PALM SPRINGS THEATER REVIEWS

Palm Canyon Theatre’s holiday-season production of “Annie” is a radiant reminder that optimism and heart can light even the darkest of times. Directed and choreographed by Se Layne, with musical direction by Linda Mack Berven, this beloved musical bursts with warmth, humor, and dazzling perfor...

What do you call a gaggle of nuns and a monk or two who sing and dance at Christmas? “Nuncrackers; THE Nunsense Christmas Musical,” playing weekends at Theatre 29 through December 7....

Desert Ensemble Theatre’s (DET’s) first offering for 2025-26, THE ROOMMATE, a one-act two-person dramedy written by Jen Silverman, is, as is common for DET, brilliantly directed and brilliantly acted. This season will be its last, and it is clear that DET intends to go out with a bang....

To catch a few hours with some of the strongest talent we have in the desert, head to Revolution Stage Company and grab some tickets to the ultimate pride event: RENT....

Firstly, I would like to thank my new readers for joining my adventure with Broadway World out here in beautiful Palm Springs, California. Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Coachella Valley Repertory’s production of “Pinocchio”—which, I am proud to say, after writing this article, I ca...

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical has rolled into Palm Springs, bringing with it a vibrant kaleidoscope of color, kitsch, boogie and heartfelt storytelling. Playing at the Palm Canyon Theatre through November 16th, this production offers both seasoned theatergoers and newcomers an engaging ...

What did our critic think of THE ADDAMS FAMILY at Rancho Mirage Amphitheater?...

Fans of Rocky Horror, Halloween-y entertainment, and those looking for memorable nighttime entertainment with friends should run, not walk, to Revolution Stage Company for their very fun production of Evil Dead- The Musical. But beware— you may be seated in the blood pack splash zone. ...

Matthew Lopez’s The Inheritance Part Two opened the 2025–26 season at The Bent in Palm Springs on Friday, October 17. This follows The Inheritance Part One, which closed the 2024–25 season....

What did our critic think of CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY at Palm Canyon Theatre?...

When I was a kid, I’d come home after school, immediately turn on the tv and watch Sally Starr (the blondest, ponytailed cowgirl in the tristate area) introduce cartoons and episodes of The Three Stooges (not a fan, I’d go get a snack). And then in 1966 Dark Shadows premiered at 4pm on channel 7...

CVRep is on fire this summer with a terrific line up of Broadway stars gracing their stage in the form of entertainment our valley is becoming known for: cabaret. ...

The Palm Canyon Theatre’s production of 'Falsettos,' running through July 20, is a captivating rendition of this beloved musical. Directed by David Brooks, with musical direction by Chuck Peery and choreography by Se Layne, the production manages to capture the essence of William Finn and James La...

Alix Korey is an outstanding entertainer. It’s no wonder that an appreciative audience (including me) stood up as one to acknowledge your performance at the Cabaret season opener at CV Rep, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The show was a wonderful 75-minute break from the ordinary. And it is always a delig...

Have you ever left a theater wishing the performer you just enjoyed could be your friend? That’s how I felt after hearing Susan Edwards Martin sing at CV Rep’s Cabaret Series. Susan has the knack of embracing you with her voice and making a place for you in the living room of her heart....

What did our critic think of BROADWAY'S BAD GUYS at Revolution Stage Company? Musical Director Chip Prince did a fantastic job keeping the two-man band tight and did double duty on vocals....

The world premiere at CV Rep of Beverly Hills Hotel Peace Talks by Gregg Ostrin is definitely a show worth seeing. The dialogue grabbed me from the first line. The acting does justice to the script. Although not a strict comedy genre, I found myself and the audience laughing at Ostrin's skill in han...

There is universal and personal anguish for all of us who can remember the frightening AIDS epidemic in the 80s. No one was left unscathed, and many families and friends were devastated with a feeling of fear and uncertainty about the enduring impact it would have for future generations....

Palm Canyon Theatre is currently showcasing a delightful production of 'Forever Plaid,' running weekends through May 18th....

As a regular theatergoer who has seen Jon Robin Baitz's Other Desert Cities before--twice in the Palm Springs area--I wasn't expecting to be surprised. Well, I was. It became more than a play; it was an experience. At rise, I found myself embraced by a set that invited me into the living room of an ...

Twenty-two years ago, director Charles Harvey mounted a production of Jesus Christ Superstar that was met with protests from the local church. Five years ago, he began a newer version, only to be shut down by COVID. ...

As the end of the theatre season approaches, the best theatres in the desert are finishing with its finest productions. One such case is the exceptional musical produced by Michael Shaw and Clark Dugger at Dezart Performs, as they present FALSETTOS, directed by Dennis Courtney....

When laughter heals, Christopher Durang’s 1981 comedy BEYOND THERAPY is just what the doctor ordered. Jerome Elliott’s lively, creative direction enhances the adventures of two love-hungry Manhattanites, Bruce and Prudence, who have consulted their respective therapists for guidance in seeking s...

Desert TheatreWorks is to be congratulated for mounting a successful production of DIARY OF ANNE FRANK at the Indio Performing Arts Center April 4-13, 2025. A strong cast of 10, starring Tess Martinez in the title role, recalls the desperation of millions of innocent people during the Second World W...

John Waters made films for queer people long before the word queer was embraced by the community. That he was good friends with Warhol makes complete sense to me. They were cut from the same jib. What makes Waters a far better filmmaker was his ability to give us a fun story steeped in pretty clear ...