Norwalk Follies return

NORWALK -- The Follies -- a much-anticipated local showcase of performing talent -- returns to the stage on Veteran's Day weekend, Nov. 7-8, with a patriotic tribute to America's military, at Sandusky High School and Ernsthausen Performing Arts Center, Norwalk.

"Salute! Our military, past and present!" is a locally written and produced musical revue featuring the Sandusky Men's Chorus, the Norwalk First United Methodist Church Choir, Firelands Chorus and the Sandusky High School KeyNotes.

"We're excited to have these wonderful groups, that draw on the musical talents of teenagers and adults from across Erie and Huron counties, all saluting the men and women who have secured our liberty for more than 230 years," said Joyce Leimbach, who is serving as general chairperson of her third Follies.

"This year's version of the Follies will be heavy on patriotism, with music from the Revolutionary War all the way up to contemporary conflicts. Between the musical numbers, there will be vignettes featuring performers from Sandusky to Bellevue to Norwalk," she said.

Castalia native Jimy Foreman is artistic director of Follies 2009. A veteran of the musical stage in New York City and Washington, D.C., Foreman has been a writer, choreographer, producer, director and actor at Cedar Point since 1996.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Sandusky High School and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Ernsthausen Performing Arts Center at Norwalk High School.

The Follies is a major fund-raising production to benefit the Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky and the Firelands chapter of the American Red Cross, which serves Erie and Huron counties.