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The Will Rogers Follies: A Life in Revue by Moonlight Stage Productions  A feast for the eyes and ears with dazzling dancing,
beautiful showgirls, outlandish costumes and sets, great music, political
commentary, and refreshing homespun humor (along with a big helping of corny
jokes) from one of America’s earliest stars – The Will Rogers Follies: A
Life in Revue has it all. And currently it is all being done up just right
under the stars at the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista.
John Vaughan directs and choreographers this crowd-pleaser – an unusual sort of musical that combines the lavish Ziegfeld Follies with a charming biography emceed by the smooth-talkin’ and smooth-singin’ reincarnation of Will Rogers himself. In the form of John Bisom. John’s easy, aw-shucks, natural sense of comedy makes for a great fit, and you just can’t help but like him and his take on life (and his own premature death). Joining him are some always welcome Moonlight regulars led by Bets Malone as Will’s leading lady with an irresistible personality and sense of humor herself and a voice that can belt out the big numbers like the jazzy No Man Left for Me while delivering the bittersweet closing ballad Without You just as successfully. Sexy, long-legged Erin Anderson is a total hoot as Ziegfeld’s Favorite – the dancing girl who gets all the cameos because of the man upstairs (and behind us, whose voice you hear every once in a while barking suggestions and orders to the cast). Erin’s real-life father-in-law Nils Anderson is a hit as Will’s cantankerously departed father Clem Rogers. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Daniel Louis Myers, Allie Quinn Trimm, Davin Curtis, and Teddy Blessing have some amusing cameos as Will and Betty’s children (one of which refuses to leave even after his real-life counterpart had passed away). And tying things up is some miraculous rope play by magician Anthony Munoz (John Bisom kindly allowing Anthony to substitute for him in demonstrating Will Rogers’ roping prowess…). They are surrounded by a remarkable ensemble of dexterous dancers who do it all, from graceful ballet on their backs, to a clever and well-coordinated hand-jive type number using themselves, their neighbors, and a tambourine hat as percussion (Our Favorite Son), to the famous kicklines – each spot-on coordinated and full of vitality. This group has style, grace, beauty, and humor – just like the show.Performs through August 21, 2005.
~ Cast ~
 Will Rogers: John BisomBetty Blake: Bets Malone Clem Rogers: Nils Anderson Ziegfeld's Favorite: Erin Anderson Wiley Post: Tom Brault Roper: Anthony Munoz Will Rogers, Jr.: Daniel Louis Myers Mary Rogers: Allie Quinn Trimm James Rogers: Davin Curtis Freddy Rogers: Teddy Blessing Will's Sisters/Betty's Sisters: Courtney Burfeind Athena Espinoza Jamie Lynn Hebert Casey Jones Lia Metz Marianne Nevitt Will Rogers Wranglers: Angel Castellano Steven Donahue Geoffrey Voss Nick Wheat New Ziegfeld Girls: Marcy Brooks Courtney Burfeind Athena Espinoza Brenna Fleeman Caryn Hall Jamie Lynn Hebert Casey Jones Lia Metz Marianne Nevitt Kristien Lee Olson Katie Palmer Tiffany Spicer Pit Orchestra Vocalists: Wendy Butler Brenda Hogan Amy McDonald Beverly Taylor Director/Choreographer: John Vaughan Musical Directors: Don LeMaster and Kenneth Gamme Orchestra Conductor: Kenneth Gammie Costume Designer: Pamela Johnson Gil Lighting Design: Steven Young Sound Design: Derek Brener Stage Manager: Stanley D. Cohen Scenery Provided by Ben Bollinger Productions |