Madison Beach Club Takes Road Trip For 80th Follies

Contributed by The Madison Beach Club; Photo credits: Anne Foley

The Madison Beach Club Follies will head down “Route 66” on Friday, August 5th and Saturday, August 6th for a “Summer Road Trip.”

That’s the theme of the annual, enduring tradition that has made “stars” of club members – ages 14- to 80 – since 1936.

A cast of 30 will be “Leaving On A Jet Plane” or hopping into a “Little Red Corvette” to some of America’s favorite summer destinations, from “California Girls” to “Georgia On My Mind” to “Woodstock,” singing and dancing all the way.

The Follies traditional show-stopper, The Kickline – will be high stepped in a tribute to “NYC.”

Brian Henry, an actor and choreographer/director, has run The Follies for 14 years, coming each summer from New York City, where he recently completed a run in NewYork’s Unfringed Festival Production of “Coffeehouse Magik.”

“The name of the game with Follies is fun,” says Mr. Henry. “It's always fun for me to come up to Madison, have fun with the cast and crew, and put a a big splashy show up on the stage. And, of course, the hope for a great night of fun for the whole family to come see.”

Among the standout Follies performers this year are Madison-ites Fred Lyle, Robert Caserta, Michael Caserta, Andrea Dante, Vitaline O’Toole, Haley Beecher, Gabby LaTorre, Clay Hayden and Jack Thornbury.

This year’s Follies is chaired by Mimi O’Leary Franz of Madison, whose daughter, Campbell and son, Sam will be in the show. Son Griffin is on stage crew.

“After years of watching the Follies and being part of the various Committees over the years, it’s a great honor to be the Chair of the 80th Follies. Let's make this the Best Follies Ever!” says Ms. O’Leary.

B F E (Best Follies Ever!) is the Beach Club’s traditional tag line. And every year, it is the B F E!

Proceeds from the Follies go to Connecticut charities. The public performance on Friday, Aug. 5th, starts at 7pm . Advance tickets can be purchased at the MBC front desk, 128 Island Ave., from 9am to 6pm.