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Spectacular Follies, Spectacular Ladies

t’s that time again, friends. The Spectacular Follies descend unto By Shanon Weaver
the Eismann Center this September! Let’s meet a couple of its
Ishining stars, shall we?
Peggy Chandler is from Raymondville, in the Rio Grande Valley,
and moved to Dallas after attending Stephen F. Austin University. other, work together, learn to compromise and really just want the
Jeri Edwards is from Oklahoma City, but was born in San Antonio show to be the best for our audience. In addition to the friendships I
and got back to Texas as soon as she could. According to Edwards, have made, I have to say I love seeing how the show comes together
the pair share an unbreakable bond of sisterhood. We chatted with from start to finish each year! It is truly spectacular.
the two to learn more!
JE: Well, there’s always the costumes, the scenery, the make-up,
the lights! But, first and foremost, the amazing people I have had
CELEBRATION MAGAZINE: What are your performance the opportunity to perform with and the family bond you build with
backgrounds? them is at the true heart of why I’m here and keep coming back. No
JERI EDWARDS: At the age of four I started taking dance lessons. egos, No divas. Just the love of sharing the stage together with one
In 2000 I joined The Dallas Tap Dazzlers and became a member goal, to bring joy and great entertainment to our audiences. But, I
of an elite group of women that I was honored to perform with have to add. I will always be partial to that special moment when
throughout Texas and the United States the curtain goes up and it’s SHOW TIME!
for eighteen years. We had the privilege Not only one of my favorite memories, but
of being in the Macy’s Thanksgiving a dream come true, when I was selected
Day Parade, as well as performing for to be a part of the ensemble performing
the Senior America pageant in Atlantic One from the Broadway show A Chorus
City. Line. To top that off the choreographer
PEGGY CHANDLER: While in was our wonderful director who was in the
Raymondville my mom had a studio original production on Broadway, Michael
called The Patty Dickerson School Serechhia! I’ll never forget the first time
of Dance. We performed all over the I did this. It was definitely “one singular
Rio Grande Valley and were regulars sensation”!
on The Moulton “Ty" Cobb Show.
Fast forward to 2002 when I joined CM: What do the Follies mean to you?
the Class Act Tap Company, a service JE: For me the “FOLLIES” represents
tap organization. I also have had the “Living life to the Fullest”. We have grown
privilege of performing several shows into a powerhouse of talent and continuous
with a few fellow Follies cast members enthusiasm whose goal is giving our best to
at Chandler’s Landing and GG Theatre. make others smile and take an entertaining journey with us for two
hours. It means commitment and dedication to each other. Always
CM: How did you get involved with the Spectacular Follies, and striving to be better and continue to find the best in yourself as well
how long have you been participating? as your other cast members.
PC: In 2009 another Class Act Tap member asked me to learn a duet PC: The Follies means so much to me on many levels. First of all, it
and audition with her. We were both chosen to be in the ensemble has given me the opportunity to perform at this stage of my life. This
cast that year by Mark Carroll, co-founder of the Spectacular Follies was something that I never expected, but now can’t imagine my
and John de la Santos, choreographer, and as they say— the rest is life without the Follies in it. Most of all, the Follies means working
history. I have been in the dance ensemble every year since then. with a Dream Team! This team pulls out the best in each of us:
I am also a member of the Groovy Ladies, which has performed as the award-winning Michael Serrecchia, Director & Choreographer
a specialty act since 2014. This is so fun because our performances (and Megan Bates his assistant), the incredibly talented Dee Anne
have been country, disco, 50’s and Broadway. Three of these Meece, Artistic Director and Andy Michlin, Musical Director.
years—2015, 2017, and 2018—Jeri and I have been selected as a
specialty act. This has been a real treat for us because it has allowed CM: What advice do you have for our readers about remaining an
us to be creative and showcase our singing and dancing together! active and fabulous senior?
JE: As a member of The Dallas Tap Dazzlers, we were asked to PC: Don’t wait! Just start doing something in your senior years
perform in the first Follies production in 2008. For the second show now and use all the abilities you have to offer….no matter what
in 2009 I auditioned for the dance ensemble and I’ve been a part of your age. And remember, whatever you do, you are inspiring all
this fabulous organization now for eleven years. generations.
JE: Stay passionate about something! Passion creates energy and
CM: What’s your favorite part about the Follies?: Your favorite energy is life! Find that special thing you enjoy and go for it. It’s
memory? never too late. Keep moving! Motion is Life!
PC: This goes without saying….it is the friendships. The friends I Celebration Magazine thanks Peggy and Jeri for their time, and
have made over the past ten years are a true blessing. Not only are encourages you to catch The Spectacular Follies this September!
we friends, we have become one big family! We take care of each

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