It occurred to me recently that I've never once mentioned a show we have in town called The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. It is a world-famous, Broadway-caliber live stage production with music, dance, comedy, variety acts and a splash of vaudeville too. It's classic entertainment from the 30's and 40's era, with a feel of old Hollywood glamour and a splash of good old American patriotism thrown in to warm the crowd. It's old school and modern at the same time, but here's the wrinkle (no pun intended): the cast is all over the age of 60, and as old as mid 80's! Yep, these are women and men who have been in show business literally all their lives who love to perform. It is a high energy show, very entertaining, with a bit of slightly off-color humor to amuse the young and old alike. Yes, the majority of audiences are older, but it is a fantastic show, now in it's 17th year! Here are some photos I found on the web to give you an idea..."The Long Legged-Lovelies"
above: Elaborate showgirl costumes with feathers, beads and sequins have a Vegas feel to them
above: Each year the show theme changes, as do the costumes, songs and dance routines.
above: Trina Parks, who was a Bond girl "baddie" called "Thumper" in the 007 flick Diamonds are Forever.
So if you ever get to Palm Springs in the months of November through May, be sure to check out this show. It's classic Palm Springs entertainment that will leave you smiling and inspired too. Here is a video from YouTube of the show:
PS- as a reminder, like everything on my blog, this is NOT a paid post. I just write about things I like!
-Rick Rockhill
26 comments:
what a fun show, I just love hearing about things like this. I hope I can move like that when I am 80!
i wish we could cruise together one day rick!!
smiles, bee
The video clip is funny- love their sense of humor doing a line dance with canes and walkers. Looks like its a stitch. I don't know rick, you are sure tempting me to visit your fair city!
Why is it I don't live in Palm Springs? :)
the CVB should put you on it's payroll! you are a wonderful ambassador for Palm Springs
It sounds like a fun show. I wouldn't mind seeing some old Vaudeville humor. I get plenty of it on TV Land though. ;)
Bee- I think we should DEFINITELY meet on a cruise!!
marlupe & Mags- a oh c'mon, why not come for a visit, dinner is on me!
TWISI- aw shucks (kicking pebbles...)
Corky- Yeah TV land is great for that stuff. What did you think of my Love Boat clip from yesterday?? God I miss that show. Saturday nights were the best...Love Boat and Fantasty Island. now THAT was good TV!!!
That looks very extravagant - just the sort of show I like! :)
Akelamalu- it is actually! the costumes are incredible and quite detailed. I marvel at them everytime I go see the Follies.
i thought this was a spoof at first until i clicked through to the link. y'all have some wild old folks there.
Wow does look like fun!
The costumes are great. And I like your message that you write about things you like without thought to being paid.
Sounds like a great show Rick. Reminds me of that special show they have in New York at this time of year.
Sheesh I feel inadequate.
Sheila- the costumes really are fantastic.
Naomi- are you thinking of the Radio City Musuc Hall Rockettes? Yep they are cool too.
Dana- tell me about it! Those 80 year olds are in better shape than me!
It looks like a whole lot of fun and good times. You just can't find this kind of show much any more, unfortunately.
I should look so good at 60 and over! Heck, I wish I looked as good now...
What a great, fun thing to do.
That looks like a great show!
You know, I've learned so much about Palm Springs through your eyes. I used to think of it as just another city in the middle of the desert.
Lewis- Tell me about it! It's a dying art, but the show is a lot of fun to see.
Songbird- Yep, even though it's still a nice quiet desert city, there is plenty to do if you know where to look. I remember coming here to visit before I lived here. I used to think, wow there's not much here. I had no idea what was beyond the main street! So I comitted myself to sharing what I know about PS here on this blog.
What an exciting show with elaborate costumes. It's nice to have this kind of entertainment in your back yard. :-)
Follies are always fun. :) Hope you have an amazing and safe New Year and a glorious 2008!
This is what art is all about! I'm tempted to drop in just to see it! I admire that in a society that worships youth that some older people are reminding us that we are never too old to perform and get up and say, "Here I am!"
Say-- speaking of performances in Palm Springs, I hear that Stevie Nicks is going to be in Palm Springs on 1 Feb 08.
I loved this!!! We all get old if we're lucky, and here are these people doing what they love at an age when most all would be unemployable. And the audience...they love it too. Thanks for posting this Rick.
How fantastic ... give me hope. Wish I could see the show.
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