BWW Previews: THIS SIDE OF CRAZY at Palm Canyon Theatre

Playwright Del Shores and Palm Canyon Theatre (PCT) have a long-lasting love affair with each other. The theatre recently presented their eighth production of Sordid Lives, and for the first time, ran the popular comedy for two weekends instead of one. There are two plaques for Palm Springs' Walk of Fame in the sidewalk in front of PCT. One is for the Layne Family, founders of the theatre company, and the other is for Del Shores!

His newest play is called This Side of Crazy and PCT will present it for one weekend only, November 18 - 21. The show premiered in late 2019 in San Francisco, followed by a Los Angeles production in early 2020. Both of these productions were directed by Mr. Shores. The pandemic then prevented any further stagings.

The plot of This Side of Crazy revolves around Ditty Blaylock, the most prolific singer in gospel music history, who is being honored by the Gospel Music Network. There's just one glitch: Ditty has promised a reunion of The Blaylock Sisters, her three adult daughters who were once national sensations, known as the "Little Superstars for Jesus."

Rachel, the oldest sister, is furious when she finds out that her baby sister, Bethany, an atheist and lesbian, and Abigail, her middle sister who has "anger issues" and is hence confined to a mental facility, are headed home. These complicated sisters have been estranged for over twenty-five years, and extreme past circumstances such as a husband left in a coma have made reconciliation impossible. Once reunited, secrets are revealed, tempers flare, and family wounds are exposed. BUT, we all know the show must go on!

PCT has assembled a blue-ribbon cast including Deborah Harman as Ditty, with Yo Younger, Denise Strand and Melanie Blue as her daughters. The production is directed by Richard Marlow, a man who has proved his bona fides by helming such productions as Grand Hotel and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Shores is especially eager to see the production because it will be the first one that he hasn't directed. Shores will also be in the audience on opening night, November 18, and will answer audience questions after the performance.

Shores' plays are frequently performed by gay theatre companies, including the previous two productions of This Side of Crazy. However, as mentioned above, PCT's audience (which certainly includes many gays) has virtually adopted Shores as their favorite playwright, and the early ticket sales have been enthusiastic. The only "gay" character in this production is Bethany, the lesbian atheist, but Shores is sure to probe laughs and introspection on the subject of religion's treatment of homosexuals. In fact, much of his popularity stems from the irreverent subjects he uses for his black humor -- and the audiences just lap it up! Early reservations are certainly recommended!

This Side of Crazy runs from November 18 - 21. Show times are Thursday, November 18 at 7 p.m.; Friday the 19th and Saturday the 20th at 8 p.m. and Sunday the 21st at 2 p.m. Tickets are $29.50, and $15.00 for students.

For tickets and other information, call the PCT Box Office at 760-323-5123 or order online at PalmCanyonTheatre.org. Palm Canyon Theatre is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive at the corner of Alejo Road. Box Office hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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