For 18 years, the Silver Fox Follies have shown that performers do not have to let age or physical ability keep them from taking the stage.

The annual variety show brings together performers ages 55 to 94 for an afternoon of music, dance and classic entertainment while raising money for Rising Stars of Equestrian Therapy. 

Executive producer Ruth Morris, co-owner of Rising Stars, said the production encourages audience members to remain active as they age.

“You can still have a life,” Ruth said. “To see people 55 years old to 94 dancing and singing, that is encouraging. They [the audience] think, ‘Well, if they can do it, maybe I can do it.’”

The show will also feature a young girl with cerebral palsy who began working with Rising Stars four years ago. Ruth said equestrian therapy helped the girl develop several physical abilities, including sitting upright, crawling and moving her wrist enough to hold a glass and feed herself.

This year, she will dance in her wheelchair alongside Ric and perform both a solo and a duet with her twin sister.

The show will also include a tap number choreographed by Terri Smith, who has danced for 40 years and worked with the Follies’ tap group for 20 years.

Smith said the performers’ ability to continue taking the stage makes the show special.

“We are in our 70-somethings to 90-somethings, and that, in itself, is quite an accomplishment,” she said.

Choreographing for performers in that age range requires Smith to create routines that are safe and enjoyable for both the dancers and the audience.

“Costumes are fun and sparkly,” Smith said. “And we always have the enthusiasm, the enjoyment of what we do, and the audience can see that.”

Founder and director Ric Morris said the Follies began after he and his family travelled to Palm Springs to see a Follies show. On the drive home, Ric looked at his mother and said, “I can do that show.”

That idea eventually became a performance with the City of Rancho Cucamonga during its Founders Day Parade. The Follies then spent 10 years at the Lewis Family Playhouse before Ric took over production himself.

The annual performance raises money for Rising Stars, which primarily serves children with disabilities through equestrian therapy. Proceeds help cover food, housing and other expenses for the program’s horses, including Rosie, Chuck and Phoenix.

Rising Stars is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, and the organization is relocating to a new location better suited for both horses and clients at the Bonelli Equestrian Center, 120 Via Verde, San Dimas, Sept. 1.

Sharon Stein, who has performed with the Follies for 15 years, has been involved in theater since childhood and later earned a doctorate in the field.

What is she most looking forward to this year?

“Not forgetting my lines,” Stein said with a laugh. “I am looking forward to performing with the group again. I look forward to performing for an audience who appreciates us.”

Stein said the cast has developed a strong bond over the years.

“There is not a negative person in our cast,” Stein said. “We are like a family.”

The Latin dance performance will feature Alma’s Dancers and a “wings” dance that combines choreography, costumes and lighting and with a synchronized background screen. Dancer Patricia Abeyta said the group has added new costumes and lights to the performance.

The group has been part of the Follies since 2015 and considers the opportunity a way to give back to the community and support of Rising Stars.

“Being part of the Silver Fox Follies has been something we have all cherished since we joined the cast,” Abeyta said. “The fact that we are giving back to the community in support of the Rising Stars of Equestrian Therapy program gives us great joy.”

Straight Up Abilities’ AllStar Dance Team will return to the Follies for the fourth year. The Los Angeles-based organization teaches about 500 students in Los Angeles andOrange counties, Las Vegas and other communities. Its 30-member Allstar team features performers with disabilities who are pursuing their interest in the performing arts.

Robin Olive, who oversees the organization, said the dancers’ passion is what makes their performance so special,

“Their passion and their love for performing transcend to the audience, and everyone leaves better for it,” Olive said.

Olive said the group is honored to perform alongside Follie’s longtime cast members and praised the camaraderie among the performers.

“It’s something about the guidance of the other dancers in Silver Fox Follies,” Olive said. “The camaraderie that happens at this show should not be missed.”

For Ric, the variety of performers is central to the show's appeal and its message.

The audience will see performers from different generations and backgrounds sharing the stage while supporting a program that has provided equestrian therapy for decades.

Ric said the show is ultimately about showing people they can continue pursuing what they love.

“Just because you get older doesn’t mean you can’t follow your dreams,” Ric said.

 This year’s Silver Fox Follies will begin at 2 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Bonita Center for the Arts in San Dimas. Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.bonitacenterforthearts.com.