Greetings, Darlins'
  Thanksgiving Wishes
Happy Thanksgiving . . . well, almost. For this traditional day of Thanks, Macy's has a parade with big balloons; the NFL hosts a triple-header; holiday shoppers lose ALL sense of sanity when the malls open at midnight; and we, here at the Follies, perform our annual Thanksgiving matinee—the latter providing refuge to globophobics (those with an uncommon fear of balloons), football widows, crowd-averse shoppers, houseguests who are thrown out of the kitchen and our own Miss Guilfoyle, who has cleverly dodged cooking Thanksgiving Dinner for the 15 years she's been a Follies Girl. (If you had to cook for seven children, their respective spouses and 11 grandchildren, you too would want to spend the day dancing!)
 Susan Anton Wows
One of the most delectable guest stars to ever appear at the historic Plaza Theatre is the incredible Susan Anton. We've never invited a Follies headliner back for consecutive seasons, but your letters and emails told me to do just that. This time, though, she's performing her very special tribute to the holiday season—with songs both traditional and contemporary. From "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus" to such classics as "Count Your Blessings" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", Miss Anton delivers this season's Follies promise (as well as show title) to Let The Good Times Roll! Here's a short video clip to demonstrate just what I mean.
 Stocking Stuffers
She also just released her first-ever holiday CD entitled "Susan Anton's Winter Wonderland," which is available on the Follies online store and at our lobby souvenir stand. Combine this with the Follies' own holiday CD and our just-released "Great Moments at the Follies, Vol. 2" and you have hours of holiday listening pleasure or the perfect holiday gifts!
 Toys for Tots
‘Tis the season once again for our annual Toys for Tots drive. Follies fans and staff have always made our theater one of the most-successful collection locations for this 62-year Marine Corps program. If you feel so inclined, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for our lobby bin to help brighten the holidays of a needy child.
And speaking of the Corps, many Follies patrons make it a point to attend the one evening each year when we host spouses of deployed sailors and Marines from the Marine base in nearby Twentynine Palms, California. This year, they will attend the evening performance on Wednesday, December 2. Always a highlight of our holiday season, we hope you can join us that night when we recognize those who remain behind to keep the "home fires burning" while their spouses serve overseas.
 Follies Poem
Finally, in the "Parting Thoughts" section of this newsletter, you'll find a poem written by British author and poet David Cadden. You've heard me mention him in prior newsletters, so we were delighted when he and his lovely lady paid us a visit this past weekend. Where photos, prose and video often fail to describe the true essence of the Follies, perhaps poetry does so best. We sincerely thank Mr. Cadden for his beautiful verse.
The happiest of Thanksgivings to you and yours, and, until next month, please just stay alive!
Follies Gift Certificates for the Holidays
 If you're like us, it's nearly impossible to shop for some of your loved ones. Aunt Chloe swears nothing fits her because fashion designers hate women! Sister Daphne has gone "green" and now makes all her own clothes, perfume and household furnishings out of potatoes and corncobs. Cousin Felix is allergic to peanuts, wheat and anything that ever came within two miles of a sheep!
Here's a solution so simple it's almost miraculous: buy them a gift certificate to the Follies. Our little show really does have something for everybody. And not even the crankiest gift-getter can argue with these words: "See the Fabulous Follies whenever you want!" The friendly folks in our Reservations Department can help you solve all sorts of holiday problems if you call them at (760) 327-0225 or visit them at the historic Plaza Theatre box office. Or you can purchase certificates online 24 hours a day!
Susan Anton Debuts New Holiday CD on "Unleashed"
Follies Guest Star Susan Anton recently traded quips, memories and laughs with "Bulldog" Bill Feingold and Kevin Holmes, hosts of the popular KNWZ radio show "Unleashed."
The interview also included the radio debut of her just-released holiday CD entitled "Susan Anton's Winter Wonderland."
We hope you enjoy listening to all or a portion of their hilarious and heartwarming conversation.
 What People Are Saying
It's always wonderful to hear from our patrons, especially those who visit us at the start of our new season! Here are a few of the emails we've recently been sent . . . and we look forward to receiving yours!
We just got home from another wonderful trip to see the Follies, our 18th! (Sorry Riff, we hadn't heard of you for your first season.) We've been to every one since—sometimes twice to see the new headliners. I buy eight tickets each year and my wife, Arline, along with six friends make a wonderful trip and holiday from Santa Barbara. Riff, what we really like is the great lift we get at your closing act. We come out of the theatre happy and feeling so wonderful, and full of life—and believe me, at 86, that's important! My wife had a total hip replacement the middle of October and we were afraid we might miss this year, but she said, "No way!" and she did great. We had a ball. Thank you. Jack A.
Dear Follies Folk, We enjoyed the show last week. We were there a year ago about the same time. It always amazes us how you come up with new ideas to entertain us. We especially enjoyed the ventriloquist. He was almost as entertaining as you, Riff. You are always fun with a great sense of timing, so subtle. Thanks again, we love to come. Also, we appreciate your paying tribute to the men who have served our country. Well done! Sincerely, Jim & Ann D.
Dear Riff, We live in Willow Glen, a Norman Rockwell, tree-lined pocket of San Jose. Most of our friends have seen the Follies and raved about it, but had difficulty explaining it. Now I understand why— it was an experience, not a show! What absolute fun from standing in line to get in, ‘til we walked out. You probably don't remember this, but my husband Wil (a more quiet, conservative man you will not find) was called on stage to sit on the knee of the superb ventriloquist—oh that we had a picture of that!!! To sum it up, it was well worth the drive. We've never enjoyed anything more and we have traveled to NYC, London, Paris, etc. You're all the best, the very best. CIAO Beth and Wil C.
The Follies' website now has a "Hot Deals!" page with periodic special offers on tickets. Be sure to check often, as you never know when you'll find a deal too good to pass up!
"Join A Group"
If you'd like to attend the Follies but no longer drive the freeways, don't forget about our very popular Join A Group program.
 There are currently motor coach groups departing from the following areas with seating availability:
Los Angeles County:
Arcadia, Cerritos, Culver City, Diamond Bar, Downey, Duarte, Glendora, Inglewood, Lakewood/Long Beach, Lawndale, Norwalk, Rosemead, San Dimas, Signal Hill, Temple City, Torrance and West Covina
Orange County:
Anaheim, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Woods, Orange, Placentia, Seal Beach and Westminster
Inland Empire and Hemet area:
Chino, Claremont, Corona, Hemet, LaVerne, Murrieta, Pomona and San Bernardino
San Diego County:
Carlsbad, Escondido, La Mesa, Oceanside, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee and Vista
Central California:
Bakersfield, Carpinteria, Goleta, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Stockton and Ventura
Northern California:
Fremont, Livermore, Pleasant Hills, Rohnert Park, Sacramento and San Bruno
Arizona:
Lake Havasu, Mesa, Phoenix and Yuma
Nevada:
Las Vegas
New Mexico:
Albuquerque
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!
How to Reserve Your Favorite Seats
 The Follies' Reservations Department 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.
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.
Here are the four newest Follies patron specials:
Trio Restaurant - THANKSGIVING DAY SPECIAL! Where Palm Springs eats Turkey! This year join the family at Palm Springs' most happening Thanksgiving celebration! Great company, fun atmosphere and, of course, a sumptuous prix fixe holiday feast await you at Trio. Three delectable courses $30.00 per person. Unlimited house wine or champagne pairing $15.00 per dinner. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. Happy Turkey Day! Restrictions: No other discounts or coupons accepted.
A Place In the Sun Garden Hotel - $30/NIGHT DISCOUNT TO FOLLIES CUSTOMERS! Discount available 11/2/09 through 1/31/10. Two-night minimum weekends. Offer excludes Thanksgiving holiday, 11/24/09-11/29/09; and Christmas/New Year's holiday, 12/22/09-01/03/10.
City of Palm Springs Ballroom Dance Program - CITY OF PALM SPRINGS HOLIDAY CONCERT, DEC. 10TH Admission is free, but tickets are required. Tickets are available at Palm Springs City Hall or the Leisure Center in Sunrise Park beginning Nov. 16. Concertgoers are asked to bring canned food for FIND (local food bank) or a brand-new unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots program. For more concert information, call (760) 323-8276.
Le Vallauris - PRIX FIXE HOLIDAY MENUS—Le Vallauris has formulated Holiday Prix Fixe Menus only for the month of December: a Lunch Menu for the price of $35 and a Dinner Menu for the price of $39.50 per person. Check our Thanksgiving Menu priced at $58, our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at $69, New Year’s Eve First Seating at $85 and New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at $125. All these menu prices are per person + tax and gratuity.
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Parting Thoughts
THE FOLLIES
By Dave Cadden, October 2009
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In a world of youth their age excels
In glittered splendour and figures lean
Their spirit lives and in living tells
Of dreams when we were young and green
There is no darkness where they tread
Only light parades along their miles
And together they hold that silver thread
The tapestry of a thousand smiles
We can only watch in wonder
See time stand still in their every sway
No younger star could steal their thunder
Or better the skills their hearts display
To see such sparkling animation
Is to live again in distant days
To light the memories of our creation
To draw the sunlight through the haze
No sadness lingers in this place
No passing gloom or melancholy
Only joy and laughter, a warm embrace
For the brilliance of the Palm Springs Follies |
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