The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies

So much to report since my last missive that I almost don’t know where to begin.

But first, it’s just over a month until the curtain comes down on our incredible seventeenth season. If you haven’t yet seen this edition, I’d hate for you to miss - what people are telling us - is our best Follies ever. And if you haven’t yet seen the wondrous Anna Maria Alberghetti, I strongly suggest you do. The regular standing ovations she receives seem to indicate our audiences feel the same.

Also, don‘t forget that Mother’s Day is fast approaching. What could be a more perfect gift than a Follies Gift Certificate? Since my mother has a season pass, other gift suggestions would be greatly appreciated. What’s a son to do???

I’d like to thank all of you who’ve become our “friend” on the Follies’ new MySpace page. I’ve read that even Follies regular, Kirk Douglas (age 91), has a MySpace page, so I guess both young and old are doin’ it! Kirk Doublas 'Let's Face It'

And with our immediate MySpace popularity (which acquaints you with our show and theater), we decided to launch a Follies Page on FaceBook, which acquaints you with our amazing cast. You’ll learn about their favorite books and music, their hobbies, who their heroes are, etc., and you’ll be able to view a wide variety of fun photos, both past and present.

On March 30, a special event was held here at the Plaza Theatre celebrating what would have been musical superstar and former Follies’ guest star, Frankie Laine’s, 95th birthday. Please read below about this wonderful afternoon.

And several of our cast recently caught up with nonagenarian, Mimi Weddell (age 93), at the West Coast premier of her new film, Hat’s Off. They tell me 90 is the new 60 and Ms. Weddell certainly proves it. We’ve included a few photos below and more information about the film.

Finally, after yesterday’s matinee while I was greeting our departing patrons, it occurred to me that with all the depressing news we hear on the radio, see on TV and read in the newspapers, it’s no wonder we Americans are somewhat anxious nowadays, if not downright depressed. But the interesting thing is this: watching our patrons leave the theater, they were all happy and had a smile on their faces. Perhaps this is because we had just escaped “the world” for a few hours and shared a laugh, a song and a fond memory, as well as created a few new ones.

If our wee show can accomplish this, then we’ve truly succeeded. And, in the process, you’ve allowed me to escape with you, so – for that – I sincerely thank you.

Mother's day is may 11. What to do? What to do?

Markowitz mom

This year, we’re takin’ the day off...Mother’s Day that is! Combined, our Long Legged Lovelies and Dapper Dans have 21 children and 27 grandchildren, so we thought we’d let them spend that special day together for a change.

But that doesn’t mean YOU’RE off the hook! Besides “death and taxes,” needing to please dear ol’ mum on Mother’s Day is one thing you can count on.

So you have two choices here in Folliesland: bring her to one of our eleven shows either the week prior or the week after Mother’s Day OR give her a Follies gift certificate, which she can use whenever she wants.

Just call our friendly reservations agents at 760-327-0225 and they’ll be happy to arrange your PERFECT gift!

P.S. If you want to make a subtle suggestion for what you really want for Mother’s Day, just forward this email to the kids. They’ll get the hint!

Mimi Weddell (second from right) surrounded by the Follies' Jill Owens, Joni Naber, Dorothy Kloss and Wendy Barry

“You dance as you walk through life. If you don’t dance, for heavens sake, you do not lift up from this earth.” Mimi Weddell, 93, star of the new documentary “Hat’s Off.”

It’s always fun when great dames get together and “throw a few back.” That’s just what happened recently when the Follies ladies joined actress/model Mimi Weddell to celebrate the West Coast opening of her new documentary "Hat’s Off."

Joni Naber, Dorothy Kloss and Mimi Weddell

For a change, the Follies ladies were “the kids” as Ms. Waddell – who has been featured in such television series and films as Sex and the City, Law & Order and The Purple Rose of Cairo along with countless high fashion shoots – is a vibrant 93!

To learn more about this wonderful film and when it will be playing in your city, please click here.

Just when you thought you were beginning to understand everything the kids are doing on the Internet, they think up something new. With over 70 million users, Facebook has now become the second most popular place (after MySpace) to stay connected, have fun and make new friends.

While the Follies MySpace page focuses on the Follies production, origins and historic theater, we’ve designed the Follies Page on Facebook to be almost exclusively about the wonderful, amazing and talented ladies and gentlemen of the Follies.

Did you know (for example) that Sidney Sheldon is Judy Bell’s favorite author, that she’s a Leo and that Forrest Gump is one of her favorite movies? You’ll also be able to view more videos, see “past of the cast” photos and listen to more Follies music.

Just click here to view the Page, but becoming a Facebook member entitles you to even more benefits...and it’s free! And while visiting, be sure to become one of our Facebook Fans.

It’s always a pleasure to offer Follies patrons an exclusive merchandise offer. The incredible Anna Maria Alberghetti’s musical CD is ONLY available at our lobby souvenir stand and on the Follies online store. If you’re interested in listening to a few tracks or wish to purchase a copy, simply click here.

You can’t find the CD in music stores or even on Amazon, so don’t miss this opportunity to add this limited edition CD to your music collection!

We know that dining and shopping in downtown Palm Springs either before or after a Follies performance (or both!) is an integral part of your overall Follies experience.

Therefore, we were happy to become one of the very first sponsors of the inaugural Palm Springs Restaurant Week being held June 15-20, 2008. Enjoy diverse cuisine from 40+ restaurants throughout Palm Springs featuring three-course, prix fixe menus for either $26 or $36 per person, depending on the restaurant.

You will indulge in delicious fare from the finest cafes, bistros and restaurants our desert oasis has to offer! And $1 from every dinner served during Restaurant Week will benefit Angel View Crippled Children's Foundation.

It’s always fun when Follies patrons share with us their unique hobbies and skills. When 3-D photographers, Susan Pinsky and David Starkman, recently visited the Follies, they noticed our antique stereoscope viewer in the Follies’ lobby display case. They also noticed that it was missing a 3-D photo.

After the performance, they had the Follies Man pose for a photo, but he didn’t know he was being shot in 3-D. Soon after, they mailed him the photo mounted in an authentic antique stereo view card to place in the scope thus making our museum display complete

Many thanks to this intrepid couple for not only providing a wonderful photo, but for keeping a unique style of vintage photography alive.

We’ve received more phone calls and emails than ever wanting to know the Follies’ 2008 – 2009 schedule, so folks could start making next season’s travel plans now.

Therefore, we are happy to announce that the Follies’ 18th season will open October 28, 2008 and run through May 17, 2009. As usual, we will be dark the week before Christmas and the week after New Year’s.

And while online ticket sales don’t begin until mid-July and our box office doesn’t re-open until September, Follies Favorites mail order forms will be sent in mid-July. If you’re not yet a Favorite, just click here to sign up!

Finally, here’s a hint about our all-new edition’s theme: What winds from Chicago to L.A.?

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 or click here for a complete listing plus additional helpful details. Some vendors even make special offers exclusive to Follies patrons, so please check with them before your next Follies visit. This page also includes parking information and street directions to make getting to the Follies as easy as possible!

The Follies Reservations Department is open seven days a week and can be reached by calling 760-327-0225, or by visiting the Box Office located at the entrance to the historic Plaza Theatre. Or you can purchase tickets online 24 hours a day at www.psfollies.com. Purchasing tickets online or at the box office allows you to see your exact seat location at the time of booking.

Sunday, March 30, 2008 would have been music legend Frankie Laine’s 95th birthday.

And on this very date, many of his long-time fans from around the globe - along with family and friends - traveled to Palm Springs to attend a special Follies performance hosted by Marcia Laine in celebration of her husband’s memory.

Before the show and during intermissions, such Frankie Laine hits of as “Jezebel,” “That’s My Desire,” “That Lucky Old Sun,” “Mule Train” and “Rawhide” played while his photos were projected upon the Plaza Theatre screen. Then, during the Follies’ third act, Follies Man Riff Markowitz delivered a heartfelt tribute to this musical superstar who stood upon the Plaza Theatre stage as a headliner during the Follies 9th season. Current Follies fans are among the very same who helped him achieve 21 Gold Records and sell 250 million disks throughout his legendary career

“Eight years ago, we celebrated Mr. Laine’s 87th birthday backstage after the matinee with cast, crew and the Laines,” remembers Markowitz. “We were just so honored that Mrs. Laine chose the Follies to celebrate - what would have been - his 95th. He and his music will remain in our hearts forever.”