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Below are summaries of each of our shows as much as we can remember. If you click on the flyer of the year - you'll be swept away to photos, videos and memories of that show from cast, friends and anywhere we could find stuff! Enjoy! |
1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008
COMING SOON!
Click on the flyers to see video clips, photos and some fun facts about that year.
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1999 - Year 1
The first Christmas show was at the world famous Cinegrill, right across the street from Hollywood's (Gruman's/Mann's) Chinese Theater.
We were only going to do one show that night, but because of the overwhelming response, we added a 2nd show...BOTH SOLD OUT!
James hosted the show and guest after guest performed and the night was a screaming success! We had a ball! With Michael Orland at the baby grand as musical director we laughed the night away...and a tradition was born!
The performers: James Gray, Donny Hall, Lori McCreary, Jeffery Drew, Jeffery Cornell, Kendall Sczempka, Michael Orland, and Momma!
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2000 - Year 2
Donny Hall coins the name "The Fruit Cake Follies" and we're off and running!
The format of the show changes from "host and guest" to "a cast with guest stars". The show evolves into an unscripted improv, with a musical number line up.
The show moved to The Cavern Club Theatre @ Casita Del Campo Restaurant in Silverlake (right outside of Hollywood) and the show sold out each one of its 5 night run!
The Cast: James Gray, Momma, Leslie Rudolph, Kris Andersson, AND, in her first Christmas appearance, Lolly* - who brings the house down every night!
*Lolly is a 5-year old sugar addict who also happens to be a sock puppet - but you kind of forget that while watching her!
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2001 - Year 3
The year we almost didn't have a Christmas show.
James was working on Comedy Central's "Prime Time Glick" starring Martin Short, and was just too busy to write a show. He thought "who will miss it?" AND BOY - he was wrong!
People started calling and asking about this year's show telling James, "It's just not Christmas without The Fruit Cake Follies" - SO - James quickly wrote a show, called Momma, Leslie, Kris and Michael Orland and Christmas was saved!
The show was again at The Cavern Club Theatre for 3 seat-filled Holiday nights.
The Cast: James Gray, Momma, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, Lolly, and Kris Andersson.
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2002 - Year 4
In 2002, we moved to the Coast Playhouse, a 99 seat theater in West Hollywood, with a much bigger stage! We got to use a one horse open sleigh on stage - and even skiing (on roller skates) in the show!
James, Leslie and Kris are back, and the talented Dena Drotar is added to the cast! Momma, busy with her holiday charity shows and work but still finds time to join us as a guest star - and brings loads of laughter with her!
And of course, Michael Orland comes back as our musical director.
The Cast: James Gray, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, Lolly, Kris Andersson and Dena Drotar.
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2003 - Year 5
Another show that almost wasn't!
Working on another TV show, and again, James finds himself being busy and feeling uncreative... Once again, the calls start coming in "It just isn't Christmas without The Follies..."
Finding himself at the Vermont Restaurant bar, (right off Hollywood Blvd.), on an open mic night, James gets the idea to do a "Best Of" show for the 5th Anniversary of the show's inception. Another "One Night Only" [2 shows] goes on, so THERE!
Because we decided to do the show so late, Kris and Michael Orland were already booked with gigs back east, but each are with us in spirit! Ron Snyder steps in for Michael as Musical Director and doesn't miss a beat.
The Cast: James Gray, Momma, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, Lolly, & Dena Drotar! With Donny Hall and Mr. Dan.
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2004 - Year 6
It's back to the Cavern Club Theatre @ Casita Del Campo! After being away for 2 years The Cavern Club just feels like home.
Everyone's back!...James, Momma, Leslie, Kris, Dena, Michael O, and stealing the show, new cast member Micah McCain as The Fruit Cake Follies Fan Club President.
The Cast: James Gray, Momma, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, Lolly, Kris Andersson, Dena Drotar & Micah McCain. |
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2005 - Year 7
"Oh there's no place like Casita for the holidays".
Yes, we're back and this time for 8 nights, just like Chanukah! Plus a private benefit show on Sunday afternoon!
And of course, Michael Orland comes back as our musical director.
Kris is in New York performing his one man show off-Broadway...to rave reviews...so he's busy.
The Cast: James Gray, Momma, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, Lolly, Dena Drotar, and Micah McCain.
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2006 - Year 8
We're now doing 10 shows with that private benefit show on Sunday afternoon! AND we're getting in more than one rehearsal - just having a blast performing together.
Leslie is in New York working on Sesame Street and Johnny & The Sprites and Kris is gearing up for another run of his show off-Broadway. Leslie & Lolly surprised us all by showing up on closing night! What a Christmas present that was!
To help fill out the cast this year, we have the addition of Sandy Fox - and what a gal she is! She fit right in!
This Cast: James Gray, Momma, Dena Drotar, Micah McCain and Sandy Fox .
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2007 - Year 9
Full schedule, complete with previews and private benefit show and bused in Christmas party - and SRO crowds for the run of the show.
This year's show had a cabin getaway theme, having the cast have to audition for a spot in the show being performed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion...that is until the cast is snowed in at the lodge. Guest stars played the resort lounge and just happened onto our stage...it was great!
The Cast: James Gray, Momma, Dena Drotar, Micah McCain and Sandy Fox, with a semi-regular guest spot for Leslie Carrara-Rudolph & Lolly on loan from Sesame Street.
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2008 - 10th Anniversary Show
A smaller schedule this year but still getting in the benefit - Sold Out, SRO crowds every night.
Celebrating 10 Christmas' together, some of the shows best moments were brought back for the reviews to end all reviews. Leslie was on Sesame Street working in NY, but sent an anniversary message from Lolly and her friends Elmo and Cookie Monster for the run.
The Cast: James Gray, Momma, Dena Drotar, Micah McCain and Sandy Fox.
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