The seed for the Anderson Senior Follies was planted in 1989 when Dr.Mark Hopkins, then president of Anderson College, passed his Follies ideas along to Dr.David Larson, then director of Anderson Colleges Fine Arts Center.Dr.
Larson, joined by Annette Cantrell Martin and Marge Miller, pulled together a cast of more than 50 seniors from all walks of life and produced the first Senior Follies show, writing the script as they went along.In the spring of 1990, the inaugural show, Meet Me at the Klondike Cafe ran for two evenings in front of an audience of 600 each night.It took many committed people to ensure the success of that fledgling organization, which is now in its 37th year.Without the vision and dedication and financial support of people like Bob Klatt, Follies would never have become a reality.The Follies owes its success, professionalism, and stage appeal to its organizing director, Annette Cantrell Martin.
Prior to her retirement in 2019, she produced, directed, composed, and choreographed Follies for 30 years, infusing the organization with energy, creativity, and enthusiasm.Under Annettes tireless leadership, Senior Follies has become one of the premier senior theater performance organizations in the country.Mary Nickles assumed the mantle from Annette in 2019, becoming only the third director in Senior Follies 37-year history.The Follies continues to be sponsored by Anderson University and serves as an outreach to the Upstate community.The relationship between Anderson University and the Follies is a unique and special one.
AU underwrites the Follies and provides a venue for rehearsals and performances.The Follies attracts over 100 volunteers to perform, usher, sell tickets and run tech.In addition, it attracts an audience of over 4500 every year.They raise sponsorship monies of over $20,000 every year.
These sponsorships support Anderson University and their fine arts program.Since 2020, Anderson Senior Follies has raised almost $110,000 for the university to help update Henderson Auditorium.Under Marys direction, many of the shows have taken on a story format.This year is no exception.
The Last Resort is about a well-meaning child who places her aging parents in a retirement community.The couple soon discovers that The Last Resort lives up to its nameand then some.Far from a quiet retirement community, this colorful village is bursting with quirky characters, daily hijinks, and a never-ending stream of gossip.From offbeat activities to unexpected friendships, chaos and charm go hand in hand in this delightfully dysfunctional setting.True to Anderson Senior Follies tradition, The Last Resort is a crowd-pleasing mix of sharp comedy, toe-tapping music, and spirited dancing, brought to life by a remarkably talented cast.
Get ready for laughs, surprises, and a heartwarming reminder that growing older doesnt mean slowing down.The Last Resort will take the stage on March 12th15th, 2026, at Anderson Universitys Henderson Auditorium.For tickets call 864-231-2080 or go to andersonseniorfollies.org.
Publisher: Life Plan Community ( Read More )
