‘Follies’ Good Time
April 20, 2024 by agutting@reviewjournal.com
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Feature
More than a half-century after arriving on Broadway, a legendary production marks its Las Vegas premiere
The “FOLLIES” will have six performances April 11-14 2024 at the Access Showrooms at Aliante Casino & Hotel.
With a mammoth cast and crew of over 80 talented professionals, FOLLIES will include a mind-blowing collection of 45 dazzling performers, a dozen legendary showgirls, a live 26-piece orchestra and many of Las Vegas’s best singers, dancers and performers.
“FOLLIES” will feature special appearances by Tony Award nominee and Broadway legend Andrea McArdle, in her “FOLLIES” debut. “Tonight Show” icon and comedian Pete Barbutti; singer, songwriter and quintessential entertainer Grammy nominee Clint Holmes and his wife, the sensational singer/performer/comedian Kelly Clinton-Holmes; four-time Grammy winner (and First “Pip”) Merald “Bubba” Knight; internationally renowned opera sensation Frederica von Stade; Broadway legend Ted Chapin; and an introduction by legendary impressionist Rich Little.
“FOLLIES” will bring a dozen legendary Las Vegas showgirls back into the spotlight — including 97-year-old legend Anna Bailey, the first African-American showgirl on the Strip. Dancers who toured with the incomparable Gypsy Rose Lee and the immortal fan dancer Sally Rand will also be included.
The score for “FOLLIES” features many of Stephen Sondheim’s most brilliant theatrical creations, with iconic songs such as “I’m Still Here,” “Broadway Baby,” “Losing My Mind,” “Waiting for the Girls Upstairs,” and “Beautiful Girls.” It will be brought to life by the 26-piece JOI Jazz Orchestra with Strings, headed by music arranger and head of UNLV’s Jazz Department, Dave Loeb, as musical director.
The cast of “FOLLIES” features a plethora of magnificent entertainers, including Michelle Johnson (Las Vegas’s First Lady of Jazz, appearances with Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney and Elton John), Randal Keith (“Les Miserables,” “Spamalot,” Steve Wynn’s Showstoppers), and Sam Holder (“Oklahoma,” “Grease,” “South Pacific”) in lead roles.
This production of “FOLLIES” will also star a bevy of amazing singers and actors in standout roles, including the electric Skye Dee Miles, beloved Las Vegas performers Denise Rose, Linda Woodson, Tim Molyneux, Katy Monroe, Gabriella Versace, Michelle Marshall, Jenny Malcomb, and opera and musical theater vocalist Kate Kinhan.
Eight multi-talented Las Vegas dancers of today — all with vibrant performance backgrounds — will help to round out the 45-person cast, including former “Jubilee” principal dancer Brooke Brown, Rebecca O’Hara (“Jubilee”), Jennifer Jordan (“Vegas the Show”).
Also featured will be 97-year-old Anna Bailey, the first African-American showgirl ever to appear on the Las Vegas Strip. Ms. Bailey also performed at the legendary Moulin Rouge and with the incomparable Pearl Bailey.
Lou Anne Chessik commented, “As founder of the Showgirl Legacy Foundation, I’m thrilled that this production of ‘FOLLIES’ is going to feature a dazzling collection of some of Las Vegas’s most legendary showgirls. The showgirl was — and continues to be — the heartbeat of the city. Having an onstage reunion of these incredibly talented women who brought so much excitement, glamour and happiness to millions of Vegas visitors over the years is going to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience to everyone who attends ‘FOLLIES.’”
Tickets are now available at ShowgirlsComeHome.com, AlianteGaming.com or Ticketmaster.com. For additional information, please visit ShowgirlsComeHome.com