Fear of Aging? Not!
By Bill LaPointe
Anyone who fears aging, which includes most of my gay friends, must see the “Palm Springs Follies.” You’ll walk away renewed, reinvigorated and motivated to improve your own life.
Any show that continues to pack in audiences for 18 years must be doing something right. The median age of these outstanding, talented dancers and singers is around 70 years, with the youngest coming in at 50 and the eldest at 85. They energetically put on nine three- hour (with two intermissions) performances a week.
This year’s theme is a nostalgic trip on Route 66. The sets, tap dancing, swing dancing and singing will have you jumping out of your seats. The costumes are a drag queen’s dream.
Each of the three acts includes a guest performance. Act One, Scene One is “Route 66/Get Your Kicks,” which includes the entire cast. There is a live orchestra, too.
In Scene Two, “A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody.” Hold your breath for the elaborate headdresses on these ladies. Capping off the first act is the remarkable Irina Markova and her Russian poodles. This one talented bunch of pooches. You will not believe what she can get these dogs to do.
Act Two, Scene Two is “42nd Street.” The guests for this segment are Sammy King and “Francisco,” King’s sassy parrot. This talented ventriloquist will have you rolling in the aisle.
Act Three is “Seems Like Old Times,” featuring guest artist Susan Anton. She knows how to engage an audience, as well as deliver a diverse range of songs. Get ready to participate with her as she belts out some popular and memorable tunes from the past. Scene Two, and the show’s finale, is a rousing tribute with “Red, White and Blue.”
Then there is Riff Markowitz, founder and emcee. The best way to describe Markowitz is a “soft” Don Rickles. This guy knows nothing about political correctness. If you are highly sensitive, you may as well stay away. There is no group immune — Republican or Democrat, Catholic or Mormon, straight or gay — all are targets for his blistering and hilarious banter. If you are in the front row, be forewarned: You will become a part of his act. Markowitz maintains an energy that is remarkable. He has not missed one performance in 18 years and makes it all seem fresh every night.
Treat yourself to a full and wonderful evening with talented, caring and warm people. You’ll benefit by getting over your fear of aging — and getting on with living life to its fullest.
To get updates on guest artists and for the company’s seasonal schedule, visit www.psfollies.com or call (760) 327-0225. Palm Springs Follies is located at 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.