A few words from our Showgirls
A few of the showgirls, representing the first show in 2008 to the newest additions in later follies, got together to reminisce about what it is like to be a Follies showgirl and how it affected their lives. Each had an interesting perspective about why they volunteered and what they experienced.
“It’s true, its life in feathers and rhinestones featuring our authentic showgirls in sumptuous costumes.” – Stacy Dominguez
Being a showgirl is the most visible role in the show, and the ladies talked about what motivated them to want to be a showgirl. The reasons were varied but had a similar theme.
“I had no stage experience but was intrigued by the challenge of overcoming my ‘stage fright’ so accepted the challenge. I thought i’d not be able to get through that, but I did!”
“I was a cast member and remember watching from the wings and seeing the beautiful costumes, watching the ladies as they glided across the stage with such grace, and admiring the way they spoke to the patrons after the show made me want to be a showgirl. Seeing every age group flock to speak with and have their photos taken with the “lovelies” made my desire to audition overcome any fear or trepidation I felt.”
“At the time of the audition, I was 58 years old and in a rut, I thought I needed a new experience in my life and saw the ad for follies auditions and that they were seeking showgirls and I decided to take a chance. I’ve loved old Hollywood musicals and always wished to be able to be part of a great production number. I knew I had to try out and win or fail, I knew I would finally be taking a risk.”
“What a thrill for someone who has no actual show biz background or talent but always wished I could sing or something so I could be on the stage! My wish came true!”
The conversation continued about what role the showgirls play in the follies and what each thought was the best part of being one.
“I love our glamour! We represent the beauty of an older woman. We show that you can be a grandmother and still live a life of vitality.”
“There is no ‘worst’; it is all the ‘best’. Being a showgirl means I get to wear a fabulously outrageously wonderful costume and headdress.”
“The very best part for me is seeing the patrons after each show. I adore speaking to the different age groups and learning what they enjoyed most about the show. What I’ve learned from my experience thus far is that you can always trust children and seniors to tell you exactly what they think about the show, costumes, music, etc. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
“The best parts of being a showgirl are the wonderful ladies that I share the showgirl dressing room with. We are like sisters. The costumes and feathers are great but I would do it in a potato sack just to be with the girls.”
All year long I get to tell people about the show and share my enthusiasm about it. And it helps me stay in shape to get back in those dresses! And I have lots of new sisters!
Acknowledgement
Stacy Dominguez has been a cast member since its debut in 2008 and looks forward to putting on the feathers, sequins, and rhinestones for this year’s show.
AUTHOR DETAILS
Stacy Dominguez
Showgirl, Author
Spectacular Follies
