Madison Beach Club Follies Will Put On A 'Legendary' Show Friday

MADISON, CT — After COVID-19 forced its cancellation in 2020, the Madison Beach Club Follies are back on Friday – and the theme of this year's performance is "Legends."

The show will begin on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Beach Club. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under, and can be bought in advance at the Club Desk (128 Island Avenue, Madison) or at the door the night of the performance (subject to availability).

The setlist will include music from the 1960s, including Frank Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight," to the 1990s, such as Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places," Lauren Thierry Watkins, publicity chair for The Follies, said in a news release.

Every decade in between will be featured, with performances of songs like "California Dreamin'" and "Sweet Caroline," Watkins said.

"I'm running a gauntlet of 'legends' here," Follies Director Matthew Harrison, who put together the setlist, said in the news release. "The Madison Beach Club stage will capture the spirit of the most iconic, legendary performances ever."

Performances will be backed up by choreography, Watkins said, and audience members are encouraged to sing along with the cast.

The Follies has been an annual tradition at the Madison Beach Club since 1936 and has only been canceled during World War II (from 1942 to 1945) and last summer, Watkins said.

"But we are back! I wouldn't miss our 'come back show' for anything," frequent cast member Jennifer Holster said in a statement. "This year's performance will have a couple surprises that maybe took us a year off to put into play."

Choreographer Tiffany Wilson said one thing The Follies' audience can count on is "energy."

"You'll see enthusiasm comes at all ages," she said, noting the multi-generational cast will perform the YMCA. "I'll be adding a slightly new twist to the dance steps, but everyone will feel that energy – I promise!"