SF Follies is that rare combination of history, entertainment and hilarity that succeeds brilliantly. This show educates and satirizes historic events and current politics but does so endearingly. People walk out of the theater smiling and laughing and comparing their favorite moments.
Days later they are still talking about things they never knew about San Francisco and its unique and ditzy past. People who remember the Haight Ashbury summer of love reminisce about the songs and fashions in the show, while people who loved the 80s rhapsodize about that section of the show.
During the course of the performance everyone learns to appreciate the changes that occurred in San Francisco over the last several decades of pop culture. Coming from the Playland-Not-at-the-Beach museum, my staff and I were naturally biased towards every mention of the Sutro Baths, Whitney's Playland and Laughing Sal.
I must admit that I was totally blown away by how SF Follies highlighted these three icons. I hope the show continues through Christmas -- it would make my holiday shopping so easy for all my friends.
