The Follies Theatre to Present New Year's Eve Show

The Follies Theatre provided the following news release:

The Follies Theatre, currently under construction in downtown Yorkville, will raise the curtain on its first production on New Year’s Eve, “Fly Me To the Moon--The Sinatra Celebration Show.”

“We can’t think of a better way to ring in the new year than with the gala opening of not just a new show, but a brand new entertainment destination in Yorkville,” said Producer Don Grant Zellmer.

Zellmer and Co-Producer, Dr. David A. Kuester have combined their production company with the efforts of Imperial Investments, and the two adjoining buildings at 217 and 219 Bridge Street are under extensive renovation turning the two spaces into a Deco-style showroom with tiered levels to accommodate table seating, and a comfortable lobby that will house the box office, concession area that will feature wines and desserts, as well as new restrooms. In addition, a stage is being constructed, dressing rooms, offices, and light and sound rigging.

“A lot is happening in a relatively short amount of time,” commented Kuester, “but we’re confident we’ll make that New Year’s Eve opening.

“Fly Me To The Moon” is already in rehearsal off-site, and once the build is complete, the performers will move into their new digs, mounting the show on New Year’s Eve with a run through March 18, playing Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.

“Fly Me To The Moon” is not an imitation show, but rather a tribute show with six performers performing over two dozen Sinatra classics as solos, duets, and company numbers featuring soaring harmonies, along with choreography, unique staging, and patter about Frank Sinatra’s personal and professional life.

“The show is approached as a very theatrical and entertaining musical comedy revue,” said Kuester, “and certainly not a concert.” Zellmer added, “We felt the show was very hip and ‘cool,’ while being somewhat retro…and let’s face it--who doesn’t like Sinatra music? It‘s just good theatre. And with the layout of the Follies--informal seating at tables and chairs, it‘s very much a ‘showroom‘ type of show where you can relax, have a drink, and take a step back in time.”

The show was a natural fit for the Follies’ opening show. Follies Productions has produced the show at their former venue in Utica, IL, as well as at Starved Rock State Park Lodge and other venues. Usually performed with a cast of four, the producers decided to expand the cast to six performers. They include Don Grant Zellmer, Eric Chambliss, Norm Engstrom, Erin Gibson, Christy Roosma, and Debbie Torri.

All have extensive performing credits in many areas of entertainment, from professional theatre and the music industry to Las Vegas, film, and more. The performers have all appeared in “Fly Me To The Moon,” although not always in the same production. Torri and Zellmer were two of the four performers in a Rockford, IL production, and Roosma, Gibson, Engstrom, and Zellmer performed the show together for over a year.

“I seriously thought we put this show to bed after a year,” commented performer Christy Roosma, “and I didn’t think I’d be singing Sinatra tunes for a long time! But this does seem to be the ideal opening show for our new theatre.”

Eric Chambliss, new to the production, expressed his enthusiasm about the addition of a movie musical section.

“When you realize Sinatra was in ‘Guys and Dolls,’ ‘Can-Can,’ ‘High Society,’ and all those other great movie musicals, it’s so much fun to do ‘guy’ songs like ‘New York, New York A-- Hell Of A Town’ (from ‘On The Town’) and ‘Fugue For Tinhorns’ (from ‘Guys and Dolls’) with Norm and Don.

Audiences can expect familiar Sinatra tunes like “Strangers In The Night,” “That’s Life,” “Something Stupid,” “My Way,” “Witchcraft,” “Love And Marriage,” and many more in the two-act show, plus comedy, dancing, and other surprises. While all six performers are what Zellmer and Kuester refer to as part of “the Follies family of performers,” (having been with the Follies for years), auditions for local talent for upcoming shows will be scheduled later in November.

“We’re always looking for new talent to add to our ‘family,’” said Kuester.

Performer Erin Gibson added: “It’s such a comfortable atmosphere to work in and be allowed to experiment and be creative…Don and David always make every show fun, exciting, a little challenging, and they’re always audience-pleasers. And it doesn’t hurt that at the end of the day, we’re all very good friends, too.”

With new wiring and the amount of construction in the venue, phone lines are not yet available, and the Follies Theatre website--just like the building(s)--is under construction.

For information, or to join the email newsletter mailing list, audiences are encouraged to email the Follies at folliestheatre@yahoo.com. Tickets will range from $28 to $32, and dinner show packages will be available as well as overnight packages with the Hampton Inn.

The New Year’s Eve Grand Opening Gala information will be announced through the newsletter and in upcoming press releases. Those wishing to audition should also contact the producers at the Follies Theatre email. Follies Theatre also is on Facebook here.