2022 Holly Jolly Follies

Nov. 22, 2022 — A happy tradition in Florence is to gather your friends and family and head over to the Florence Events Center for the Holly Jolly Follies. This year’s Follies will be presented by CROW at the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St., on Dec. 2 to 4 and is sure to kick off people’s holiday season right.

“It has been three whole years since the Follies graced the stage at the Florence Events Center,” said CROW Artistic Director Melanie Heard. ”Our production in 2019 happened just before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived as an unwelcome cast member. So many people have commented how much they have missed it and are so excited that we are back this year. We are so happy to be back!!”

Local playwright Rose Ellen Jacobson, with the help of her daughter and show director, Heard, have created a sentimental and sweet series of vignettes, involving several of the Follies’ most beloved characters, plus some new additions. 

The show will feature assistant direction by Genevieve Shahan, musical direction by Maree Beers and live musical accompaniment by Rhianna Haines and Marty Adams, plus many other musicians, volunteers and performers. Additionally, scenic elements will be designed and painted by Brian D. Sandahl.

The short synopsis is that Santa’s gift of a magical stocking comes as a BIG surprise to the elves this year. Each unexpected item that is revealed represents one of life’s perfectly intangible gifts, such as Laughter, Love, Friendship, Creativity, Time and much more.

The story centers on the concept that the “perfect gift” doesn’t need ribbons
or bows, because it is not something that can be bought in a store.   

As always, there will be delightful variety-style performances, intermixed throughout. This year’s offerings include the incredible Flight Dance Team — back with an original piece entitled “The Gift of Nature” — several beautiful vocalists, teen and adult tappers, CROW’s dance class performances, comedy skits, live music and, of course, the World Famous Tutu Dads, who will pounce into your heart.

Putting the Follies together is no easy feat, since it involves such a diverse crowd of talents – not to mention a huge cast of volunteers. But CROW is no stranger to the task, having taken the reins for this community event back in 2016.

“The entire CROW team is really looking forward to bringing our community a heartwarming show this year,” said Heard.

Ticket sales from the Follies support CROW’s free and low-cost arts programming, including scholarships for youth, educational materials and production costs for the non-profit’s Spring mainstage production — “The SpongeBob Musical,” which will hold open auditions in January and be performed live on stage in April 2023.

For tickets to ”The Perfect Gift:” The 2022 Holly Jolly Follies, visit the Florence Events Center at www.eventcenter.org or call 541-997-1994.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for kids 12 and younger. Showtimes are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. For additional details, including a Ticket Discount Promo Code which expires Nov. 5, visit www.crowkids.com.