The Big Apple Softball League will be having its annual Follies fundraiser show at Splash on Sunday, July 28, from 5 to 9 p.m. As far as off-the-field events go, the Follies has been a staple for the BASL dating back to the 1980s. After drifting away for a short while, the Follies had a big revival in the mid to late 90s. And straight up until today, it stands out as one of the highest-attended social functions for the league.
“The Follies has always been my favorite social event in our league,” says Follies committee chair Joey Fracchiolla. “It’s great to see all the teams coming together to support their teammates. And whether they’re up on stage in a dress or with a guitar in hand, it’s kind of cool to see your teammates representing your team for a good cause.”
Built as a fundraiser, the goal for the last handful of shows has been to raise funds for BASL teams heading to the weeklong World Series competitions for NAGAAA and ASANA. And while lip-sync drag comedy is usually the feature attraction, the Follies will also show off singers, dancers, stand-up comics, musicians and other surprises.
Fracchiolla recalls Follies fun from the late ‘90s: “My teammates and I would meet once a week in somebody’s apartment and rehearse the skit we were going to do for the Follies. And this skit was to the feature act that would always go on right before intermission. It was always the longest act of the show, and it was by far the best act of the show. It was like a play that was produced and directed by one of the Follies icons Chris L. At that time, Chris was the Follies ringleader. And he was the brains behind that feature act that I was always proud to be a part of.”
Hosted by Coco and Anthony, this summer’s Follies is titled “Diva Nation.” So you can expect a variety of wigs, makeup and outfits will rule the show once again.
What: Big Apple Softball League Follies Fundraiser
Where: Splash, 50 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
When: July 28, 5-9 p.m.
