The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies
Desert Observer's pageLast fall an out-of-town friend and occasional house guest phoned and asked whether I'd be interested in accompanying him for an evening at The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. His interest was piqued by a report Anna Maria Alberghetti would be guest starring the second half of the season, in the spring. I quickly said yes and he booked our tickets - six months in advance.
April's first Saturday evening saw me at The Follies. I've attended a number of performances in the past and found myself seated in many different locations. Saturday was the first time I experienced sitting on the front row. It's a completely different way to see the show. You get the impression everyone on stage is making direct eye contact with you. During scenes when performers come down from the stage, they're standing right in front of you. Sitting in front gave me a different feeling about the show and it was one I rather enjoyed.
The Follies co-founder, show director and MC, Riff Markowitz is a very humorous man. During his stage monologues he loves to have fun with one of more of those sitting on the front row. We were fortunate, for Riff found good targets away from us and nearer the center of our row. His humor pretty much covers the spectrum of things you probably shouldn't say from the stage. If you're alive and breathing, a member of any ethnic group - or no group - and easily offended, beware. There're no sacred cows - with one exception. Though born in Canada, Riff Markowitz probably has no equal in this valley when it comes to patriotism and his appreciation for the Armed Services. Every show I've attended includes a salute to the flag - held by an active duty Marine - and the National Anthem.
This year is The Follies' seventeenth season and the theme is "Tin Pan Alley". The show's ensemble consists of sixteen dancers, ranging in ages from the 50's to the eldest at 84. I just wish I had half the energy and good looks of those folks. They do nine shows weekly and the physical demands that places on their bodies has to be incredible. I walk seven miles and bicycle another twenty each morning. My efforts and stamina requirements are almost pitiful compared to what these folks put out. The dancing was great and if you don't like dance companies, well - there's a dog show. Joanne Wilson's Wonder Dogs have played circuses, toured nationally, been filmed, and are on this season's stage at The Follies. They put on a very cute show filled with canine acrobatics and other antics. They were clearly an audience favorite.
It turns out my house guest is a genuine Anna Maria Alberghetti fan for he brought with him a 33-1/3 rpm album of hers from the late 50's or early 60's. After the show ended the star and other performers greeted departing theatergoers outside the entrance. When he asked Ms Alberghetti to autograph his album cover she was quite pleased to greet someone she immediately recognized as a longtime fan. Members of her nearby staff took photographs of him, her and the record album cover. They took his email address and promised to send him copies of the photos.
The Follies is one of my favorite local entertainment offerings and I can't believe there're many over 40 who haven't seen one or more performances. If you haven't, put it on your list. It's truly special and definitely unique to Palm Springs.
Bond Shands
Palm Springs
April 14, 2008
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