At the end of February, my wife and I attended the "2nd Battalion, 1st Marines (Korea)" Reunion in Palm Springs. Actually, that group was designated as "Dog," "Easy" and "Fox" Companies of the 2nd Battalion of the 1st Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division in Korea. And, we still operated with the weaponry of World War II.
During this three year, one month war, this battalion probably contained more than a thousand men as replacements came and veterans went home after being wounded, killed or completing a 13-month tour of duty.
Those attending this reunion numbered 50 or 60 and more than 100 counting spouses. The vast majority of these veterans of my battalion are 75 to 80 years old, now.
Yet we had fun. We attended a presentation of the official Marine Corps Band and Silent Drill Team at the Marine Corps Combat Center at Twentynine Palms; and, as guests, we had lunch there. We visited museums in Palm Springs. We experienced camaraderie in the "Hospitality Room." But, the best was the "Palm Springs Follies."
This show is a fantastic stage show in an old theater in downtown Palm Springs, a half block down South Palm Canyon Drive from Tahquitz Canyon Way. But, let it speak for itself.
"The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies - a world-famous, Broadway-caliber celebration of the music, dance and comedy of the '30s, '40s, and '50s with a cast old enough to have lived it! Venerated guest stars and vaudeville acts join the Follies' world-renowned line of Long-Legged Lovelies and Follies Gentlemen, all ranging in age from 55 to 85."
But - the Entrepreneur, the Master of the Follies - the Impresario is Riff Markowitz. Having had a career in theatrical and television production as well as being a TV mogul, Riff came to Coachella Valley to retire. He found, however, he had nothing to do and he couldn't play golf.
Fortunately, he found this old theater downtown, where Jack Benny, Red Skelton and Frank Sinatra had performed. Along with Mary Jardin, he restored this venerable place and they founded the Follies.
For the past 18 seasons, Riff, as Impresario, and delivered humorous comments on "issues of the day, the social scene in Palm Springs, along with old burlesque jokes." His marvelous routines are pure Riff.
Just like the comics of old, he doesn't duck ethnicity or sexual preferences as fodder for his humor. He thrives on political incorrectness. He displays his Jewish ancestry. And, the front row better watch out for his interaction.
Yet, the "Fabulous Follies" are much more. The company of performers consists of 10 "girls," from 55 to 85 years young and six "guys' from 55 to 79 years. These are not neophytes. Their backgrounds range from the Paris Folies Bergere, New York stage, Las Vegas shows and many musicals and TV shows.
The current theme is "Get Your Kicks On Route 66" and the show begins with songs and dance which were popular when Bobby Troup reigned. Next, a fabulous show of Irina Markova and her Russian Poodles of many sizes and tricks was presented.
"A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody" theme attracted us in Scene Three. The girls were spectacular in their feathered creations. We men thought the "girls" were au natural with strategically placed accouterments. Our wives insisted they wore "body stockings."
And, for us older folks, there are two intermissions, during this three-hour show.
For Act Two, ventriloquist Sammy King made us laugh.
Next came the star, Susan Anton. This beautiful, tall, 5-foot, 11-inch chanteuse, now 58, stole the show. In fact, she came down to the audience and sang with a few of us seated on the aisles.
Fortunately, I was seated on the fourth row aisle seat and sang a few bars with Susan.
After another intermission, Act Three began with the dancing troupe performing more great dance and singing themes.
Finally, the "Follies" ended with a patriotic format. Many of our country's national songs were performed as well as those of each branch of our armed services.
Of course, when the "Marine Hymn" was played, all of us old marines stood and shouted, "Oorah!"
Each "Follies" season, which runs from October to May, has its own theme. So, this season is almost over and now features John Davidson. Susan Anton stars, again at the end of May.
Burton Anderson Burton Anderson, a U.S. Marine veteran of the Korean War, has lived in California for about 50 years. He has a background in the aerospace industry. He may be reached at bandtp@aol.com. The Board of Contributors is comprised of local writers whose views appear on Tuesdays and Fridays.
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