Candlelight Pavilion Offers A Taste of Old Hollywood

By Darcie Flansburg
Real Critics Editor Publisher

Candlelight Pavilion's latest show has all the glitz and glam of old Hollywood complete with lit staircases, sparkling Ziegfeld Follies and a charming host.

"The Will Rogers Follies" portrays the life of famed humorist Will Rogers with grand dance numbers and classic songs.

The show covers everything from the day Rogers was born to his death. The audience witnesses the moment when Rogers met his future wife, when he ran for president, and how the world reacted when Rogers' life was cut short by a tragic airplane accident.  All the while Rogers plays to the audience and performs dance numbers with the Ziegfeld Follies.

Ziegfeld's voice is heard throughout the show, barking commands at Rogers as if the audience is interrupting a rehearsal. But this rehearsal includes flashbacks of Rogers' life.

Danny Michaels returned to Candlelight Pavilion to reprise the title role, a role that he has performed throughout Southern California. Michaels' smooth, sultry voice coupled with his sensitive charm and winning smile, won over the audience immediately. Audience members cooed and giggled in an enjoyment as Michaels made jokes and provided witty banter in between scenes and songs.

Michaels' performance of "Never Met A Man I Didn't Like" was particularly touching.
This production marks the last time Michaels will be performing the role.

Lisa Dyson also reprised her role as Rogers' wife Betty Blake. Dyson and Michaels fit together like a glove, with sensational harmonies and disarming personalities.

Taking the show through Rogers' life is Zeigfeld's Favorite, played by Tracy Pedretti. Pedretti played Rogers' sidekick and Ziegfeld's liaison with great zeal. Her smile and laugh had the audience laughing and playing along with her antics.

Richard Malmos played Rogers' father Clem. Malmos' vocals and wily ways were always a pleasure, even when he was being disagreeable.

Some of the most enjoyable moments in the show involve the lovely Ziegfeld Follies. The ensemble of talented women brought a spirited and old fashioned flare that made everyone smile.

In the past, critics have had their problems with "The Will Rogers Follies" as a show. But this 11-time Tony nominated and 6-time Tony winning show will definitely provide a fun and insightful way to spend the evening.

The 1991 Tony Award-winning Musical may be somewhat outdated, but many of Rogers' ideas and critiques about the world, which he reveals through humor, are very poignant today.
With the presence of Michaels as the leading man, backed by another strong Candlelight Pavilion cast, "The Will Rogers Follies" is delightful.

Candlelight Pavillion, "The Will Rogers Follies," 455 West Foothill Blvd., Claremont Ca, www.candlelightpavilion.com, 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20 through Sept. 26, $48-$68 for General Admission, $25-$30 for children 12 and under