“Never miss a good chance to shut up.”

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”

“Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is.”

“There are two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither works.”

Will Rogers had a lot to say during his short life.  Starting Thursday night, actors of Foster City's Hillbarn Theatre present The Will Rogers Follies, a Tony-winning musical in two acts that carries the audience through most every important episode of Rogers' career. The production will remain at Hillbarn through Dec. 18.

First performed on Broadway more than 20 years ago, the revue contains Rogers' famous homespun style of wisdom and common sense woven into a backdrop of Ziegfeld Follies dancing showgirls, 18 musical numbers, and some good old-fashioned rope tricks.

Called “America’s Favorite Son,” Rogers' newspaper column, radio shows, and motion pictures cheered up a nation facing the Great Depression of 1929. His most famous quote: "I never met a man I didn't like."

Hillbarn Theatre’s production stars Alex Perez as Will Rogers, Corrie Borris as his wife Betty Blake, Todd Wright as Will’s dad Clem Rogers, Rachelle Jones as Ziegfeld's Favorite, Noah Bender as Will Rogers, Jr., Dana Chilton as Freddy Rogers, Allison Meacham as Mary Rogers, and Joseph Bazarsky as James Rogers.

Rogers' character is backed up by the Wrangler Quartet featuring Trevor Meacham, Ron Lopez, Jr., Josiah Frampton, and Daniel Norberg. The Ziegfeld showgirls are Adrienne Herro, Alyson Chilton, Anastasia Bonaccorso, Gabrielle Au, Karen Althoff, Katherine Leyva, Molly Murphy, and Shannon Sullivan. The ensemble features Danya Sandler, David Navarro, Ian Teter, Janet Chun, Joyce Jacobson, Maria Duzon, Raymond Juballa, Ruby Juballa, Regina Quigley, and Sheila McMullen-Harmon.

The role of Will’s flight co-pilot Wiley Post will be played at most performances by Paul Hale. In a special treat for local audiences, that role will be played by notable Foster City personalities such as Chief of Police Craig Courtin (at the December 9, 8 p.m. performance), Rotary Foundation President Jon Grant (at the December 10, 8 p.m. performance), and Councilman Art Kiesel (at the December 11, 2 p.m. performance).

Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.  Two special Saturday 2 p.m. performances have been added on December 10 and 17. Opening night is Friday, December 2 and features a Gala Reception after the show.

Tickets may be purchased by visiting Hillbarn Theatre's website, or calling 650.349.6411.

Hillbarn Theatre is located at 1285 East Hillsdale Blvd in Foster City. Free parking is available.

The Will Rogers Follies is the second production off the historic 71st “Touch of Class” Season of Hillbarn Theatre which includes shows: Social Security, Crimes of the Heart, and the Tony-winning musical, The Producers.