The Greatest Show in Swanse, revisited: Follies Night

After a few year's hiatus saw the Providence Newspaper Guild Follies of 2014 last night at the Venus, and fully enjoyed the show (made smart decision to leave table in distant corner and take a seat near the stage-front). Sad that the show has ever fewer cast members and crew who are actually Guild members, but at least it's still hanging on and has developed a fine core crew over the years of actors, musicians, and techies. Props as ever to music maestro Larry Berren for a lively and ear-blasting performance. Longtime director Andy Smith came through once again not only w/ a (mostly - tho even the pauses and flubs have a charm of their own - reminding that after all it's an amateur production) well-paced show but a damn good opening monologue (Nick Mattiello supports business, wants to cut taxes, wants to cut social services: at last we have what we need in R.I. - a truly powerful Republican; new airline at Green wants to build a connection to Azores - we've already got one: The Braga Bridge). Among the highlight #s of course I like the Dust Bowl tribute to my boss Commissioner Gist, had a lot of laughs dancing calamari and the many hirsute Bob Healys (It's all about the Beard) - and they have a Gina Raimondo for the next 8 years (Tracy McGraw, I think?) - a dead ringer and a damn good singer as well. Old friend Bob Kerr made an appearance playing an original folk song lament for the days of great journalism. Sad - but at least the show goes on. Thanks, all!