Brad Fuhr

“The magic of theatre is how much can you stimulate the mind of the audience, not how many illusions you can create,” said Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah. Our local theatre companies are certainly living up to Shah’s mantra.

I saw The Light at the Piazza”over the weekend at CV Rep and came away happy and with a swirl of thoughts about relationships and love . That’s a nice distraction after a week of the new administration.

Friends and reviewers are also gushing about many of the other performances currently staged and running. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh has been sitting in the dark for extended periods as the new year begins, reviewing the many great productions that are gracing our stages. He’s thumbs ups on these and you can read all of his reviews from the link.

We’re fortunate to have such great talent to fill those roles in Greater Palm Springs. Some come from Los Angeles to sharpen their skillls; others have moved to the desert and call it home. And we’ve also cultivated a number of new actors through mentoring programs within the theatre companies as well as through College of the Desert’s drama program.

We don’t have splashy venues like Vegas’ “Sphere”, but what we do have is a committed community of mostly non-profit theatre companies that live to delight and inspire us. Be sure to actively support them by putting your butt in a seat and consider making a contribution.

Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs

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Illusionist Rick Thomas – Mansion of Dreams

Rick Thomas

Experience the magic of Illusionist Rick Thomas in “Mansion of Dreams” at the McCallum Theatre on Monday, January 27 from 7-9 pm. This captivating show features breathtaking grand illusions, taking audiences of all ages through the mysteries within the Mansion’s walls. Rick Thomas, a world-renowned illusionist, has completed five world tours, performed at Caesars Colosseum, headlined the Sydney Opera House, and starred in Las Vegas for 15 years. Get tickets


Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year at Hotel Zoso

Celebrate the Lunar New Year in style at Hotel Zoso on Wednesday, January 29 from 5 pm–8 pm. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of culture, cuisine, and celebration as “The Kitchen” unveils their exciting new Asian-influenced menu. Delight in raffle prizes and complimentary succulent, mouth-watering appetizers. Bring good fortune into the New Year! More info


The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon

Catch The Book of Mormon at the McCallum Theatre from Thursday to Saturday, January 30–February 1, with performances at 8 pm on Thursday, 2 pm and 8 pm on both Friday and Saturday. This nine-time Tony Award® winning musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries. Praised as “the best musical of this century” by The New York Times and “the funniest musical of all time” by Entertainment Weekly, this international sensation has captivated audiences worldwide. Please note, the show contains explicit language. Get tickets


DBA January Networking Mixer

DBA Jan 25 Mixer

Mark your calendar for the DBA January Networking Mixer on Monday, January 27, from 5:30–7 pm, hosted by All People’s Presbyterian Church. This exciting evening offers a chance for DBA members to connect for free, while future members can join for just $20. Participate in the regular raffle supporting LGBTQ Youth Education Scholarships through Safe Schools Desert Cities—bring an item for the raffle and get a shout-out for your business. More info


Virtuoso Voyage

Nathaniel Zhang

Join the Palm Springs International Piano Competition for their annual benefit: Virtuoso Voyage on Monday, January 27, from 4:30–6 pm. This event heralds the 2024-25 season with a tribute to Peggy Cravens and features pianist Nathaniel Zhang, winner of the 2019 Junior Division Competition. Proceeds support vital music education programs and competition offerings. The evening includes a lively cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner prepared by award-winning executive chef Luke Patterson. Get tickets


DBA Learns: AI in Business

AI in Business

Join the Desert Business Association for the second installment of DBA LEARNS: AI in Business on Wednesday, January 29 from 8:30 am–11 am. This educational seminar, presented by Andrew McCauley of Flashlight Marketing, will explore how Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing growth, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. At this interactive workshop, you’ll gain valuable insights into AI best practices, pitfalls to avoid, and how to leverage AI for content creation, marketing, sales, and data analysis. Register today


The Light in the Piazza

Light In The Piazza graphic 800x800

CVRep presents The Light in the Piazza from January 22–February 2. Winner of six Tony Awards & five Drama Desk Awards, The Light in the Piazza takes us to the Tuscan countryside where, a beautiful, surprisingly childish young woman loses her hat in a sudden gust. As if guided by the hand of the Sistine Chapel, the hat lands at the feet of a handsome young Florentine man. But as events unfold and secrets are revealed we follow a love story unlike any other. Filled with a beautiful blend of classical and Broadway melodies, our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “This is a beautiful production of a not-often-produced musical and deserves a date on your calendar.” Read his full review and Get tickets


Chuck Yates as Tru

Tru

Desert Ensemble Theatre presents Tru from January 24–February 2 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Celebrating Truman Capote’s centennial year, actor Chuck Yates recreates his critically acclaimed performance that he created for Coyote StageWorks in 2013 (“Performer of the Decade,” Broadway World/Palm Springs). Capote remains a literary icon, but today is perhaps more known for his infamous betrayal of his society “Swans” in the pages of Esquire. Adapted from the writer’s own words and works, Tru is a one-person tour-de-force. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says of Yates: “A performance as nuanced and layered as this one is, is truly a joy to watch and should not be missed.” Read his full review and Get tickets


Spring Awakening

Spring Awakening

Revolution Stage Company presents Spring Awakening from January 14–30. This groundbreaking rock musical, based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play, captures the turbulent journey of adolescence with unflinching honesty. Set in late 19th-century Germany, it tells the poignant story of teenagers grappling with sexual awakening, societal expectations, and identity. With powerful performances and a haunting score by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, featuring unforgettable songs like “Mama Who Bore Me” and “The Bitch of Living,” this production speaks to the heart of growing up. Get tickets


Legally Blonde The Musical

Legally Blonde

Desert Theatreworks presents Legally Blonde The Musical from January 17–February 9. Follow Elle Woods as she takes on Harvard Law, fueled by the desire to win back her ex-boyfriend. With infectious energy and catchy tunes, the show captures Elle’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Along the way, she faces challenges from peers, professors, and her former flame, but with the help of newfound friends, she proves her resilience and determination. Get tickets


ALSO THIS WEEK

Saturday, February 1
Palm Springs Art Festival
| Sat. & Sun. from 10 am–4 pm at Frances Stevens Park
Country Dance Saturdays: Roll Back The Rug Line Dance Lesson with Andrew Jimenez | 7 pm at Step by Step
Clint Black: 35th Anniversary of Killin’ Time | 8 pm at The Show

Sunday, February 2
Palm Springs Vintage Market | 7 am– 2 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
San Diego Symphony
| 5 pm at the McCallum Theatre

For all events go to the GayDesertGuide.com

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