Carson Follies enters 26th year with 'Ocean Commotion' happening Oct. 4-5
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Tue, 09/24/2024 - 6:55am
Giving back to the community and being with the people they love is what is at the root of the Carson Follies, a long-standing community production that is gearing up for its 26th year with "Ocean Commotion" at the Bob Boldrick Theater inside the Carson City Community Center the first weekend in October.
Ocean Commotion sets the stage for clogging, tap dancing, musical acts, poetry, belly dancing, and comedic acts bringing the sea to the stage and bound to entertain all. “Follies means family, friends, and giving myself to a greater cause to support Meals on Wheels,” states Carol Schirlls, a Follies cast member for 16 years.
With an all-volunteer crew, the Follies provides an outlet for performers of all ages and experience to get on stage with friendships building over the months of rehearsing for the show. The Follies raises money for Meals on Wheels Carson City who delivers over 100,000 meals each year to homebound and shut-in seniors who are unable to prepare meals or shop for groceries.
“Meals on Wheels is the lifeline for Carson City’s most vulnerable and we are honored the Follies puts in so much time creating the entire production to support our work,” states Courtney Warner, Director of the Carson City Senior Center which operates Meals on Wheels. “With the Follies and the community’s support, we can ensure no senior goes hungry.”
Toni VanCleave, director, singer, and dancer has been a part of the Follies for 15 years. “Keeping the legacy of the Follies going and helping Meals on Wheels is why I volunteer,” states VanCleave. “I’m a ham and love to perform.”
VanCleave is most excited to watch the Wellerman clogging act from this year’s production.
The Capital City Cloggers have been performing with the Follies for six years and their favorite acts from past productions were the clogging numbers from the Star Wars Cantina and the patriotic finales. Members state they enjoy “working with the other performers as they are like family” which keeps them coming back year after year.
Retired circus performers Tom and Luba Tomashek have been part of the Follies since 2012. “The Senior Center provides this activity for those of us still wanting to perform. We love to stay active after a life in the circus show business and what better way to keep that spirit alive than a variety show,” states Tomashek.
Local musicians, Don and Nadine Klestinski are familiar faces within the Follies and the Senior Center as in addition to the Follies, they also perform the monthly dance parties held at the Senior Center. “Performing in the Follies helps us stay active,” states Klestinski who is looking forward to watching new addition Dennis Arnoldi perform in this year’s production. “Our favorite act from last year was the Moon Landing act with Bob Schirlls” states Klestinski. Warner shared a fond memory of Don Klestinski performing as Steve Martin’s King Tut performed on Saturday Night Live. “Not only did Don K. sing the song perfectly, but he also mastered all the dance moves from the SNL skit. Such a fond memory and I look forward to seeing everyone on stage each year.”
With a cast and crew of over 20 performers, the Follies will be welcoming back fan favorites such as the hip twists of the Babylon Babes who are set to perform several belly dancing numbers. Gene Munnings, who many will remember as the Aflac Duck and Energizer Bunny from previous shows, will be putting his uncanny resemblance to Gilligan from1960’s TV Show Gilligan's Island to work, and Cedric Williams, a talented singer who frequents local venues in town will lend his voice to a classic Titanic number that is bound to bring down the house.
Tickets for the show are $10 and will be sold one-hour prior to the first act. Showtimes are Friday, Oct. 4 at 7pm and Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Bob Boldrick Theater, 851 E. William Street. The show will have refreshments and raffle tickets will be sold during intermission.
Meals on Wheels depends on fundraisers like the Follies to continue its vital work for our Carson City seniors. “How amazing would it be to look out into the audience and see so many people show up to support the Follies, show up for seniors, and show up for Meals on Wheels,” states VanCleave.
