She says participating in the Follies is a nice way to honor that. With only eight weeks or so to turn out so many costumes, the sisters have picked up lots of helpful hints. Lois Beier of Cedar Rapids has learned a few short cuts herself. Beier, a member of the Guild, puts about 1,000 miles on her car each winter as she delivers material and thread to a majority of the 50 volunteer seamstresses who make the adult costumes. She then picks up the costumes and takes them to rehearsal, where she helps head seamstress Laura Fowler with alterations.
Cast members parade in to try on as many as five costumes at a shot.
I personally enjoy the Follies. And, I think it is for a good cause, and somebody has to do it. Lindwall Like the patrons who attend Follies year after year, many cast members couldn't imagine life without it, even though it demands up to six rehearsals a week for more than two months. Participants say Follies offers not only an opportunity to grab the spotlight a short while each spring, but also the chance to enjoy friendships cultivated over the years. We love to perform, that goes without saying.