A Message From The Follies Man

Greetings, Darlins'

It's hard to believe that our 18^th Follies season is soon drawing to a close with the opening of our all-new 19th now on the horizon. Which means you only have through May 9 to see the ever-boyish John Davidson (if that's possible at age 67!) in his premier Follies guest star engagement. Then, as an added fillip to end our spectacular Get Your Kicks! season, the stunning Susan Anton returns for just six performances May 13-17.

Also, on May 17, ventriloquist extraordinaire Sammy King concludes his legendary 50+ year career right here on our Plaza Theatre stage. Upon his retirement, the world of variety entertainment will be considerably diminished. If you haven't yet seen him or just want to say "thanks" for the many years of laughter, there's still time to do so.

Life often comes full circle, but perhaps no more so than for Follies Company Dance Manager Leila Burgess. Having started her career at one of New York's famed nightclubs, she now performs "Copacabana" in our 18th Follies edition. We've assembled a charming videologue where she discusses "then" and "now," and offers glimpses into the chi chi, after-dark world of 1950s New York.

Please don't forget that Sunday, May 10 is Mother's Day. I should probably add, "Don't let your kids forget that Sunday, May 10 is ‘your day.'" Since sons and daughters are often at a loss about what to give dear ol' Mum, you can always nudge them towards the Follies online store for show gift certificates and a wide variety of Follies merchandise.

As I've said before, you never know who might be seated next to you here at the Plaza Theatre. We were delighted when some of the cast from the national touring company of Mama Mia! caught a Follies performance while in town performing their own show. The girls were as gracious as they are beautiful, and, as one of their blog posts clearly illustrates, today's kids are really doin' okay.

We were also very happy to welcome students from the dance program at Palm Springs High School (PSHS) to a recent Follies performance. It's never too early for us to start lining up future Follies cast!

Longtime Follies Ambassador Manager Dolores Dey was honored last month when the Desert Business Association (DBA) named her "Business Person of the Year." There is no one better known throughout our local tourism community, so kudos to Ms. Dey on a well-deserved recognition.

Finally, I want to share with you the fond relationship we have with a young lady from Hagerstown, Maryland. Our connection is described below, but suffice it to say, she is one of the reasons we work so hard here in Folliesland to never disappoint our patrons.

Until the next time, I am very much obliged—and just stay alive!

Riff Markowitz "The Follies Man" www.psfollies.com

Also, be sure to visit: Follies on MySpace Follies on Facebook

PS: I read this story in a recent AARP Bulletin and thought you might find it interesting. We hope the Follies cast helps to recalibrate expectations that so many young people have about growing older, as the author so cautions.

PPS: I hope you all caught last week's "American Idol" where this season's Follies opening guest star, Ms. Freda Payne showed 'em how it's done!

Maryland Young Lady Travels Thousands of Miles –

Just to See the Follies!

The Follies is indeed fortunate to have tens of thousands of loyal fans who visit us annually and, for many, multiple times each season.

Of those, many plan their Palm Springs vacations specifically to see the Follies then enjoy a week of fun and sun in our beautiful desert paradise.

Then, there is one Follies fan who attends the show at least once a season and flies across the entire continent . . . for just one day! Of course, Cindy Shank of Hagerstown, Maryland, is more than just a fan; after some 20+ visits, she is now a cherished member of our Follies Family.

We received the following note after her most recent March visit.

We, too, wish we didn't have to wait another year for her next visit!

Surprise Guest at Red Hat Queen's Council Luncheon

Follies Ambassador Manager Dolores Dey and Group Sales Manager Shari Lipman were honored to host the recent Red Hat Queens Council Luncheon in downtown Palm Springs.

After the Matchbox Restaurant meal was served, gift bags opened and stories exchanged, a surprise visitor "crashed the party" who was none other than Follies Guest Star John Davidson. After telling a few stories and expressing his appreciation for the tremendous support shown to the Follies by the sisterhood, he posed for photos with all in attendance.

KNZW Radio Interview with Dorothy Kloss:

Part 2

This month, enjoy the second of three installments of Dorothy Kloss' recent radio interview with "Bulldog" Bill Feingold and Kevin Holmes on their KNWZ radio show, Unleashed.

 

The Follies' website now has a "Hot Deals!" page with periodic special offers. Be sure to check for any just-added hot deals!

Join A Group

If you'd like 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 coaches departing from the following areas with seating availability*:

Los Angeles County:
Downey, Inglewood, Los Angeles, North Hollywood, Northridge and San Gabriel

Orange County:
Cypress and Mission Viejo

Inland Empire:
Chino Hills and Upland

Hemet Area:
Hemet

San Diego County:
Carlsbad, Escondido, La Mesa, Oceanside and San Diego

Northern California:
Bay Area and San Jose

Arizona:
Goodyear and Sun City/Sun City West

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!

Are You An Old Gypsy? A Real Trouper? Are You Over 55?

Click for more information.

2009 Palm Springs Restaurant Week

Save the date for the 2009 Palm Springs Restaurant Week, May 31 — June 19, 2009. It's 20 days of delicious dining in the desert!

The Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week is a culinary celebration featuring restaurants from the entire Coachella Valley! Participating restaurants are offering a three-course menu at the fixed price of either $24 or $36 per person.*

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to experience some of the best restaurants the Desert has to offer. Restaurant Week is the perfect time to visit your favorite restaurant or try something new, as chefs prepare delicious three-course meals for your dining pleasure at a fixed price.

* Tax, beverages and gratuity are not included.

Visitors Information Page

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 merchants also offer special promotions specifically for our patrons, so be sure to mention that you are attending the Follies when you call to make reservations or when you visit.

How To Reserve Your Favorite Seats

The Follies reservations office is open seven days a week and can be reached by calling 760-327-0225 or you can purchase tickets online 24 hours a day and see your exact seat location at the time of booking. The Follies box office, located at the entrance to the historic Plaza Theatre, is also open seven days a week.

More Fun Stuff

Hundreds of Follies patrons this season have attended a performance wearing their favorite Route 66 road regalia.

We've posted a few below, but did you know there are now almost 8,000 photos in the Follies Fan Photo Gallery that are free for you to view, download, print and/or share with friends.

Also, don't forget to view the Follies Route 66 Memories page where our patrons have posted their own recollections of The Mother Road.