"It seems to me," says Follies Stage Manager Murray Archibald, "that Follies’ creator Chris Riss first used the expression ‘the F word’ to refer to the Follies during last year’s show—whoever it was, it stuck, and around the CAMP Rehoboth office, it’s been called that for some time now. So when the Follies 05 team picked it for a theme, it seemed quite natural. Of course, for us it means fantastic, fun, fabulous, friends, family, and much more."

"Who doesn’t like a good laugh," says Maureen Keenan, head of the stage crew for the upcoming Follies. "To be around such energy up front and personal has been a true treat. These folks just want to entertain and seem to have a lot of fun in the process!"

Plans for the July 23rd production at the Convention Center include some new faces added to the core production team and the fantastic news that local icon of the show Eyecons, Christopher Peterson will be this year’s Follies Emcee.

Peterson (see interview, page 42) a professional actor/entertainer will emcee and perform between skits and for a short, single auction break toward intermission.

The show, produced by CAMP Rehoboth and under the direction of Fay Jacobs, with Rick Kirby as skit coordinator, handling organization and interaction with the competing troupes, has all the earmarks of a fast, funny and entertaining show.

Kirby, will work in advance to assist and support the participating troupes, planning to streamline skit length and avoid repetitive content. The new judging parameters will focus on content, creativity and execution and reduce dependence on elaborate, time consuming set changes.

"I think Follies should be a night of good, tasteful, fast-paced song and laughter—an event that is welcoming to all—gay, lesbian, transgender and our straight friends. It should be a night that captures our campy and creative style" says Kirby. And he’s looking forward to working with the troupes for just that right mix of flamboyance and fun.

Stage Manager Keenan agrees. "I love seeing the guys during dress rehearsal turn into ladies at night (not ladies of the night!)…the transformation unbelievable."

Director Fay Jacobs will work with the opening act and awards portion/finale of the evening, also having a hand in the timing and flow or the entire event.

"Our goal is to keep it fun but keep it moving," she says. "One time a critic said that I favor the lose-year-breath-lose-your-turn style of directing. I don’t think I’m in that much of a rush, but we do intend to kick up the pace a bit this year!"

There will be other changes as well. Learning from the past, the revised seating and staging plan will create a more intimate and audibly pleasing experience for our audience. So too, a careful eye on the clock will mean that less is more this year—the show is set to start at 7 p.m. to accommodate our emcee’s time constraints. With a well- rehearsed opening and closing act, much shortened auction and strict timing of skits, the evening is set to be fast paced and over early, leaving plenty of time for a late-ish dinner and dancing after the awards are handed out.

As Keenan says "I think we have what it takes to make a great production of CAMPY fun skits and a night of good fun. For those who have shown up and supported in the past, I look forward to seeing you again this year for our brand new Follies 2005."

Kirby seconds the motion. "As a culture, gay men and lesbian women have long been recognized as a dynamic and creative force within our society, Follies is our night to "pull out all the stops" and truly showcase that creative force… so this year, let the force be with us all in celebrating "the F Word—Follies 2005!"

Tickets are on sale at CAMP Rehoboth at 302-227-5620.

The CAMP Rehoboth Follies
Saturday, July 23
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center

Tickets
Premium Seating
Gold Sponsor $100

Sponsor $75
Host $50

General Admission $25

For reservations and information, call CAMP Rehoboth at 302-227-5620