Follies celebrate rock 'n roll

The show features three sets of travelers along the route and their stops. Bob Fox, as Will Rogers, will narrate the show. (Route 66 was also known as the Will Rogers Highway, the "Main Street of America.")

The Figgins family, played by Randy Fox, NeCole Webster and various children, are the typical family travelers. Attendees will see a few stops that they make, including the Jack Rabbit Trading Post, run by the Taylor family -- that would include Ma and Pa, played by Mike and Kathy Oates, and their two young 'uns, played by Tamara Emler Ball and Bob Fox.

Another set of travelers are Betty Lou and Peggy Sue, played by the comedy team of Kim Vogel and Caryn Chilton. Their troubles continue along the way, but are resolved by the end of the show in California.

The third traveler that the story will follow is a man named Henry "Stump" Gump, played by Dave Tallman.

Yes, the last name is familiar: Henry is Forrest Gump's long-lost father. The Follies will show how the family got separated and answer that question on everyone's mind -- what happened to Forrest Gump's father.

Mike Oates, a cast member favorite for his comedy skills, does not disappoint this year. He has a few chances to portray characters, including an Italian restaurant waiter, owner of a '50s malt shop and Mickey Rooney.

Icons of the 1950s will also appear in the show. Follies newcomer Cody Singleton will portray James Dean and Marlon Brando. Andy Streich will sing Frank Sinatra and Louis Prima songs. Yes, Elvis, played by Brigham Webster, will appear, as well as Marilyn Monroe, played by Terry Streich.

The Showstoppers, under the direction of Cara Vance, will be performing two numbers. They are a popular group, with 20 kids ranging from ages 5 to 12. They are performing "Put on a Happy Face" and Locomotion."

The crew selected 11 stops along the route. Set designer Trudy Tallman has been working overtime to get "authentic" signs made and a set painted for the show. This is one year that the set really establishes the scene.

Bev Bridgewater, director and writer of this year's show, says the show looked easy to put together at the start, but became challenging along the way.

Megan Perkins-Roush and Andy Streich are the vocal directors for the show. There are 40 songs in this year's show, but they are short. The show will be two hours long -- a plan after last year's 2.5 hour show.

So, start dreaming about the 1950s, pack up that old woodie and head down to the Follies where Route 66 and all its glory will entertain you.

The show is a fundraiser for Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation. It has raised $290,000 and is the largest single fundraiser for the foundation.

Ticket outlets include Waucoma Bookstore in Hood River and Collage of the Gorge and Columbia State Bank in White Salmon.