Greetings, Darlins'
 Merry Christmas! I'm in a rather festive mood because I just returned from a major department store where I was not surprised to see their holiday décor already on full display. There's nothing like a little holiday cheer during these dog days of summer. Only in California do we commence celebrating Christmas right after July Fourth.
Not to be left out of this somewhat premature "Christmas Rush," please be advised that it's just two weeks until the return of our amazing Follies cast to commence rehearsals for our all-new show. If you're a Follies regular, you'll know that we perform a special holiday version from October 28 through New Year's Eve.
My friends, I don't have to tell you that it has indeed been a difficult year. I reckon that we all need to be uplifted and we intend to do just that with our newest edition entitled Let The Good Times Roll! This is exactly what the Follies is famous for, and I promise you it will be another terrific show!
Speaking of promises, last month I said that our popular "The Things We Did This Summer" would be included in this edition. After a grueling nine months of rehearsals and shows, you'd expect our cast to relax a bit during the months they're off, but then again, they wouldn't be who they are if they did, so I expect you'll find their summer adventures quite entertaining.
 Red Carpet Interview
If you recall being asked some questions by a camera crew upon exiting the Plaza Theatre last April and May, you may see yourself in the enclosed video. I have been told that one of the reasons for the Follies' unprecedented long run is that we always listen to our audience. Whether by letter, email, phone, in-person surveys or video, we want to know what our patrons are thinking. And as a reminder, you can always just hit "Reply" to these monthly emails with your thoughts and/or questions, and they'll come directly to me. I'm always excited when I hear from you.
 Palm Springs Life Magazine has reported for over 50 years on the beauty, romance and casual glamour of our village to readers around the globe. In my June newsletter, their deputy editor noticed my mention of a new detective novel entitled "Out At Night," which is set in Palm Springs and features the Follies in several chapters. When the editor contacted the book's author, she said the book "sold a gazillion copies after the Follies newsletter." "The Oprah Effect" is how the magazine's current issue describes this turn of events. And to be mentioned in the same sentence as the esteemed Ms. Winfrey, well … one more item to check off my bucket list!
 Follies Mobiles, a fleet of really fun cars we operate, are seemingly omnipresent in our town and beyond. Last week I observed a family approaching the vehicle with their three kids shouting, "A transformer!" and had their photos taken in front of it. Afterwards, I asked one of the young people who work here in FolliesLand what this all meant? I learned that in the hit summer movie, The Transformers, a car resembling our Follies Mobiles transforms from a humble ice cream truck into a powerful machine capable of superhuman strength. The allegory certainly wasn't lost on me in  comparing this to the ladies and gentlemen of our Follies who enter our stage doors every morning and then emerge onstage to perform seemingly superhuman feats "for their age" (as much as I hate that expression).
I guess hidden within all of us are capabilities and strengths that only need the right moment to emerge and, for us, it's the dimming of the theater lights and the first notes of the overture, now only 71 days away.
So, until next month, just stay alive!
"Let The Good Times Roll!" Themes Upcoming Edition
  The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies celebrates happy days with our newest edition entitled Let The Good Times Roll! ... and that is exactly what we're going to do!
All season long, we're bringing back the greatest good-time music of the '30s, '40s, '50s and '60s. We'll dance! We'll sing! We'll laugh ... and we promise you'll want to do the same!
From Big Bands and Swing to Doo-Wop, Motown and Pop, we played these songs on the jukebox, listened to them on our Hi-Fi's, and watched them performed on TV, always in glorious black-and-white.
Through December 31, the Follies also presents its annual salute to the holiday season and, then, from January through May, we add a rollicking mambo-fest, Follies-style!
Add classic vaudeville by way of ventriloquist extraordinaire Brad Cummings and his prehistoric dinosaur "Rex"; four world-famous guest stars - Susan Anton, The Four Aces, Rita Coolidge and Mary Wilson; along with our legendary line of Long-Legged Lovelies and Follies Gentlemen (all 56 to 86 years young!) ... and the Follies' 19th season promises to be our best show ever!
And, of course, Follies Impresario Riff Markowitz is your personal guide through the unique realm that is FolliesLand. He hasn't missed a performance in 18 years and he isn't likely to start now! And that's fortunate because it wouldn't be a Follies without his unique blend of cutting-edge satire and Old World savoir-faire.
 The Things We Did Last Summer
 Officially, there's another month until summer ends, but for the Follies cast, it's now winding down, so rehearsals for our all-new show can commence.
They all made good use of their time off since the season closing in May as they each describe below. And be sure to click the photo album to view a slideshow of their travels and activities.
 Natascha Ahlborn
"I went to beautiful Munich where I again spent a happy summer. I kept in shape for the Follies' new season by taking dance class, doing cartwheels and the splits as part of my daily routine!
"It rained a lot, but that is why Munich is so lovely and green.
"Aufedersein!"
 Wayne Albritton
"This summer, we took a vacation in our own backyard here in beautiful Palm Springs. I also looked after my dear 91-year-old mother, who moved here from Las Vegas several years ago.
"I also joined a ping-pong league in Palm Desert and the highlight was playing against Mimi, who is 80 years old! She ‘tore me up,' but knowing that in China they start learning to play at age three somewhat lessened the humiliation. She always attends the Follies and tried to repair my damaged ego by saying, ‘But I can't tap.' Small consolation!"
 Judy Bell
"I had the summer of my life! Went to Long Beach to visit friends aboard the Queen Mary and pretended we were on a cruise.
"Then to Redondo Beach to visit more friends (You can NEVER have too many!).
"Las Vegas was a blast. I went to a show called Blue Man Group and attended a private party with 'the boys' afterwards. Also, saw Bette Midler's show, who I ADORE! I also visited Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and posed with all ‘the stars.'
"I then headed to the mountains of Idaho to celebrate my 72nd birthday. My granddaughter even surprised me by attending. A grand time was had by all!"
 Hank Brunjes
"In June, I went to see my cousin in Mesquite, Nevada, then drove to New York to visit my brother and his family. Next, I went to Maryland to see my 95-year-old aunt. Went back to New York where I took mambo classes and went to the American Ballet Theater. It was a kick visiting my old haunts around Broadway.
"I then drove back to Vegas, turned around and drove 1,830 miles back to Winnipeg, Canada, then another 385 miles to the North Star Resort, where I've vacationed for the past six years. I caught Walleye and Northern Pike, had shore lunches and enjoyed the beautiful North Woods.
"But now, I'm anxious to get back to work!"
 Leila Burgess
"My summer has been great! I've done many things that I've put off forever.
"Spent a great day at the Huntington Library, which gave me an opportunity to have dinner with my brother. I really enjoyed that since I so seldom get to see him.
"I went to Disneyland and had fun, but missed the Electrical Parade. When did it move over to California Adventure? But it didn't matter as this trip took place with my one-and-only love and the Follies' Deputy Company Dance Manager Jill Gordon. The three of us closed the park and got home at 2:30 a.m.
"Besides enjoying the near perfect weather and ocean near San Diego, I enrolled in tap, tango and salsa classes. What a trip! The instructors kept telling me that I was ‘a natural,' but I never told them who I was or what I did. The fun part was my last class when I gave them a Follies rack card with my photo on the cover. There was actually a lady in class from Palm Springs who I see at the show every year, but she never recognized me.
"I also helped my daughter move out of her house and into a bigger house, and I enjoyed the grandkids more than ever. I was exhausted but it was worth it all.
"And, finally, I went to Vegas to see the Bette Midler show and so enjoyed her!"
 Leonard Crofoot
"I always go to my mom's farm in Oregon to help her get caught up on chores. I drive the tractor, say hello to her goat and cut weeds.
"This summer, I also studied piano. My dog listened to me practice and pretended he was the RCA Victor dog.
"My wife, visual artist Robin Palanker, was part of a group art show in Santa Monica, which drew rave reviews from the L.A. Times, so I was very proud of her."
 Randy Doney
"Went to Park City, Utah; beautiful and very green. Visited the 2002 Olympic site and rode the ski lift then zip-lined down the mountain. Very fun!
"On the way, we stopped in Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. What nature we have in this country!
"Also went to San Diego to help friends move, and experienced the throngs of people attending the Comic-Con convention. There were many strange folk (but fun).
"Then went to L.A. for a few days and up to Oxnard for the beach.
"Vacation time is ending much too soon, but I'm looking forward to the new season!"
 Dick France
"I visited my son Sean in Mexico, Missouri (yes, that's the name of the town!). I assisted him in choreographing a production of Oklahoma in the beautiful Presser Performing Arts Center. The run was sold out and I was very proud of his work.
"And at the age of 80, I'll soon be a first-time grandfather, so I helped my son remodel his house in preparation for the new baby.
"My wife Karrie and I also made a mini-trip to San Diego, but now I'm ready to get back to work for another season at the Follies!"
 Jill Gordon
"I've done a few fun things this summer. We went to Disneyland and the fireworks were the best I have ever seen.
"I spent a lot of the summer at the beach. That's definitely my favorite place to recharge.
"I also managed to take a tango lesson with Leila and went to see Bette Midler in Las Vegas.
"It has been a very busy summer and I'm looking forward to getting back to the Follies to get some rest!"
 Glenda Guilfoyle
"There have been many highlights to my summer.
"First, was my youngest daughter Vanessa's wedding on June 4. All of the family except two grandchildren made it. I had the joy of giving her away. The ceremony took place in Littleton, Colorado at Hudson Gardens, a beautiful location and the weather was also perfect.
"Vanessa is a neo-natal I.C.U. registered nurse and my new son-in-law Jeff is an engineer at Lockheed Martin.
"The day after the wedding they had a barbecue for over 100 guests (along with some rain and tornado warnings!). Thank God for a well-equipped basement!!!! They left for their honeymoon on St.Lucia Island the next day.
"My daughter Karin took me to Las Vegas in June for my 76th birthday and we saw Bette Midler's show. It was terrific.
"Then I left for New York and saw Billy Elliot and Mary Poppins, and visited with two former Follies cast members.
"And, oh yes - BIG NEWS: Grandbaby number 11 is on the way!!!!!"
 Marcia Harp
"I enjoyed returning to the San Francisco Bay Area, where I lived for 40 years. I performed my one-woman show entitled An Evening With Marcia Harp and visited with all my wonderful friends.
"Then over to the East Bay to teach a master class in ballet-jazz fusion, reuniting with some 50 students and friends!
"Next, I returned to the Desert to take a break, and taught fitness and swimming. The remainder of my vacation has been spent finally unpacking some boxes. I guess I really do live here now!
"I also just filed an application to begin work on my doctorate degree about how the different disciplines in sports and dance are relevant to human aging."
 John Kendrick
"I spent some time this summer studying with the Colorado Aerial Dance Theatre. My goal was to have a real Cirque du Soleil experience, but it took more strength than I realized. At times, it was more like Cirque du So-Lay-Down!
I also adopted a white West Highland terrier named Gracie. I decided if I was going to have time off in the summer, July would good time to welcome a new puppy into my home before Follies rehearsals begin."
 Dorothy Kloss
"We had a busy summer. Went to Arizona to see everyone's favorite ventriloquist Sammy King. Then went to Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood where I had my feet photographed next to Eleanor Powell's footprints, "feeling her beat." She was my all-time favorite dancer. Her son, Peter Ford (by husband Glenn Ford), and I have corresponded through the years. She was an inspiration to him, as she was to me. Being "in her footsteps" was a thrill!
"I also received a beautiful tribute entitled "Guinness Book Grandma" written by my granddaughter Megan as part of her summer writing camp. Here is an excerpt: ‘Almost every other year my dad and I fly out to California to see my hilarious, animated, and encouraging Grandma, who is in better shape than I am. When we go to see her show, we are introduced to the audience by the emcee Riff. Then during the three-hour show, I can spot dancers winking and waving at me, along with a dazzling smile from my Grandma when she is introduced.'
"Could a grandmother be any more lucky?"
 Joni Naber
"After spending three weeks with my family and friends in Maryland, I flew to Athens, Greece to reunite with my husband, Mike, who has been working in Baghdad for the last eight months.
"We spent a glorious vacation together seeing the great historical Athens and then the Isle of Crete. Seven days later, we were off to Rome to visit The Vatican, The Coliseum and also take time to eat fresh pasta and sample the ‘vino'!
"Next stop was Prague, which was a fairy tale adventure come true with tiny streets that were cobbled, castles and darling lil' shops. It was my favorite destination.
"We finished our tour with a three-day stop in London, where we will have memories to last forever!"
 Jill Owens
"I visited my sisters in L.A, who worked on Garry Marshall's new film Valentine's Day. They mentioned my name to him and I was flattered that he not only remembered me from Blansky's Beauties (he was the director and I was a ‘Beauty'), but knows that I'm now in the Follies!
"Inspired by our theme last season, my husband and I drove along parts of historic Route 66 on our way back home to Davenport, Iowa. After singing the song all season, it was fun to see Kingman and Flagstaff.
"Then in Iowa, we visited with family and returned to all my old haunts!"
 Lark Romero
"After the close of the show, I moved into my new residence in Palm Desert. After 30 years in Orange County, it was strange, albeit exciting to make the change.
"I decided to take advantage of my time off and travel Highway 1 to San Francisco. Stayed the evening at a lovely hotel on the water in Santa Barbara and strolled the beach at sunset. The next day I headed off for Carmel with stops in Cambria and Big Sur. The California coastline offers the most spectacular vistas. After my stay in Carmel, I couldn't resist the 17 Mile Drive with lunch at The Lodge at Pebble Beach.
"My time in San Francisco was fantastic. The weather was cool: a welcome and pleasant change from the desert. I tried to find a bad meal ... but no luck! I took the Ferry to Alcatraz; went shopping; enjoyed the Duck Tour (a city tour on land ... and on water!); went shopping; the theater; went shopping ... I closed out my travel plans with time in Napa Valley.
"I completed my summer vacation with a trip to the East Coast with stops in Boston, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. When I return I will be ready to start my second exciting season at The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies!"
Purchase Tickets Now Before The Follies Box Office Re-Opens!
 Online tickets for the Follies' all-new 19th edition are now open. Log on to www.psfollies.com and click the "Buy Tickets Here Now" icon.
The Follies Reservations Department and Box Office re-open September 21, but why wait until then? Reserve your favorite seats now before they go on sale to the general public.
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!
For August, we're spotlighting our Accommodations partners to assist you in making your lodging arrangements, whether you'll be visiting from out of town or are expecting out-of-town guests.
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.
 PALM MOUNTAIN RESORT
155 S. Belardo Rd., Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (800) 622 - 9451 Website: www.palmmountainresort.com
120 room full-service hotel located in the heart of Palm Springs, footsteps from the Palm Springs Follies, retail, gaming, dining and entertainment. AAA 3-Diamond. ... Read More!
  PALM SPRINGS BUREAU OF TOURISM & VISITORS CENTER
Mailing: 277 N. Ave Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 778 - 8415 Website: www.visitpalmsprings.com
For a complete listing of all Palm Springs hotels, visit www.visitpalmsprings.com. Online booking available. Order your free Palm Springs Visitors Guide for hotels, attractions, tours and entertainmen ... Read More!
COMFORT INN
390 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 778 - 3699 Website: www.comfortinn.com/hotel/CA016
Stay at the Comfort Inn and walk to the Follies! Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs! Free deluxe continental breakfast. ... Read More!
SPA RESORT CASINO
401 E. Amado Rd., Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (888) 999 - 1995 Website: www.sparesortcasino.com
24-hour casino with five restaurants, 228-room hotel, full-service spa and fitness center. With the hottest slots, table games and live poker, the big winners are downtown! ... Read More!
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A PLACE IN THE SUN GARDEN HOTEL
754 San Lorenzo Rd., Palm Springs, CA 92264
Primary Phone: (800) 779 - 2254 Website: www.aplaceinthesunhotel.com
Charming 50's-style bungalows in a lush garden setting. Fully-equipped kitchens and private, walled patios. Saltwater pool and spa. Just south of downtown Palm Springs. Pets welcome! Call for specials ... Read More!
QUALITY INN
1269 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92264
Primary Phone: (760) 323 - 2775
Conveniently located near downtown Palm Springs and all area attractions are just minutes away. Two restaurants on-site. Pet friendly, 100% satisfaction guarantee. ... Read More!
HYATT REGENCY SUITES PALM SPRINGS
285 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 322 - 9000 Website: www.palmsprings.hyatt.com
The Hyatt has bragging rights for the best location in town, right in the heart of the historic village of Palm Springs and within walking distance of the Follies. Our PALM COURT CAFE is located in th ... Read More!
ANDERSON TRAVEL
1801 E. Tahquitz Cyn Way #100, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Primary Phone: (760) 325 - 2001 Website: www.TravelAnderson.com
Full-service travel agency specializing in custom tours, cruises and vacations for retired persons. ... Read More!
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