Desert Ensemble Theatre Announces New Season, New Leadership

Desert Ensemble Theatre Company (DETC) has announced its 2018-19 season, including the musical revue Double Time as its Eighth Season Opening Gala; For a Reason, a new drama by Palm Springs' acclaimed playwright Tony Padilla; Proof, the winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize in Drama; and Graceland/Asleep on the Wind, a pair of intimate, one-act dramedies.

The new season will take place under the leadership of Artistic Director Jerome Elliott, who assumed the position in April after Tony Padilla, Founder and Producing/Artistic Director Emeritus, announced his retirement. Artistic Director Emeritus Rosemary Mallett has also decided to retire. Both Padilla and Mallett will be represented in the new season as playwright and director, respectively. Shawn Abramowitz remains as Executive Director. DETC will continue to offer technical theatre training to high school students preparing to major or minor in theatre in college, and to offer scholarship support to at least one graduating senior each season.

Elliott stated: "Our 2018­-19 season centers on the theme of 'legacy,' with each play illuminating the passage of ideas and energy from one generation to the next. In that spirit, we will continue Tony Padilla's legacy of producing intimate works that underscore the complexity of human interaction. We remain committed to producing at least one new work per season and are excited to continue our relationship with Tony, who has a track record of crafting thought-provoking plays that captivate audiences."

DETC's 2018-19 season will take place at the Pearl McManus Theater in the Palm Springs Woman's Club at 314 S. Cahuilla Road. Season tickets will go on sale by May 31 at www.detctheatre.org.

Double Time, conceived and directed by Jerome Elliott. November 2-3, 2018. DETC's popular Season Opening Gala will once again be a musical revue, featuring some of the Desert's leading vocalists: Charles Herrera, Keisha D, and Darci Daniels. Opening night will include a catered reception. Proceeds from the Gala fund DETC's annual scholarship awards.

For a Reason, by Tony Padilla, directed by Shawn Abramowitz. February 8-10 & 15-17, 2019. Padilla's latest drama is a fascinating four-person character study focusing on the reasons people come into our lives, and the often-surprising consequences that result from their interactions. In 2014, Padilla received the Desert Theatre League's Bill Groves Award for Outstanding Original Writing for Becoming Ava.

Proof, by David Auburn, directed by Jerome Elliott. March 15-17 and 22-24, 2019. Auburn's work received the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. It explores the unknowability of love as much as it does the mysteries of mathematics. The play concerns Catherine, the daughter of a recently deceased mathematical genius and her own struggle with her intellectual potential and possible mental illness.

Graceland and Asleep on the Wind, by Ellen Byron, directed by Rosemary Mallett. April 19-21 and 26-28, 2019. In Graceland, two ardent Presley fans, Bev and Rootie, are camped out before the gates, each determined to be the first to enter the sacred precincts. Asleep on the Windtakes place ten years prior in the Lousiana Bayou, where we learn about a family tragedy that served as a catalyst for Rootie's life path.

DETC was named "Best Repertory Company" in the Desert Sun's "Best of the Valley Awards," 2018, and "Best Live Theatre, Palm Springs" in Palm Springs Life's "Best of the Best By City," 2018; and was awarded 12 Broadway World Awards for its 2016­-17 season. Over the past five seasons, DETC has been honored with 28 Desert Theatre League Awards in comedy, drama, and musical revue/cabaret.

Photo From DETC Spring 2018 production of Election Day by Josh Tobiessen. Credit: Desert Ensemble Theatre Co.