Incline Star Follies features a slew of over-the-top song and dance numbers with familiar members of the Incline community donning outlandish garb — in some cases cross dressing — and lip-synching to a variety of tunes that span the spectrum from familiar musical numbers, to modern pop music sure to pique the interest of younger audience members.

The event is an important fundraiser for Incline public schools, and the proceeds collected are distributed among Incline Elementary School, Incline Middle School and Incline High School according to each school's respective student population, although IES often dedicates the balance of its donation to its physical education program, said Kathie Goldberg, assistant director of Star Follies.

Students from all three schools participate as cast members in the show, which also features a cast of adults, who put pride and decorum on the back burner and strut their stuff on stage in the name of a good cause.

“I do it for the kids, and I do it for the cause,” said Osborne, who is in her eighth year as choreographer of the high school students' routines.

While the difficulty of the choreography has been elevated, Goldberg said organizers emphasize an inclusive atmosphere.

“We have no auditions, so we can find a role for anyone,” she said. “We ask (prospective participants) to tell us their ability level and we find a place for them. Some people can't even count to music, but it's our job to make them look good on stage.”

While the money raised and subsequently donated to the schools represents a direct benefit, Goldberg said there is an ancillary benefit to students who participate.

“The students involved gain a lot of confidence,” she said.

Osborne agreed.

“Parents have approached me to tell me their kid has changed so much after having done Star Follies,” she said. “It really brings them out of their shell.”

Franklin said her favorite part of the rehearsal process and the event is the opportunity to meet new and interesting people.

“You get to know a lot of people, and not just people my age, but a lot of other kids and adults as well,” she said. “It's a bonding experience.”

Goldberg encouraged everyone to come out and see the show.

“It's a great show,” she said. “Everyone that comes has a good time. Also, the people that participate work really hard and put in a lot of time and energy. They give it all their effort for the people in the audience.” 

ENLARGE