Review: A Fun Getaway at Palm Canyon Theatre's PALM SPRINGS GETAWAY

Palm Canyon Theatre's (PCT's) PALM SPRINGS GETAWAY is the world premiere of a handclapping, foot-stomping revue (well, it's primarily a revue) that describes the history of Palm Springs, California in a funny, mostly wholesome way. I enjoyed myself immensely at this high-quality getaway from events in the world. Judging from other audience members, so did they.

PALM SPRINGS GETAWAY features well-known songs and dances from various eras, as well as superb projections (by Nick Edwards) and actual filmed news stories. Cara Van Dijk, who has been associated with Palm Canyon Theatre for many years, wrote the show's book and, in some cases, provided original lyrics to tie the songs more firmly to Palm Springs. Se Layne, one of PCT's artistic directors, directed the show as well as choreographed the fabulous dances. Derik Shopinski's costumes are exquisite - especially his black and white creations for the introductory number.

The story, such as it is, centers around Junior (Lou Galvan) and Harry (Ben Reece), who flee from Los Angeles in 1937 to get away from two of Bugsy Siegel's henchmen (David Brooks and Stan Jenson). Time travel sends them back to the founding of Palm Springs and then forward through each decade, into the 21st century, assisted by a fortuneteller who has her own secrets (Mary Ewing). But the plot is merely a contrivance to show off the singing, dancing, physical comedy, and b-a-a-a-d jokes.

Although Mr. Galvan, Mr. Reece, Mr. Brooks, and Mr. Jenson are terrific as the four clown-like gangsters, their early scenes seemed too talky, especially when Junior and Harry discussed how to raise the money to get to Palm Springs. I'd rather have had less dialogue and more silly jokes and pratfalls. Also, the time travel gimmick was fun, but I didn't catch onto it until late in the production. I'd prefer to have seen it emphasized earlier - perhaps an old roadster could have taken the escapees back in time and then forward.

Ms. Van Dijk told me that Covid got in the way of workshopping the show and presenting preview performances - the night I attended was only the second time an audience had seen the production. As a result, the show is a work-in-progress; I view my comments about the book to be suggestions for revisions for Ms. Van Dijk to consider, rather than real criticisms. Besides, the show is a hoot as it is.

Do not expect to see anything about controversial events in Palm Springs' history, such as the infamous episode when the city evicted poor White and BIPOC residents from their homes on tribal land. Instead, PALM SPRINGS GETAWAY focuses on the many things to celebrate in Palm Springs' history, and does it very well. Music from a four-piece band and, in some cases, pre-recorded tunes demonstrate historical musical styles, accompanied by fabulous singing and dancing, and lots of silliness. My favorite joke was one that went by the audience: A character told someone else to follow Dinah Shore, and the second individual wondered if he was referring to the person or giving travel directions. A groaner like that deserves to be signalled with a Ba-da-bing from the cymbals.

Although all the musical numbers are fun, a few of them drove the audience wild. I especially liked Kam Sisco as Desi Arnaz, Dion Khan as Nat King Cole, Se Layne as Marilyn Monroe, Eric Stein-Steele as Elvis, and Stan Jenson and Laurie Holmes as Sonny and Cher.

Although PALM SPRINGS GETAWAY has minor flaws, I had a whale of a good time. Come for the laughs, and get a light-hearted dose of history in the process.

The rest of the company's performers (whose over thirty members range in age from seven to over eighty) are: Kat Anderson, Leslie Benjamin, Alan Berry, Morgana Corelli, Emersen Kaminsky, Reagan Kaminsky, Sadie Keskey, Elissa Landi, Derrik Lewis, Tiffani LoBue, Terry McLemore, Leilah Mendivil, Felix Cotto Nazario, Manny Rincon, Ryan Rodriguez, Denise Rooney, Derik Shopinski, Trinity Silva, Alice Steepleton, Audrey Steepleton, Chuck Swenson, and Brandy Valentine.

The musical director and piano player is Jaci Davis. David Bronson plays drums, Larry Holloway plays bass, and Robbie Angelucci plays guitar.

The production staff consists of: Stage managers, Matilda Moss and AJ Fernandez); Lighting, J.W. Layne and Kay Van Zandt; Costume assistants, Virginia Sulick, Colleen Walker, and Kathryn Ferguson; Set construction, Neil Kapple and Nick Edwards; Props, Nick Edwards; Sound, Nick Campbell; and Dance Captain, Felix Cotto Nazario.

PALM SPRINGS GETAWAY will run through March 13, 2022, with performances Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $36 for most adults, $32 for those over 60 years of age, and $15 for students and children. For tickets, call 760-323-5123 or log onto www.palmcanyontheatre.net. The theater is located at 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262, between N. Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive, on the north side of E. Alejo Road.

PHOTO CREDIT: Paul Hayashi

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