BWW Reviews: Palm Springs Follies Bids a Nostalgic Farewell with THE LAST HURRAH!

After 23 years of entertaining the world, The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies will be closing their doors May 18, 2014 after completion of this their last season The Last Hurrah!

Judging by Saturday night's show, the cast, both gals and gents, are having their usual great time doing what they love to do best, dancing and singing up a storm while putting on a show. With guest star gorgeous Susan Anton and ventriloquist Brad Cummings and dummy dinosaur "Rex", The Last Hurrah! is just as smart and effervescent as every other version of the show since its inception in 1990.

Interlocutor/impresario Riff Markowitz has wisely shortened his set. There was a time when his unrelenting comical knocks at nationality and sexual identity seemed endless. Not so this time around. He keeps the jabs to a minimum, letting everyone around him shine more brightly. I have to admit, I will miss this man and the show that he created at the Historic Plaza Theatre in the heart of Palm Springs. When at the top of Act II, someone in the audience asked why he didn't sell the show, his quick comeback was "Why don't you buy it?" And when asked what his plans are? "An assisted care facility" he shot back. Funny but sad, as it all boils down to economics and putting butts in those seats.

For a couple of years, the auditorium was only three-quarters full for the matinees, but since this new show opened a week ago, every performance has been SOLD OUT.

The format of the show is the same with a dynamite opening number spotlighting dance. This newest version has a fun animated cartoon of Markowitz putting up every poster from the last 23 years during the overture, followed by some spectacular dancing. Dance to the Music! from every era like the 40s and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" to the 70s and "Dance: Ten Looks: Three" from A Chorus Line. Markowitz introduces the Follies in its segment called Pretty Woman, followed by the men. Then comes the hilarious Brad Cummings and Rex. One of the best ventriloquists in the biz, Cummings not only manipulates Rex but someone from the audience who must sit on his lap and be 'used.' It's a scream! The last segment of Act I is Christmas at the Follies featuring the entire ensemble performing "We Need a Little Christmas", "Santa Baby", "The Dreidel Song", "Toyland" and on a more fervent note "Silent Night", "Ave Maria" and "O'Holy Night". The segment closes with snow to the strains of "White Christmas". Hats off to Joan Palethorpe who has been the Follies choreographer throughout the run of the show and hats off to the beautiful costumes!

Act II brings us Follies Hit Parade: Four Decades of Our Favorite Music from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s including "Happy Feet" all the way to "Peppermint Twist" and "Proud Mary". Then the glorious Guest Star does her thing, now Susan Anton, an ageless 63, strutting those gorgeous gams and singing a bevy of Christmas songs "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus", "Count Your Blessings" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". Only one song is not Christmasy, but is a great choice, certainly defining Anton's attitude toward life, Bob Dylan's "Forever Young". Anton goes out into the audience and includes audience singalong. She is warm, charming, in great voice and forever spirited...and young like all the Follies women. The last segment God Bless America honors our veterans and the wonderful patriotic music of our great land including "Grand Old Flag", "Living in America" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Graphics by John Greenberger are used more plentifully throughout the show on a screen behind and add so much vibrancy to the overall proceedings. With today's emphasis on video, slides and other images, the background is alive with color to match the folks in front wearing the sparkling costumes. Carri Burbank Glen is credited for the terrific tap choreography.

What a delightful show! Anton and Cummings will be onboard until December 31 and then Maureen McGovern and Rejean St. Jules from January 7 to March 8, 2014, followed by Darlene Love March 11-May 18. It's a spectacular season and remember...the last, so get on down to Palm Springs to celebrate with the Long-Legged Lovelies and Handsome Gentlemen who truly know the music they're singing and dancing to because they have lived it.

http://www.psfollies.com/our-all-new-show/

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