Everything's Coming Up Follies

I don’t know what’s more fun, the groups who get it just right or the ones who try so hard you want to hug them. Of course, there are always mini-mix-ups, cues dropped, wigs dropped, whole scripts tossed to the wind, but heck, that’s show biz.

By the morning after, some wonderful e-mails circulated among the participants thanking each other and praising the organizers. I decided to add to the e-mail and ask some of the brave folks involved what they thought about Follies 2003. Here are some of the responses which came back in by deadline. As Ethel Merman might say…

The costumes, the make-up…
"My wig is still spinning from 5 costume changes between the opening/closing number and the auction model outfits. It made it difficult to watch many of the skits so I am anxiously awaiting the video." Cliff Lassahn , Opening Act and Super Model

"Tony Burns was a delight but almost didn’t make the first line because he was in the dressing area trying to decide which cufflinks to wear. You’ll note that he came out with his shirt unbuttoned because he didn’t have time!" Gene Cavazos, Victoria’s Secrets (Charlie’s Angels)

"My wig is off to Cliff and the other girls for that opening number and the subsequent modeling features. That really raised the professionalism of the evening up quite a bit. Very entertaining. Howard Crabtree would have been very proud of you, my dear." Brent Minor, Delmarva Divas

The scen’ry, the props
"Can you believe those lesbians built scenery like that?" Anonymous Queen

The audience that lifts you when you’re down
"It was great seeing the mix of people, young and old, gay and straight, having a good time for a good cause. It was well worthwhile and something we will definitely be interested in doing again next year." Justin Nelson, Bayard Street Boys

"Honestly, the Follies for me are a way to have a great time performing while bonding with my friends. It’s a great welcome change to boring black tie fundraisers!" Jon Kaplan, Opening Act

"How nice to laugh and love with 800 other lesbians, gays, bi’s and transgendered people (and out straight friends!) of all colors, religions and ethnic backgrounds." Jill, Audience Member

The headaches
"Kevin and I almost lost it on stage doing our Elton John number "It’s a little bit funny" because during rehearsals we kept bumping into a glass porch door, so on the stage we were remembering the sound of our faces hitting the door." Gene Cavazos, Charlie’s Angels

The heartaches
"There is a part in the skit when the Angels raise the love flags. When this was done during rehearsals the ceiling fan in the living room chopped the tops off." Gene Cavazos, Charlie’s Angels

The backaches
"A special thanks to all the behind the scene people who made this evening a success."
Marc Anthony, Camelot Players

The flops
"The fact that my microphone gets turned off during the singing part helps make our group really good." Pam Kozey, The Power Surges

"I went to put my headset on for the closing number and I sat my wig, face first, down on what seemed to be a dry countertop near the Convention Center kitchen. When I popped my locks on to go on stage, I was showered with vodka tonic. The wig had been marinating in a puddle of someone’s spilled drink. It was, however, very refreshing." Cliff Lassahn, Opening Act

The sheriff who escorts you out of town
As far as we know, nobody was escorted, but it is rumored that one performer was wheeled out in an old Ames cart……

There’s no business like show business,
Like no business I know
"We had two actual rehearsals. We did have several meetings putting the words together and designing the oh so fabulous RID box." David Peruzza, Bayard Street Boys

"The most difficult part of the process was getting together for rehearsals. We were from DC, Philly, and Delaware." Mark Benjamin, Fellowship of the Queens

"Our house did it to have fun and that’s what we did. We even commented on the fact that with a group of gay men doing something like this, we had no fights and all got along. It was a great experience. I actually went to JR’s (Bar, in DC) for show tunes the other night and found myself singing Oklahomo. The lesbians were awesome." David Peruzza, Bayard Street Boys"

"I was the crazy dancer from Amen to AM Men. Well, I must say that Michael my BF and co-star was the mastermind behind our show...I particularly loved the audiences reaction to our short little ‘ballet’ segment. Most of all I want to thank Michael, for all the effort and work he put into our production. He spent a lot of time and energy on our show and I hope it showed." Anthony English, AMEN to AM Men

Ev’rything about it is appealing
Ev’rything the traffic will allow
"I loved the whole process from getting the script, rehearsing, clowning around, and of course, the performance. What great fun and camaraderie…these are the best of times living here and experiencing such exhilaration and joy." Joan Glass, The Power Surges

"Why do we do it? Because we love having fun. It is the best escape from what we do as Lawyers, Engineers, Advertising execs and Financial execs." Gene Cavazos, Charlie’s Angels

"I love the practices, the mistakes, the incredible feeling I get when we get it "right" for the first time, listening to the director, not listening to the director, and the wonderful friendships that have deepened during our struggle to "put on a show." Pam Kozey, The Power Surges

Nowhere will you get that happy feeling When you are stealing that extra bow
"This was our first time performing in Follies and we had an awesome time. We had no idea of how great a feeling it would be to be part of such a multi-talented group of performers committed to making a difference in fundraising for our gay community." Marc Anthony, Camelot Players

"I was thrilled by the amazing sense of community and support for each other I felt all evening. The energy in that room could have provided electricity for all of Delaware. It really was a gathering of 800 family members!" Cathin Bishop, The Power Surges

"And special thanks to Chris Riss for being an inspiration, and Murray and Steve for your outstanding dedication to our community." Marc Anthony, Camelot Players

There’s no people like show people
"The bar was definitely raised from last year in every aspect including the performances, staging, props, and technical support. What a difference that made!" Brent Minor, Delmarva Divas

"I have to respect the bravery of the performers as they are doing things the rest of us might love to do, but could never find the courage!" Sue, Audience Member

They smile when they are low
Yesterday they told you would not go far
"The first time we all rehearsed together was the Friday before the show. Our rehearsal at the convention center was not good at all…" Mark Benjamin, Gangs of Rehoboth

That night you open and there you are
"…but Saturday night we pulled it all together and we were very happy with our performance." Mark Benjamin, Gangs of Rehoboth

Next day on your dressing room they’ve hung a star
"Lots of creative juices flowing and it showed up there on the stage. All of the hard work that was put into those 3 hours exuded fun, frolic and just plain zaniness, along with some very timely commentary. It was fun!" Jill, Audience Member

"Thanks to all troupe members for making this year’s Follies such a success…As Production Manager, thanks for a smooth show, for getting everyone there on time for rehearsal, and for working to make it such a great production. Second, as President of the Board of CAMP Rehoboth, thank you for helping us to raise the funds that will see us through the coming year and allow us to continue with the important programs and projects of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. From my perspective, everyone is a winner and deserving of an award." Murray Archibald, Follies Production Manager

"I’m very appreciative of the nearly 200 people involved in making CAMP Rehoboth Follies 2003 a greater success than I dared hope. This is truly an event by the community and for the community. I hope the spirit of Follies helps move participants and attendees to be further involved in Rehoboth’s welcoming community." Chris Riss, Follies Producer

Let’s go on with the show
"My thanks to all, I hope you’re already thinking about next year!" Murray Archibald

"Would I do it again? IN A HEART BEAT!" Marc Anthony, Camelot Players

"Do the Power Surges need another alto for next year?" Jill, Audience Member

"We all had lots of fun and the thought that it helped to raise money for such a good cause is truly icing on the cake." Said by Brent Minor, but echoed by all.

Let’s go on with the show.