Another memory … The Palm Spring Follies

As I write this in 2021 I realize that none of my “old friends” are still alive, but I have wonderful memories of them. Ted, from the NY City days in the 50's, was one of my favorites. He and his partner had moved to Palm Springs, California and in 2006 they invited me to fly out to visit.

I did that and one memorable evening we attended the famous “Palm Spring Follies”, a Broadway-type performance of music, dance and comedy of the 30’s and 40’s, with a cast that was old enough to have lived it! I must admit that I was pretty skeptical about watching a bunch of “elder hoofers” do their thing. I knew that the performers ranged in age from 57 to 82 and I was prepared to be generous in my acceptance of their old-age shenanigans.

Was I ever wrong!

From start to finish the Follies proved to be an exceptionally professional performance. The cast sang and danced with a zest that even a teenager would envy. About mid-way in the evening Riff Markowitz, originator of the Follies, introduced the performers individually. He gave their names, ages and a brief biography of their backgrounds. Most of them were from a career in acting and dancing and they loved the opportunity to be back in the spotlight again. The oldest one was an 82 year old dancer and the audience gave her a standing ovation.

Of course time does not stand still and, as the years went by, there were fewer performers who could fit the bill and the Palm Springs Follies ended a 23 year run on May 18, 2014.