Guild Follies Keep the Politicians Squirming and Audience Laughing

Guild roasts Rhode Island politicians and quirks annually in the Providence Newspaper Guild Follies.

  The Providence Newspaper Guild Follies is presented the last Friday in February at the Venus DeMilo in Swansea, Mass. (Located on Route 6). All of the state's top politicians, along with 1,220 others, attend the event which is usually sold-out. Over the last 35 years, the Follies has become a Rhode Island institution (despite the fact it is held in another state).

The Follies is an hour-long musical revue of the events and personalities that made news during the previous year. The show will closes with an appearance by a "mystery guest," whose identity remains secret until he or she appears on stage.

This show is produced and directed by Guild members and features as cast made up of Guild members, their friends and family, and assorted ringers.

The show is preceeded by a massive buffet dinner that is included in the price of the show.

The Follies was born in 1974 as an effort to heal the wounds of a two-week strike by the people represented by the Guild -- the advertising salespersons, news reporters, editors, janitors and the other people who put the newspaper on your doorstep each day.

Common Questions:

When is the Follies? The Last Friday in February.

How do I get tickets? Call the Guild during January. (401 421-9466) Payment may be made by credit card. No Tickets tickets will be "reserved" without payment. There are no early ticket sales.

How do I get a better seat? Get elected to a major public office or become close friends with "the right people."

Who are "the right people"? If you have to ask, we can't help you.

Follies of 2007: Celebrated Feb. 29, 2008

Read the reviews:

The Phoenix: The VIP's at the Follies

Darrell West, Inside Politics: John Kerry and Chelsea Clinton Sparkle at Follies 2007

Follies of 2006: Celebrated Feb. 23, 2007

Read the reviews:

Darrell West, Inside Politics: Good, Clean Fun at Feb, 2007 Newspaper Guild Follies

Phillipe and Jorge, The Phoenix: The ’06 Guild Follies: Queen Elizabeth rules

Providence Journal: 34th annual Newspaper Guild Follies honors environmentalist

The Brown Daily Herald: A Night At The Follies

Follies of 2005: Celebrated Feb.24, 2006

Read the reviews:

Darrell West, Inside Politics: Commattas Come Out on Top at Follies '05

Phillipe and Jorge, The Phoenix: Scott Mackay. Superstar: The Providence Newspaper Guild Follies hits the high notes

Ian Donnis, The Phoenix: Carcieri's no-show at Follies Raises eyebrows

Ben Leubsdorf, The Brown Daily Herald: Reporter's Notebook: Singing Simmons stand-in, dancing joint delight at newspaper guild's Follies '05