By Jordan Squires

Durango volunteers performed in “The Follies” during Snowdown week this year.  The satirical show poked fun at local issues including the police, neighboring towns, snow removal, and more.

 “The Follies” comprised of two acts and over 100 cast and crew members, some of whom have been participating in the show since it debuted 27 years ago, Steve Brown, a veteran Follie’s volunteer, said.

This year’s Follies reflected the Snowdown theme, “Life’s a Beach.”

The two-part show featured humorous short skits introduced by a set of two hosts.  The skits varied from choreographed dances to scenes that touched on some of Durango’s current controversies. 

The cast and crew’s attitudes that keep Dawn Staten coming back, Staten, a Snowdown board president and an eleven year Follies performer, said.

The Snowdown board meets at least once a month throughout the year in order to make Snowdown a reality, Staten said.

“Everyone is happy and having fun,” Staten said.

For first-time cast members like Amanda Fresh, an employee of Amaya Natural Therapeutics in Durango, however, meeting people and making new friends is the most rewarding part of the experience, she said.

Fresh was on the Follies chorus line but hopes to receive a speaking part next year, she said.

“The Follies” is not limited to working community members. 

Rachel Gressler, a Fort Lewis College student, participated in “The Follies” for the first time this year and has enjoyed learning about Follies traditions from fellow cast members and new friends, she said.

Karen Rose played one of the main characters, Pamela Anderson, she said

 Rose has been participating in “The Follies” for four years and has enjoyed the bond that the cast and crew members share, she said.

“It’s Durango culture,” Rose said.  “It’s like we have a Follies family.”