It is actually a genre of jokes; the ones that start with "You know you live in Bend when..." and reference Subaru Chinese fire drills, and hop saturation.
And the Bend Follies, the second annual fundraiser for the Tower Theatre, is probably the best stage for this genre of humor.
"Since 2009, we've been trying to find a fundraiser that fit the strengths of the Tower that was relatable to the mission, which is to present and collaborate performing arts," explained Ray Solley, executive director of the Tower Theatre. "We're putting on a show for Bend, by Bend, and about Bend."
The Follies feature Bend's full cast of characters and celebrates, from Christie Miller, of My Window, to the Lava City Roller Dolls to the foam sword fighters in Drake Park. Last year's cast consisted of more than 80 local celebrities. This year's hosts are Maralyn Thoma, owner of 2nd Street Theater, and Chuck Arnold, executive director of the Downtown Bend Business Association.
"There's hula dancers, city councilors and the Chamber of Commerce," said Solley. "It's a comedy show with sketches, song parodies, a bit of dance, and there are moments where people who have worked with or benefited from the nonprofit Tower Foundation talk about how the Tower supports other nonprofits in the community."
A silent auction accompanies the show, along with opportunities for audience participation in the form of improvised suggestions and monetarily motivated standing ovations.
Bend Follies
Fri., April 25 & Sat., April 26
6:30 pm.
Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.
$19-49.
