I have always enjoyed lavish musicals and vaudeville. In the “ole”days, Las Vegas had show-girls and dancers in feathers, rhinestones and beads with comics, singers and dog acts. Broadway had more musicals and comedies than dramas playing on the great white way. Then all of a sudden they were gone! Along came Riff Markowitz and Mary Jardin who took the closed Plaza Theater in Palm Springs and got a group of local ladies together who had been in show business, and made a dream come true.
Riff Markowitz is not only the producer, but he is the great impresario and charismatic host through the entire production. He is charming, witty, and keeps the show moving making you feel good and wanting for more. The Follies is pure good fun and all American entertainment for the whole family.
Every performer in the line of long-legged lovelies is 57 to 82 years young. The costumes and sets are more outstanding each year. The show is filled with music and dance of the 30’s and 40’s with a cast old enough to have lived it. The Guest Star currently is International songstress Anacani. You will remember her from The Lawrence Welk Show. On January 11th The Four Coins will be the Guest Stars and Jo Ann Castle will be the Guest from March 22nd to May 21st and she is also another Welk alumni.
Currently Jose Olate and the Canine Capers and Impressionist Janice Hart are in the Follies. Both are outstanding acts. Don’t let it go by and not see it this year. The Follies play Wednesday-Sunday through May, Matinees 1:30pm, Evening 7:00pm. Reservations: (760) 327-0225. The Follies Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
I have always liked the small “garden-style” hotel of the “50”s in Palm Springs. I found “A Place In The Sun” on this trip. There are 17 charming single-story bungalows that form an enclave around the soft water saline pool, separate Jacuzzi, putting greens and poolside gazebo. I enjoyed a one-bedroom bungalow that was bright and spacious with vaulted wood beam ceiling, fully equipped kitchen, breakfast nook, private patio and bath. There were two 50 channel TV’s, one in the bedroom and a TV/VCR radio combo in the living room.
A Continental breakfast is served poolside in the gazebo every Saturday and Sunday. Pastries and coffee are available daily in the office. There is a full library of video tapes and books for the enjoyment of the guests. Open year around. I highly recommend! A Place In The Sun Hotel. There is no greater joy than to park your car in front of the gate and walk into a lush garden of flowers and green grass to your bungalow. A Place In The Sun hotel, 754 San Lorenzo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92264, (760) 325-0254.
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