- April 23, 2024
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Whoever said the devil is in the details must have been thinking about musical theater. There were dozens of little things to be worked out at a recent dress rehearsal for the Ormond Beach Follies coming April 1, 2 and 3 to the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center.
Be sure to exit stage right. Take the microphone off the stage when your number is over. Don’t block the entrance with the table.
“That’s why we have rehearsals,” said director Cindy Simmons. “It all comes together.”
The annual Ormond Beach Follies, a fast-paced annual variety show, is performed by all local dancers, singers and comedy skit players.
“They have a lot of fun,” Simmons said.
This year’s theme is a tribute to Bob Hope and his USO shows, called “Thanks for the Memories.”
“I love the show’s concept,” Simmons said. “We’re honoring the troops as well as the performers who entertained.”
An almost year-round effort goes into the shows. Pam Connor, a mainstay for 15 years, said preparations for the next show begin a month after a show ends. Then, the dancers take classes and work on their routines for months.
Connor performed, handled publicity and was “assistant everything” until retiring this year to work on a political campaign. Her time with the Follies was “wonderful,” she said.
She remembers that most years, people would say, “this is the best one yet.”
“That told me we were improving,” she said.
Connor gives credit for much of the success of the show to the people who were willing to work behind the scenes.
The performers are a mix between those who worked professionally at one time and amateurs who have taken lessons.
Deirdre Pizzoferrato likes this year’s USO theme, because her son, Justin, has been in the Air Force for 13 years. She worked in the theater 40 years ago and now is enjoying being on stage again.
Kelly Lynch performed in USO shows in the 1980s, after being a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader in the 1983-84 season. This is her sixth year in the Follies.
“It’s just fun,” she said. “When you’re over 50, you need something you love to do. You need something to get up for in the morning. And this is worth getting up for.”
Claire Kiel danced as a child, and didn’t dance again until she retired from nursing.
“It brings back wonderful memories,” she said.
Barbara West called it her “passion, outlet, all those wonderful things.” She said she has been in the performance for 12 years, and now choreographs some of the numbers.
Connor said when the Follies started, only seniors were able to practice during the day, so it became a senior event. Now, the age limit for performers is 45 and up.
Chuck Leiphal remembers his mother, who was a dancer in the Big Band days in Detroit. A few years ago, his daughter suggested that he learn to dance. She told him it would “make Mother proud.”
“My mother would have enjoyed this immensely,” he said. “It’s a great facility. I can’t rave enough about it.”
