NEW NEON SIGNAGE
HARKENS PALM SPRINGS OF YESTERDAY
In days past, every town had its “joints” and Palm Springs was no exception.
In its initial incarnation as a mecca for movie stars, moguls and mobsters, Palm Springs supported a list of diners and glamorous nightspots unequalled for a town its size. Even more unique were their clienteles, comprised of the world’s rich and famous and infamous.
They’re all just memories now, but the Plaza Theatre recently commissioned a neon installation recreating the original signage of these legendary establishments.
While “cocktails at seven, dinner at eight”; dancing to the Bill Alexander Orchestra; and women in their Don Loper Originals asking for "a light” are long gone, perhaps these neon icons will help conjure a fond remembrance of that elegant era.
Actress Carole Landis with fashion designer Don Loper, Circa 1944
It seems like only yesterday when the first season of the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies opened in our little town's beloved, but rarely used Plaza Theatre movie house.
At the time, pundits said we were crazy. Scoffing, they asked, "Who's going to pay to see old ladies' legs?" Well, they couldn't have been more wrong. The public took the show to its heart, and today, nearly three-million patrons later, the Follies has gained a worldwide reputation for glamour and excitement, has spawned imitators, has been the subject of innumerable magazine and newspaper articles, has been featured in countless television specials, and plays to packed houses at every performance, up to nine shows a week, seven months a year.
Of even greater importance is what the Follies has done to the stereotypical image of old age. Our performers, who range in age from 56 to 86, dance and sing with a zest that even younger folk envy. The Follies has proven - beyond a doubt - Billie Burke's (aka Mrs. Florenz Ziegfeld and a star in her own right) famous quote, "Age doesn't matter unless you're a cheese."
We pledge to remain true to the spirit of the 40s, 50s, and 60s keeping alive and well the music, comedy, and dance of those eras. As well, we promise to provide a world-class entertainment experience at every performance.
Our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your continued enthusiasm and support; we look forward to seeing you at the Follies next season...and the one after that...and on and on.
Riff Markowitz
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Mary Jardin
Co-Founder and Director of Marketing
Help Riff Navigate Route 66
Help Riff navigate Route 66 safely and find out where you rank as a friend of the Follies. Just click here to get started. When you are done simply close the game window to return to this page for more Follies excitement. This section is almost as much fun as attending the Follies itself!
The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies's Friend Space (Top 3)
The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies has 103 friends.
Hello to all... your friend, the "Red Snapper" here.. getting ready to bring my group,the Desert Gold Divas from Brenda AZ, back on April 9th, for a wonderful afternoon with you!
Well We have reached the end of another season at 8:30 am I will begin to style the wigs for our very last 2 shows. Its been an awesome Season. I always hate to see a show close. However F18 will be here before we know it..
Its Definitly A Great Pleasure to Say Hello to all the Follies Fans From The Follies Hairhopper (Wig Master)! This is why I love my Career! Cause Working for the follies is so much fun. how many companys have a My Space page right?? Love it eating it up with a spoon... Thanks Web master Eric....
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