Arthur Newman News

Desert Theatreworks (DTW) is currently presenting a howlingly funny, expert production of the musical farce THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, featuring brilliant performances and direction, and nonstop lunacy.

Desert Theatreworks' (DTW's) production of 45 SECONDS FROM BROADWAY is a hoot. Thanks to Lance Phillips-Martinez's imaginative direction and the Broadway-quality lead performances (backed by an able supporting cast), theatregoers are almost guaranteed to laugh their heads off.

Desert Theatreworks (DTW), Palm Desert's 501(c)(3) community theatre, has chosen something different for its 2016 Christmas production. SINATRA: CHRISTMAS MY WAY is a sweet, light, feel-good cabaret simulation featuring Frank Sinatra's holiday music and a few silly jokes. Even though I'm not a Sinatra fan, I enjoyed the show.

Desert Theatreworks' (DTW's) A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED, adapted by Leslie Darbon from the Agatha Christie novel, isn't exactly Noel Coward or Oscar Wilde, but the production's excellence provides a rollicking good time, and more than makes up for any weaknesses in the script.

MCC Theater announced today that breakout actor Lucas Hedges -- whose performance opposite Casey Affleck in the film festival favorite Manchester by the Sea, written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan, is garnering rave reviews ahead of its November 18 theatrical release -- will lead the cast of the American premiere of YEN, Anna Jordan's Bruntwood Prize-winning play, directed by MCC alum Trip Cullman.

Desert Theatreworks presented SHOW WRECK, a musical parody revue, as a fundraiser. Arnie Kleban, Adina Lawson, Lance Phillips-Martinez, Luke Rainey, and Karen Schmitt presented numbers originated by FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, all of which made fun of theatergoers' favorite New York street. Desert Theatreworks is beginning several new project that require funding to continue.

Back by popular audience demand, local singer, Jaci Davis returns for her third appearance at the Arthur Newman Theater at the Joslyn Center in Palm Desert on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 2 PM in "Can't Help Singing". The show features Standards by composer Jerome Kern and marks the final show of the 7th season for the Sundays In Summer Cabaret Series produced by Les Michaels. Jaci Davis will be backed by a live trio made up of Derrik Lewis on piano, Bill Siatta on bass, and Doug MacDonald on acoustic guitar. Tickets are $11 cash only and sold only at the door, which opens at 1 PM with open seating at 1:30 PM.

On Sunday, October 23, 2016, Charles Herrera and Doug Graham will recreate iconic songs usually associated with female performers in "Gender Bender", a fully staged cabaret concert directed by Jerome Elliott, and Paul Cracchiolo on piano. Showtime is 2 PM at the Arthur Newman Theatre in Palm Desert. Tickets are $11 cash only and doors open at 1 PM.  

Seattle and part-time desert resident, Ter Gallagher performs her new cabaret style concert, "The Art Of Getting Dumped", on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at Arthur Newman Theater at the Joslyn Center in Palm Desert as part of the Sundays In Summer Cabaret Series presented by Les Michaels. Ter, short for Terry, uses breaking-up songs and stories with a humorous outlook with a few touching ones thrown in. Local pianist Joel Baker and a trio will accompany Ms. Gallagher with a 2 PM show time and doors opening at 1 PM with $11 tickets available cash only at the door. 

Local singer, Troy Skinner performs his acclaimed one-man cabaret concert, "What The World Needs Now" onSunday, October 16, 2016 at the Arthur Newman Theatre in Palm Desert.  The show is a tribute to legendary composer Burt Bacharach, with piano accompaniment by musical director Christopher Marlowe. Tickets for the 2 PM show are $11 cash at the door, which opens at 1 PM.

Les Michaels' Sundays in Summer Series welcomes the award-winning performer, Dean Regan in 'Give My Regards to Broadway' on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at 2 PM at the Arthur Newman Theatre in Palm Desert. Staged as a cabaret style concert, Dean's show is full of classic songs and new tunes currently on Broadway and features Charlie Creasy on piano. Tickets are available at the door for $11 cash only.

Seattle and part-time desert resident, Ter Gallagher performs her new cabaret style concert, "The Art Of Getting Dumped", on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at Arthur Newman Theater at the Joslyn Center in Palm Desert as part of the Sundays In Summer Cabaret Series presented by Les Michaels. Ter, short for Terry, uses breaking-up songs and stories with a humorous outlook with a few touching ones thrown in. Local pianist Joel Baker and a trio will accompany Ms. Gallagher with a 2 PM show time and doors opening at 1 PM with $11 tickets available cash only at the door. 

Desert Theatreworks (DTW), Palm Desert's 501(c)(3) community theatre, is presenting Will Eno's esoteric play, THE REALISTIC JONESES. This top-notch production is a must-see for theatergoers interested in well-acted, absorbing, unsettling plays. However, the meaning of the play is difficult to discern.

Les Michaels' Sundays in Summer Series welcomes the award-winning performer, Dean Regan in 'Give My Regards to Broadway' on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at 2 PM at the Arthur Newman Theatre in Palm Desert. Staged as a cabaret style concert, Dean's show is full of classic songs and new tunes currently on Broadway and features Charlie Creasy on piano. Tickets are available at the door for $11 cash only.

Seattle resident David Duvall comes to Palm Desert to perform his new show 'David Loves Cole' on Sunday, September 25, 2016 at the Arthur Newman Theater in Palm Desert for the 7th season of the Sundays In Summer Cabaret Series. David's show is his version of the famous 1971 recording of 'Bobby Short Loves Cole Porter'. Tickets are $11 cash only and doors open at 1 PM for open seating. 

Kathy Holly travels from San Francisco to perform her new cabaret show entitled "Round Trip" onSunday September 18, 2016 at the Arthur Newman Theater in Palm Desert. This show will be the 21st show of the 7thseason for the Sundays In Summer Cabaret Series. Three locals will be joining Ms. Holly, Wayne Abravanel on piano, and Dan Westfall and David Christopher, as guest vocalists. Tickets are $11 cash only and doors open at 1 PM for open seating.

Desert Theatreworks (DTW), Palm Desert's 501(c)(3) community theatre, has received 64 nominations for the Desert Theatre League's 2016 Desert Star awards, the most of any company. Lance and Ron Phillips-Martinez, the spouses who serve as DTW's artistic director and executive director, respectively, sat down with Broadway World to discuss the company's nominations and its upcoming season. The 2016-17 season consists of two comedies, a murder mystery, two musicals, and a holiday revue featuring Frank Sinatra's songs: The Realistic Joneses, A Murder is Announced, Christmas My Way: A Sinatra Holiday Bash, 45 Seconds from Broadway, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Next to Normal.

Sydney Weisman makes her Palm Springs debut of her new show "I Am What I Am" on Sunday September 11, 2016 at the Arthur Newman Theater in Palm Desert. This show will be the 20th show of the 7th season of the Sundays In Summer Cabaret Series. Ms. Weisman's musical director, arranger, and pianist will by Palm Springs local, Barney McClure. Tickets are $11 cash only and doors open at 1 PM for open seating. 

Local performer Ron Cohn will once again bring a new show to the Arthur Newman Theater at the Joslyn Center in Palm Desert. The show is called "Wheel Of Fortune" and will be one show only on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at 2 PM. This show will be his 7th annual show for the cabaret series presented by Les Michaels and the Sundays In Summer Series.  Joining Mr. Cohn will be his long-time musical director and pianist, Denis Moreen.

 On Sunday, August 14, 2016, popular local singer Keisha D will make her 4th appearance at the Arthur Newman Theater in Palm Desert in "At Home With Keisha D". The show is part of the Sundays In Summer Cabaret Series, now in it's 7th season. Her musical director is Charlie Creasy, with whom she collaborated for her shows in the last 3 seasons there as well, which were near sell-outs. Tickets for the show are $11 cash, and doors open at 1 PM and show time is 2 PM. The theater is located at 73750 Catalina Way in Palm Desert.