Another way to make your holiday shopping relatively painless is to let your fingers (or at least your “computer-mouse finger”) do the walking through the Follies Online Store.

There you’ll find unique gift items, such as the exquisite ornamental figures created by famed doll and puppet designer, Van Craig. Craig’s “flappers” and “dappers” recall the splendor and excitement of the Roaring Twenties, and have proven so popular that we now offer a complete line of more than a dozen unique figures. Each makes a lovely addition to a Christmas tree or a collector’s display case.

As smart shoppers, Follies fans and collectors of theater memorabilia know each new edition of the Follies brings with it a full array of Follies fashion and accessories specially created for that season. Every show’s poster and logo is designed by noted New York advertising artist, John Greenberger; inspired by the great songwriters of Tin Pan Alley, he’s outdone himself this year!

Add a Follies souvenir book and CD, or a hit recording by one of our legendary guest stars, and the Online Store allows you to take the Follies home with you, for Christmas and all through the year.

One of the most moving moments in every Follies performance is our salute to audience members who are U.S.O. volunteers manning their information table at last week’s Palm Springs Veteran’s Day Paradecurrent members or veterans of the armed forces. It seems only fitting, then, that the relationship with our nearest military base - the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) in Twentynine Palms, California – is one we greatly value. Highlights of the relationship have included:

• Hosting spouses of deployed Marines at least once a year to a Follies performance through the base’s “Operation Enduring Families” program. (Their next visit will be the evening show on December 5. If you like, you may reserve seats for that performance and wish them well in person!)
• Inviting Marines and other in-transit military personnel to the Follies through the Palm Springs International Airport U.S.O. facility.
• More than a decade of participation with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program benefiting needy children everywhere. Collection bins for this year’s drive will remain in the Plaza Theatre lobby through December 16.

Sergeant Major William Johnson and Mary JardinThere are also numerous sponsorship opportunities on the base for which your business or organization would be a welcome participant. To learn more, please contact base Commercial Sponsorship & Advertising Coordinator Nina Gallagher at (760) 819-3852 and/or click here to view an informative video.

As long-time sponsors of Marine Corps Community Services (formerly known as “Morale, Welfare and Recreation”), Follies Co-Founder and Director of Marketing Mary Jardin was recently invited to attend the base’s first-ever Sponsorship Appreciation Day. This fascinating glimpse inside the world’s largest Marine base was made even more memorable by the gracious hospitality shown to her by every staff member, sailor and Marine she met. Please click here to view a record of that unforgettable day.

The week leading up to New Year’s Eve may be the most glittering period in the glamorous Palm Springs social calendar! The Follies gives nine shows in just five days, and it all comes to a celebratory conclusion with two very special performances (at 3:30 and 9:00 p.m.) on New Year’s Eve itself. Each show that evening kicks off with a champagne reception where each patron receives a goody bag, hat and noisemaker. At the stroke of midnight (or “Rio de Janeiro midnight” for matinee-goers), the Follies Man and cast join audiences in welcoming the New Year with the sentimental strains of “Auld Lang Sang.” Now doesn’t that sound better than nursing a Dr. Pepper while you watch Ryan Seacrest on TV? Some good seats remain available for the New Year’s Eve shows, but you mustn’t wait another minute to reserve yours!

Once again this year, Team Fab Follies displayed some of the most gorgeous gams in the Coachella Valley during the annual Desert AIDS Walk along Palm Canyon Drive. Comprised of cast, staff and friends of the Follies, the team raised more than $5,000 to fund care for those with HIV-related illnesses. Many thanks to those of you who walked with us and/or sponsored team members to further this worthy cause.