Calaveras
Follies Wows
By Eva Dunn
The long anticipated Fourth Annual Calaveras Follies, "an
outrageously hilarious musical review", on April 12, 2008 did not
disappoint! Indeed, it was a night to remember, with talented
community 'performers' de-lighting us, making us laugh so hard it
hurt. We were greeted warmly when we arrived, and seated up near
the stage. Mark Twain Hall was transformed with white tablecloths,
sparkling lights hung across the ceiling in a big star design, and
silver top hats and crystals on each table.
Appetizers were served almost non-stop til we were quite satiated;
a no-host bar provided wet treats like chilled wine throughout the
show. John Brophy (County Schools Superintendent), Master of
Ceremonies, was perfectly cast in his role and made a special
appearance with 'Rosie the Riveter'. We were in for a fine evening
of fun and entertainment.
The Calaveras Follies is the major fund-raiser for the Calaveras
Youth Mentoring Program, with new and returning sponsors
contributing the funds for this yearly event. A great Raffle of
elegant, bountiful baskets of prizes also helped raise funds for
the cause. There is a great team of hard working volunteers behind
the scenes each year to put on this incredible show. This night was
truly unforgettable. Artistic Director Terri Wilson, Murphys Creek
Theater, has worked tirelessly 4 years now with this group,
bringing out the best in them, fine tuning great talent! Follies
Producer Marian Coahran says this year we once again had incredible
talent and dedication in the Calaveras County community. She
encourages you to join the cast at
www.calaverasfollies.com.
There were 18 acts this evening by community stars. Costumes were
perfect and hilarious in some cases. Lip syncing was perfect, wigs
and costumes fit the songs. One terrific act after the other!
Selecting a winner from these acts was very difficult, as it is
each year. I have to say that Marti Crane, Exec. Director, CC
Volunteer Center, was delightful in every act she appeared in, but
my favorite was her "I just Don't Look Good Naked Anymore"
rendition. With a huge potbelly protruding under a white T-shirt,
jean shorts, a tan vest and straw hat, it was hilarious! Then she
did "Among My Souvenirs", pulling an endless array of souvenirs
from her 'treasure chest'. A true artist!
A
very talented Isabel Lyle, Bear Valley Mountain Resort, performed
I Can't Do It Alone from Chicago. She played the role
perfectly and looked pro-fessional as she danced expertly. What a
wonderful performance! The winning act selected by the audience for
the coveted Frog Oscar was Dem Bones by Paul Austin Kelly,
performed by Mary Anne Garamendi, Teacher; Kris Ford, Infant
Specialist; Lucy Thein, Courtyard B&B; and Mike Taylor, Lodestar
Editor, Calaveras
Enterprise.
This was a fun, stylish performance done in 'skeleton' costumes on
a dark stage so only the 'bones' showed. Other acts were so good
that this year, first and second runner-up awards were bestowed:
I'm a Middle Aged Woman performed by Pat Love, and Among My
Souvenirs performed by Marti Crane, respectively.
What a wonderful way to raise funds for a worthwhile cause while
delighting all those who were lucky enough to be in attendance this
fine night. If you have never been to the Calaveras Follies before,
do yourself a
huge favor and reserve your tickets early for next year! It is one
of the finest events happening in the gold country.
The Calaveras Follies welcomed a new Spotlight Sponsor this year,
Bear Valley Mountain Resort. Maybe it is time for your business to
help the Calaveras Mentoring pro-gram by becoming a sponsor, or
better yet, become a Mentor to a deserving child. Visit online:
www.calaverasfollies.com;
www.calaverasmentoring.org.
Published in Sutter Creek, our paper is a positive
example of journalism with an eclectic assortment of articles and
reviews ranging from health and wellness to the arts.
Back to Top
