entirely: he taught dance at the University of Akron for 20 years and operated his own dance studio for four decades. He and his wife, Carolee, have three children and five grandchildren. All are pleased to see McCardle return to the spotlight in this, his debut season at the Follies. When you were growing up, who was your "idol"? |
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Joni Naber, 70, began dancing when she was 7 and performed regularly on television by the time she was in her teens. While working in her native Washington, D.C., she shared the stage with stars such as Louis Armstrong, Gordon MacRae, Eddie Fisher and Bobby Darren. Naber later danced with the Roxyettes in New York City and on tour across the United States. For five years, she traveled the world for the USO as a precision line dancer. In the years that followed, Naber worked as a singer and a model, and founded an overnight camp where girls could work with master dance teachers. Naber and her husband have four children and five grandchildren. She is happy to return to the chorus line as she makes her debut this season as a Long-Legged Lovely in the Follies. When you were growing up, who was your "idol"? |
While planning your next Palm Springs visit, why not consider the establishments below for a variety of dining options? Just tell them, "The Follies sent me!"
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Billy Reed's Restaurant, 1800 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262. (760) 325 - 1946. For group info, call Cyntha DeAnda at (760) 325 - 1946. For groups of 20 or more, lunches start at $15 per person (all inclusive) and dinner from $20 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, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Ste 103, Palm Springs, CA 92262. (760) 320 - 7535, jasminrestent@yahoo.com. Homemade food. Soups, sandwiches and salads. Combinations soup/sandwich. Specials of the day include: goulash, stuffed cabbage, stuffed peppers, pasta with homemade meatballs. Cedar Creek Inn Palm Springs, 1555 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264. (760) 325 - 7300. Very popular restaurant with patio, delicious salads, sandwiches, entrees, steaks, daily specials, "early birds" and desserts. Live music and Happy Hour. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chop House Palm Springs/Palm Desert Cowboy Dinner Theater, P.O. Box 1094, Palm Springs, CA 92263. (800) 600 - 3082, www.cowboydinners.com, shows@cowboydinners.com. For group info call Jesse Hanna at (800) 600 - 3082. If your group is visiting Palm Springs for the Follies, come to Range Riders' Cowboy Dinner Theater and take an additional 10% discount. Discount for group tours only. Group rates available by calling 1-800-600-3082 or by email at shows@cowboydinners.com. Some discount restrictions apply, promotion subject to change or end without notice. Hollywood, Singing Cowboys, American Indian tradition, Country and Western music come alive in a "Branson style" musical show of singing, comedy and audience participation. Crazy Bones Barbeque Palm Springs, 262 S Palm Canyon (Downtown), Palm Springs, CA 92262. (760) 325-5200, www.restaurantsofpalmsprings.com. For group info, call (760) 779-8946 or email groups@kaisercorp.com . Get a Taste of the South in your Mouth! Authentic wood-smoked barbeque and Southern Specialties from our custom smoker. Casual, upbeat atmosphere. Great, 2nd-floor patio. Reasonable prices. Dinner and Happy Hour nightly. Dale's Lost Highway, 125 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 . (760) 327 - 2005, www.daleslosthighway.com, info@daleslosthighway.com. For group info, call Dennis Fowler at (323) 377-3798. Classic American and Tex-Mex cuisine on our patio or indoor, air-conditioned, dining room. Full bar, home of the $6 Patrón margarita. The Falls Palm Springs, 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. (760) 777 - 9999, www.thefallsprimesteakhouse.com, reservations@thefallsprimesteakhouse.com . For group info, call Christine Fahey at (760) 416 - 8664 or c.fahey@thefallsprimesteakhouse.com. 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. Hog's Breath Inn Las Quinta, 78-065 Main St, 2nd Floor, La Quinta, CA 92253. (760) 564 - 5556 , www.restaurantsofpalmsprings.com. For 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.
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Kaiser Grille Palm Springs, 205 S Palm Canyon (Downtown), Palm Springs, CA 92262. (760) 323 - 1003, www.restaurantsofpalmsprings.com. For 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. Las Casuelas Terraza, 222 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262.(760) 325 - 2794, www.lascasuelas.com. Casual Mexican dining, outdoor patio for dining, dancing and music. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Entertainment nightly. Le Vallauris, 385 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262. (760) 325 - 5059, www.levallauris.com, vallauris@aol.com. For group information contact Tony Bruggemans. 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. Magie Ristorante Italiano, 333 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. (760) 322 - 1234, www.palmsprings.com/dine/magie/index.html, magieristorante333@yahoo.com. For group info contact Michael at (760) 808 - 0449 or magieristorante333@yahoo.com . A fabulous Italian ristorante with 75 delicious dishes. Group prices, special menu, and special events are welcome. Indoor and patio dining available. Dinner served Monday through Sunday, starting October 1. For lunch hours, contact Michael at (760) 322-1234 or (760) 808-0449. Matchbox, 155 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262 . (760) 778 - 6000, www.matchboxpalmsprings.com. For group rates contact Christine Fahey at (760) 416 - 8664 or christinef@matchboxpalmsprings.com. 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 - 1am seven nights a week. Melvyn's at the Ingleside Inn, 200 West Ramon Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262. (760) 325 - 0046, www.inglesideinn.com, contact@inglesideinn.com. For group info, call Brian Ellis at (760) 325 - 2323. "One of the 10 Best" - Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Four stars by The Desert Sun newspaper. Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, 49500 Seminole Dr., Cabazon, CA 92230. (888) 667 - 6646, www.morongo.com. For group info, contact Phyllis Greer at (951) 755-5444. 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 and discount book for guests attending the Follies. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, 1 Tramway Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262. (888) 515 - 8786, www.pstramway.com, pstramway@pstramway.com. For group info, call 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. Rock Garden Café, 777 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. (760) 327 - 8840. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, a full bar and homemade breads and pastries. Enjoy dining by waterfalls, ponds, trees and natural desert rock. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella, CA 92236. (866) 377 - 6829, www.Spotlight29.com , info@Spotlight29.net. For group info, call Diane Delfiandra at (760) 775-2853 or email ddelfiandra@Spotlight29.net . 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. Sherman's Deli & Bakery, 401 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262. (760) 325 - 1199, www.palmsprings.com/dine/shermans. Family owned New York-style deli with full bakery. Voted #1 deli in the Valley, with heated outdoor patio. Also visit our Palm Desert location at 73-161 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260. Phone: 760-568-1350. Spa Resort Casino, 401 East Amado, Palm Springs, CA 92262 . (760) 883 - 1000, www.sparesortcasino.com. For special Follies group discounts and pricing, contact Angela Fuentes by phone at (760) 778-1522 or by email to afuentes@srcmail.net. 24-hour Casino with 6 Restaurants, 228-room Hotel, full-service Spa and Fitness Center. Within walking distance of the Follies. |
The Follies box office opens September 25, 2006, but you can purchase tickets online right now 24-hours a day at www.psfollies.com and see your exact seat location at the time of booking.