Stan Jenson - Page 2

What did our critic think of PALM SPRINGS GETAWAY at Palm Canyon Theatre? Palm Canyon Theatre has revived a new, streamlined version of Palm Springs Getaway, their original 'musical romp' which they premiered last season. I'll start right out by confessing that I was in the original production so I know it well, though I never actually 'saw' it. I'm delighted to report that playwright Cara Van Dijk, aided by Eric Stein-Steele and Se Layne, has kept the best of the first production and replaced a few of the previously weak moments with some very strong scenes. The result is a tuneful, educational, nostalgic and totally enjoyable couple of hours.

COD's production of THE FANTASTICKS is a simple joy -- something we can all use more of!

What did our critic think of BAREFOOT IN THE PARK at Desert Theatreworks?

What did our critic think of NUNSENSATIONS, THE NUNSENSE MUSICAL REVUE at Palm Canyon Theatre?

What did our critic think of DON'T VOTE FOR ME at Scrips2Stage2Screen?

How can eight murders onstage bring an audience to laughter that almost raises the roof? I suggest you get to Desert Theatreworks' production of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder to find out for yourself! Great music, acting, directing and sets - this show has it all.

It's hard to believe that the death of over 1,500 people could provide an amazing night in the theatre, but that's just what Palm Canyon Theatre's production of Titanic the Musical has done.

What did our critic think of BILOXI BLUES at Palm Canyon Theatre?

What did our critic think of GODSPELL at Palm Canyon Theatre? Stephen Schwartz's 1971 musical Godspell was part of a movement during the late 60's and 70's of the reinvention of theatre norms. The movement paralleled the hippies, free love, rock bands with classical orchestras, artists such as Andy Warhol, and a host of writers. It was a period of re-examination and re-thinking of our ways of doing things, especially in the arts. Godspell is one of the most enduring works of this period, presenting Jesus as a dude in a tee shirt, addressing modern day folks in a playground.

Fun and personal triumph take center stage in Desert Rose Playhouse’s current production of Mid-Century Moderns.  Great writing, incredible voices, terrific acting and beloved songs combine to make this one of the most enjoyable visits to the theatre that I have had in a very long time.  I saw the world premiere last night and I’m already anticipating my next visit during the show’s brief five-week run!

Mid Century Moderns is a jukebox musical set in 1966.  Maryann Popecke’s husband has died in their Middle-American hometown so she follows her dream of moving to Santa Monica and becoming a secretary.  However, her car breaks down in Palm Springs.  She soon meets some locals who set out to change her from frumpy to fabulous.  They do so while singing songs made famous by the likes of Tom Jones, Petula Clark, Strawberry Alarm Clock, Lesley Gore, Frank & Nancy Sinatra, The Association, The Monkees and many more!  

Conservativism and religious hypocrisy take it on the chin in the newest play coming up this month from Script2Stage2Screen.  S2S2S is a company in Rancho Mirage which presents previously unproduced scripts as staged readings with blocking and suggested sets and costumes, but with scripts in hand.  For several years, their season finale has been a comedy written and directed by Jason Hull, a Palm Springs local.  His plays have developed a strong following of fans who love the situation comedies of the 70’s and 80’s.  They know they will have a good time with plenty of belly laughs.  The play runs for two nights only, April 22 and 23, and seating is limited.

Palm Canyon Theatre (PCT) is presenting Cyrano de Bergerac, the classic French story of “unrequited” love.  Under the guidance of PCT founder Dr. William Layne, the nineteenth century work is presented with a modern translation with lots of comedy, sword play, and of course the heart-wrenching drama of a man whose looks prohibit him from pursuing the woman his heart longs for.

 “This is a romance for all ages and orientations,” said Steve Fisher, Script2Stage2Screen’s artistic director.  “Set in Italy, it’s a sensual and sweet love story. Hal O’Connell, a member of Script2Stage2Screen’s executive committee and active in numerous Valley theaters, will be directing.”

When I learned that Terry Ray's play Electricity was making a curtain call this weekend at the Desert Rose Playhouse, I felt like a beloved friend was coming to town for a visit. Electricity played in Palm Springs for two years at a hotel, accommodating just 20 guests per performance in an actual hotel room. Most of 2021, it played every Tuesday at Oscar's. I reviewed it early in the year and then came back a month later. It was a 'feel good' theatrical experience - the sort of show I would see every couple of months if it had an extended run. And its three years in Palm Springs were indeed in preparation for an extended run Off Broadway.

Just in time for Modernism Week and our peak tourist season, Palm Canyon Theatre presents a world premiere preview of an original musical, Palm Springs Getaway.  Described as “A nostalgic romp through Palm Springs,” vignettes of the contributions of such settlers as John McCallum, Nellie Coffman and Miss Cornelia, the mid-century design luminaries, and of course a parade of Hollywood celebrities.  You’ll spot Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, Sonny and Cher, Keely Smith, Shirley Temple, Marilyn Monroe, and even The King, Elvis himself!

Desert Ensemble Theatre’s current production, Artificial Morality, examines the practice and ramifications of altering the truth (among many other observations).  A tight 80-minute script, a strong quartet of actors and a capable director keep us completely entertained, at the same time asking ourselves “At what point does exaggeration or bending of the rules stop being okay?”

In the past two decades I have had several opportunities to see Always, Patsy Cline and I always avoided the show, thinking 'A two-woman show can't be entertaining and besides, I don't like country music.' Please, please do not make the mistake I did. This show has only a few more performances in the Coachella Valley, and it is an incredibly entertaining and moving experience. Part celebrity concert, part Hallmark heart-warming tale, Desert Theatreworks' current production is a must-see!