History of Palm Springs Follies

Finding a truly historical and authentic theatre house can be a challenge, but in Palm Springs, the home of the Palm Springs Follies, you find this and more.  Surrounded by a history of famous viewers, intelligent artists, and loads of supporters, the Plaza Theatre, offers you the entertainment and taste of history you crave.

The Palm Springs Folliesfirst opened in December of 1936, Earl Strebe the manager/owner, offered Camille, a now historic and classic picture show as the first performance given.  Not only did the Plaza Theatre immerse you in a bygone culture and way of entertainment that is difficult to find today, but also they boasted performers such as Frank Sinatra, Donald O'Connor, and many others.  These well known actors and performers were the limelight of the shows, and helped to make the Plaza Theatre a popular place back in the day,

Sadly, in 1987 the theatre, after losing many visitors and revenue to more modern means of entertainment the old walls had seemingly spoken their final words and now fell silent, waiting for the next inevitable stage of growth.  This came in 1991 when the city council of Palm Springs inquired into the background, and possible future of the grand old beauty, and requested something be invented for the usage if it as such.  So much history surrounded this building, so many dreams and stories, to leave it in ruins and disuse would have been a travesty, thus the assistance was requested of Riff Markowitz, a retired television producer, who unleashed his creative powers, and with the aid of his partner, Mary Jardin, created the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.  Instead of allowing history to fade, she was resurrected with the beautiful Plaza Theatre and the crowds that enter her doors even today. 

The Palm Springs Follies currently perform at least 7 months out of the year, opening their doors to any and all that would care to visit back in time to the 20's, 30's, and 40's --a place where life was easier, far less modern, and simply likeable.  The Palm Springs Follies has grown with each passing year, after having made themselves a part of history and capturing a place in peoples' hearts everywhere.  Through hard work, a lot of sweat, frustration and tears the Palm Springs Follies rose to stardom by offering performances of the past, and there you find yourself immersed in the actors' portrayal of a bygone era which they are required to have experienced themselves to be allowed to act it.  This enables them to be experts on the authenticity, history, and down home humor being performed.  If you are interested in the history of Palm Springs Follies, search the internet for sites that give you history, shows, and the chance to buy a ticket back into the past.