It is said that on the opening night of The Plaza Theatre on Dec. 12, 1936, Greta Garbo snuck into the theatre unnoticed to watch audience reaction to the premier of her film, Camille.
That’s a far cry from the weekend’s preview of the storied theatre’s renovation when celebs walked among us at Saturday’s Community Open House.
Lance Bass and newly-crowned Walk of Stars honoree Jonathan Bennett were spotted along with others who have no problem being seen in public. Most of those in the public eye regularly show their faces in Palm Springs — and for the most part are left alone.
I remember seeing Barry Manilow and Suzanne Somers dine regularly at El Mirasol. The Rat Pack used to hang out at Club Trinidad, now Purple Room, in the 50s. And of course, many adult filmmakers are a regular fixtures at bars, gyms and restaurants in the area. But that’s a different story…
One star we will miss seeing is Udo Kier, whose portrait hangs above the bar at The Evening Citizen speakeasy on Arenas Road. The openly gay actor lived in Palm Springs and was visible throughout his residency. Kier, 81, died on Sunday morning, according to his partner, artist Delbert McBride.
Kier, a German actor, became a cult icon known for his extensive work and collaborations with figures like Andy Warhol, Lars von Trier, and Madonna.
Following his success with Warhol, Kier spent the next two decades working in Europe. His introduction to American audiences came in 1991 in Gus Van Sant’s drama “My Own Private Idaho,” which also starred River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves.
The 1990s saw Kier take on supporting roles in major Hollywood productions like “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “Armageddon,” and “Blade.” He also collaborated with Madonna, appearing in her book Sex and her music videos for “Erotica” and “Deeper and Deeper.”
The opening night of The Plaza Theatre starring Cynthia Erivo will certainly be star-studded. In today’s social media-driven world, it’s doubtful any celeb would want to lurk in the shadows and not be noticed. We’ll miss those who have left us like Kier and Sommers. But in our hamlet, there are plenty waiting in the wings for their time in the spotlight.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you reside!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis #SupportYourStation #VisitGPS #LGBTQTravel
MON: Re-Dedication of Memorials
Join the City of Palm Springs for a historic re-dedication ceremony honoring LGBTQ+ civil rights pioneer Morris Kight and the brave LGBTQ+ veterans who served with pride. Taking place Monday, November 24 at 10 am at Francis Stevens Park (also the site of the new LGBTQ+ Pride Monument), the event marks the relocation of two culturally significant memorials—originally placed in Sunrise Park in 2002—to a more visible and well-maintained site. Speakers include Mayor Ron deHarte, Tom Swann Hernandez of Veterans for Peace, and leaders from the Arts and Parks departments. This moving tribute formally welcomes the memorials into the Palm Springs Public Art Collection.
STARTS TUE: Wildlights at The Living Desert
WildLights returns to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens on select nights from Tuesday, November 25 through Monday, December 30, from 6–9 pm. This dazzling holiday tradition features more than three million lights, immersive displays like the Tunnel of Lights, and a glowing African Safari walk. Guests can enjoy festive treats, s’mores, and a full bar while exploring the zoo after dark. With limited capacity each night, advanced reservations are recommended for this magical desert experience. Get tickets
TUE–SUN: Shucked
The McCallum Theatre presents Shucked, the Tony Award–winning musical comedy running Tuesday–Sunday, November 25–30. With a book by Robert Horn, music by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and direction by Jack O’Brien, this laugh-out-loud production delivers heartland humor and Broadway brilliance. Called “flat out hilarious” by The Wall Street Journal, Shucked offers a fresh twist on musical theater that’s as clever as it is catchy. Get tickets
DJ Galaxy’s Free Holiday Meals
DJ Galaxy’s Annual Holiday Meal Distribution returns with free, anonymous meal deliveries on Wednesday, November 26 and Wednesday, December 24 throughout the greater Palm Springs area. To request meals for yourself, your family, or others in your household, email DJGalaxyProductions@gmail.com or call/text (909) 953-6115. No name or phone number is required, but including delivery details helps coordinate timing. Supplies are limited, so early requests are encouraged.
WED: The Center’s Gay Men’s Social
Make meaningful connections at The Center Social on Wednesday, November 26 from 5:30–7 pm at The Social Cafe and Play Lounge. Held every fourth Wednesday of the month, this free mixer offers a welcoming space to unwind, meet new friends, and enjoy a delicious happy hour in good company. More info
THU: Thanksgiving at The Purple Room
Celebrate Thanksgiving in timeless style at The Purple Room Supper Club on Thursday, November 27 at 6:30 pm with a three-course holiday dinner and live jazz. Guests will enjoy a classic menu featuring roasted turkey, Duroc pork chop, Scottish salmon, braised short ribs, and butternut risotto—all set to the seasonal sounds of the Pam Phillips Jazz Quartet. Surrounded by the vintage glamour of the Rat Pack era, this festive evening blends fine dining, live music, and old-school elegance. RSVP today
THU: Thanksgiving at the Tramway
Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with stunning mountain views and festive dining. From Thursday, November 27–Sunday, November 30, special holiday hours run with the first tram up at 8 am, the last tram up at 8 pm, and the last tram down at 9:30 pm. On Thanksgiving Day, Ride ‘n’ Dine tickets at Pines Café feature holiday meals of turkey, ham, or vegetarian lasagna with sides and pumpkin pie. Peaks Restaurant offers an elevated menu beginning at 11 am, including turkey breast, salmon, or filet mignon with seasonal accompaniments and desserts. Reservations are recommended for Peaks. Full menus are available at www.pstramway.com/dining/.
OPENS FRI: Annie
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Annie, opening Friday, November 28 and running through Sunday, December 21. This heartwarming musical follows the spirited orphan Annie and her dog Sandy as they search for family and hope. With beloved songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” the production offers a joyful theatrical experience for audiences of all ages this holiday season. Get tickets
FRI–SUN: Head over Heels
Desert TheatreWorks presents a musical journey through the kingdom of Arcadia with Head Over Heels, running through November 30. Fueled by the infectious hits of The Go-Go’s, this joyful production blends royal drama, mistaken identities, and heartfelt discovery into a celebration of love, freedom, and self-expression. Get tickets
FRI–SUN: Desert Art Festival at The River
The Desert Art Festival comes to The River at Rancho Mirage this Friday–Sunday, November 28–30 with a vibrant showcase of fine art from hundreds of West Coast artists, daily from 10 am–4 pm. Visitors can explore original works in acrylic, oils, mixed media, photography, and more—spanning styles from contemporary to southwest. This open-air event offers a dynamic opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind pieces for personal or professional collections. More info
FRI: Fall of Freedom – Anne Bedrick
On Friday, November 28, Anne Bedrick Fine Art in Cathedral City joins the nationwide Fall of Freedom movement with a powerful solo exhibition by Anne Bedrick, open from 11 am–7 pm. Featuring four new large-scale abstracted figurative paintings, Bedrick’s work explores the emotional terrain of womanhood in a time of rising authoritarianism. More info
