Sweet Dreams: The 2024 Holly Jolly Follies

Sweet Dreams: The 2024 Holly Jolly Follies

Nothing kicks off the holiday season quite like C.R.O.W.’s production of The Holly Jolly Follies.  This year’s Follies will be presented at the Florence Events Center December 6, 7, and 8. 

Director and playwright Melanie Heard has created an enchanting script entitled “Sweet Dreams: A North Pole Nutcracker.”  The show is loosely based on the beloved classical ballet’s story, but according to Heard is “Not your grandma’s Nutcracker!”  Heard danced in the traditional Nutcracker for eight years, portraying every role from a dancing Mirliton to a demi-soloist Waltz of the Flowers dancer, to a partygoer to a soldier chasing rats around.  “The Nutcracker is forever a part of my heart,” she says.  “But this show is quite a spin on the classic favorite.”  

Several familiar characters will return, including adorable Sparkle Elf.  Sparkle was cast as “Clara” in the North Pole’s Nutcracker, but Santa and Mrs. Claus have had her running around so much that she’s become totally exhausted!  During a Nutcracker rehearsal, she falls asleep and is whisked away to a magical dream world where she encounters bizarre, mystical, and fantastical creatures.  She also meets a handsome Prince who teaches her the power of friendship.  Sparkle learns that being present for the little things in life is perhaps one of the most beautiful gifts of all. 

This year’s Follies will feature musical direction by Maree Beers, associate direction by Genevieve Shahan, plus many other talented volunteers and performers.  

As always, there will be delightful variety act style performances, intermixed throughout.  These will include the Flight Dance Team, several beautiful vocalists, various aged tappers, hip-hoppers, and belly dancers, C.R.O.W.’s ballet and contemporary dance class performances, a commercial spoof, The Sugarplum Fairy variation, live music, the Dance Moms, and of course…. the World Famous Tutu Dads – who will waltz their way across the stage like never-before-seen vivacious blooms.  

Ticket sales from the Follies support C.R.O.W.’s free and low-cost arts programming, including scholarships for youth, educational materials, and production costs for the non-profit’s Spring mainstage production (Matilda The Musical), which will hold open auditions in January 2025.  The Follies is a family friendly event, and also features a lobby boutique with treats and surprises, and a concession stand provided by the Events Center.  There will be collection bins in the lobby to benefit Florence Food Share, so please consider bringing food donations when you attend the show.  

For tickets to the 2024 Holly Jolly Follies, visit the Florence Events Center website at www.eventcenter.org, or call 541-997-1994.  Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for kids 12 and younger.  Military can receive an in-person discount at the box office window of $2 off.  Showtimes are Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 7 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm. For additional details, visit www.crowkids.com.