CROW’s 2019 Holly Jolly Follies featured an ensemble cast, the Tu-Tu Dads and variety numbers for song, dance and skits. (Photos by Nathan Fuller for CROW)

Sept. 7, 2022 — The Holly Jolly Follies takes place this December at the Florence Events Center. Originally a community show, CROW (Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops) has taken on the follies to continue the magic in Florence. 

For those in a holiday mood, open auditions for 2022 solo, duo and small group variety and specialty act slots will be held Saturday, Sept. 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the CROW Center for the Performing Arts (3120 Highway 101 in Florence). People should mark their calendar and begin working on their follies piece that they’d like to audition.

“Please show us the exact piece you are proposing for the show,” said CROW Artistic Director Melanie Heard. “It does not need to be 100% finished, but just enough to show us what you have in mind.”

Available categories include: vocals, dances, poetry, comedy, skits or something that CROW is not yet aware of, but has always needed to add to the show!

The best length for a finished piece is less than 3 minutes. If applicable, bring your music on a device such as an iPod, phone, or MP3 player. You are welcome to connect to CROW’s Bluetooth speaker. All auditions must either have a holiday theme, or fit within a holiday themed show and must be family-friendly.

If you don’t wish to be a featured act or soloist, you can still participate!

The 2022 Follies All Cast Meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at CROW.

All are welcome to participate in the Ensemble (group numbers) and those who are new to the stage are encouraged to join the fun. No audition is needed to be in the Ensemble.

NEW: Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult or mature sibling to participate in the Ensemble.

The title of this year’s show, which is penned by Rose Ellen Jacobson, is “The Perfect Gift.”

The theme centers around non-tangible gifts people can give one another, such as love, time, patience, acceptance and kindness. It is a beautiful story and a timely reminder in today’s world.

Sponsorships are also welcome for those who want to support CROW and the Holly Jolly Follies.

Ensemble rehearsals occur evenings (generally 6:30 to 9 p.m.) throughout the end of October and all of November. Rehearsals are limited, so they are mandatory.

If people want to participate, they should be ready to commit to all of the ensemble rehearsals. Not all cast members are called every night. Schedules are handed out at the all-cast meeting in Oct. 24.

Additionally, there will be no rehearsals Wednesday to Sunday of Thanksgiving week.

Openings are also available to join the World Famous “Tutu Dads.”

Let CROW know if you’d like to become a member of this elite group of male comic dancers. The new piece will be “Purr-fectly Meowvelous.” Find more info at www.crowkids.com/tutu-dads.

The Follies will be performed Dec. 2, 3 and 4 at the Florence Events Center and tickets will be available to purchase later this year.

The week prior to performances is called “tech week” and all performers are required to attend these final tech and dress rehearsals.

For more information, visit www.crowkids.com or email [email protected].

“We hope you’ll join us and help bring holiday cheer to our wonderful community of Florence,” Heard said. “It truly is the ‘Perfect Gift!’”