The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies has revitalized the comedy music and dance of the 20s, 30, and 40s. The Follies performers are made up of the 'Follies Man' and MC Riff Markovitz, 6 gentlemen and 11 Follies 'lovelies'. The performers are all-round entertainers who sing, dance and act - and are between the ages of 50 and 85 years old.
The show is described as 'featuring the music and dance of the 30s and 40s with a cast old enough to live it'! It recalls a bygone era of variety entertainment with comedians, impressionists, novelty acts, and singing and dancing. The show rounds off with a patriotic finale. The 'lovelies' are resplendent in their wigs, headdresses, feathers and rhinestone-encrusted costumes.
The cast includes seasoned performers who have worked with Sammy Davis Jr, Fred Astaire and at legendary venues on Broadway in New York and Las Vegas. Trina Parks, the first black Bond girl is the baby of the dancing troupe.
The Follies perform in the Plaza Theatre which opened in 1936 for the world premiere of the movie Camille. It became a well-known movie theater, and was the venue for many of the vintage radio shows hosted by Bob Hope and Jack Benny. It has also hosted live performances from Frank Sinatra and Gordon McRae among many others. The theater closed in 1987 following dwindling audiences, and Riff Markowitz was invited to find a new use for the theater and came up with the idea of the Follies. He has since presided over 3,500 shows.
