Senior Follies set for Carson City

It takes two to tango, or eight to Paso Doble in the Senior Follies.

The annual show celebrates its 20th year with three performances at the Carson City Community Center’s Bob Boldrick Theater, July 14-16.

This year’s theme is As Seen On TV and features skits, songs and performances inspired by variety shows and series of the past like the Ed Sullivan Show, the Lawrence Welk Show, Bonanza and The Golden Girls, and today’s Dancing with the Stars featuring the waltz and the Paso.

The production raises money for the Carson City Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels program.

Last year, Senior Follies raised $9,000, which provided about 1,500 meals, said Courtney Warner, the senior center’s executive director.

“I love doing the Senior Follies for Meals on Wheels. It’s a good cause,” said Carol Schrills, one of the eight Paso Doble dancers rehearsing Wednesday at the Senior Center. “It’s my ninth year.”

For Toni VanCleave, it’s her ninth outing, too, and her second directing the production, which features a cast and crew of about 30 people.

“I didn’t want it to stop,” said VanCleave, who directed in 2014 and then volunteered again after the former director, Carla Wilson, retired last year.

“It’s going to be a good show, a fast show,” said VanCleave.

The show’s choreographer is Suzette Feilen, who was there Wednesday to rehearse the dancers.

“Nice posture,” she encouraged. “Don’t lean forward.”

For Kathy Block, who’s participating for the first time, the show has been a personal cause, too.

“I saw it last year and I said ‘I’m going to be in it next time.’ It was a personal goal for me,” said Block. “I have multiple sclerosis and I wanted to prove I could do it.”

It’s the first Senior Follies, too, for Ron Bambao, who belongs to High Sierra Swing Dance Club and knows Jon Yaple, who with his wife Jeanne is one of the four Paso Doble couples.

“Jon introduced me to Toni who asked me to be part of the show,” said Bambao. “I’d seen the Paso Doble but never done it before. But I do other dances so I’m not completely without rhythm.”

The remaining dancers are Tony Rue, Earl Case and VanCleave.

Performances of Senior Follies’ As Seen On TV are 7 p.m. July 14 and 2 p.m. on July 15 and 16 at the Bob Boldrick Theater, Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.

Tickets are $10 and available at the Senior Center or starting an hour before each performance at the theater.

Admission is free for children aged 5 and younger.

For more information, call 883-0703.