The 2016 Follies, a Benefit for Los Altos Stage Company, Sept. 29 - Oct. 1

THE 2016 FOLLIES:

A SALUTE TO BLOVIATION, OBFUSCATION AND TREPIDATION

The Los Altos Follies celebrates 23 years of fun and fundraising for Los Altos Stage Company in "A Salute to Bloviation, Obfuscation and Trepidation!" on September 29, 30, and October 1. Curtain time for each show is 7:30 p.m. at Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos.
This enduring satirical musical revue of modern life and politics features original lyrics to well-known tunes. The show is written, produced and directed by local residents who donate their time to create an entertaining evening of humor and music. Proceeds enable Los Altos Stage Company to support local arts and youth educational programming.
"We Follies types usually love an election year, when political ridiculousness is abundant," said Vicki Reeder, Follies producer. "This time calling it "A Salute to Bloviation" doesn't seem like hyperbole. There's enough Bloviation and Obfuscation flying around to stage two Follies shows just to cover it all!"
She goes on to say, "Don't worry, we're sticking with one Follies, and we've managed to keep our Trepidation down to an almost-comfortable level while we zero in on the topics that are the most amusing. You know, things like sea level rise in our Bay, political discord, airplane noise, the high-speed train controversy; all quite hilarious! We even manage to get in some digs at the antics of our neighbors down south in Brazil and across the pond in Jolly Old England; we are proud to be equal-opportunity offenders!"
In addition to Reeder, the cast includes Gordon Abraham, Christine Abraham, Rhea Feldman, Nancy Glaze, Kathryn Holleb, David Hsiao, Duncan MacVicar, Rod Sinks, and Cary Young. Charles Morgan is the music director and pianist, with band members Bill Brown on guitar and John Sylvester on saxophone.
Sylvester also serves as Master of Ceremonies. He will be joined at each performance by a special guest host from the community. Sharing emcee duties with Sylvester on Thursday will be Los Altos Mayor Pro Tem Mary Prochnow. The co-host on Friday will be Los Altos Hills Councilwoman Courtenay Corrigan, and at the final performance on Saturday, Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian.
Follies open with a Preview Night performance, Thursday, September 29. Tickets are $60 per person. There is no reception for the Thursday show.
Opening Night is Friday, September 30, with appetizers by Guckenheimer and a wine reception before and after the show beginning at 6:30 p.m. Casual Friday tickets are $100 per person.
The Saturday Gala, October 1, is a festive attire affair featuring a pre-and post-show champagne reception with live music. Tickets are $100 per person. It is reserved seating for Friday and Saturday performances. A silent auction featuring vacation homes, catered parties, and special theater events will be held during both receptions.
Corporate sponsors of Follies are Courtyard by Marriott, Palo Alto-Los Altos; Guckenheimer; Young, Craig and Company; and Kathy Bridgman, Alain Pinel Real Estate.
For reservations and information, call the Los Altos Altos Stage Company box office at (650) 941-0551 or visit www.losaltosstage.org.

Photos by Richard Mayer.