Previews: WEST SIDE STORY at Dezart Performs
On stage November 13-15, 2025.
By: Kay Kudukis Oct. 06, 2025
Dezart Performs is proud to announce the grand opening of the NEW Dezart Playhouse at 605 South Riverside Drive, Palm Springs with WEST SIDE STORY IN CONCERT: A GALA CELEBRATION featuring a live orchestra and vocal ensemble November 13-15, 2025. Based on a conception of Jerome Robbins with book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. This special presentation will be directed by Dennis Courtney with musical direction by Stephen Hulsey, the team behind last season’s acclaimed FALSETTOS.
WEST SIDE STORY IN CONCERT: A GALA CELEBRATION will spotlight the emotional depth and musical brilliance of Leonard Bernstein’s 1957 legendary score, celebrating both the production and the 1957 Chambers & Frey-designed church, now transformed into the new Dezart Playhouse. Inspired by William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, WEST SIDE STORY is set in the mid-1950s on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, then a multiracial, blue-collar neighborhood. The dark theme, sophisticated music, tragic love story and focus on social problems marked a turning point in musical theatre.
"The new Dezart Playhouse was envisioned as a home where artists and audiences gather to celebrate the power of live theatre. Launching this beautiful space with West Side Story In Concert, a work that pulses with music, passion, and community, feels like the perfect beginning to a bold new chapter.” - Michael Shaw, Producing Artistic Director
Celebrating the NEW Dezart Playhouse
As an adaptive re-use project, the former by Robson Chambers and Albert Frey designed First Church of Christ, Scientist, in the last six months, has been transformed from a preserved architectural gem to a state of the art performing arts theater overseen by Architect Susan Secoy-Jensen. Phase 1 of the transformation includes a spacious, fully equipped state-of-the-art theater, rehearsal room, four dressing rooms and event prep room. Phase 2 will include new seating, a full service bar, expanded box office and updated exterior.
For additional information about Dezart Performs’ 2025/26 season, visit dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.
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