Review: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at Desert Theatreworks
For folks of “a certain age” (which I am not telling if I do or do not fall into that category), prolific songwriter and performing artist Carole King provided what could be the official soundtrack to their adolescence. For those who have not quite crossed that age threshold, you would be surprised how well her music has endured and firmly taken its place in the American songbook, speaking to multiple generations with songs of hope, love and all that comes after.
Review: Neil Simon's PLAZA SUITE Brings Laughter and Pathos at Desert Theatreworks
Several things rush to mind in the thoughts of the prolific theatre-goer when a Neil Simon production is promised: smart & funny being chiefly amongst them. Both are on tap at Desert Theatreworks in their current production of Simon’s “Plaza Suite”. A collection of three vignette scenes connected only by locale, Room 719 of Manhattan’s once opulent Plaza Hotel, and the ramifications of love (gaining it, losing it and being frankly terrified by it).
Review: JIMMY BUFFETT'S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE at Desert Theatreworks is a Rollicking Good Time
Desert Theatreworks showcases its talented cadre of singers, dancers, and comedic actors in its current production, the musical comedy JIMMY BUFFETT'S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. Director Lance Phillips and musical director Douglas Wilson have done a superb job with this jukebox musical that features Buffett's tunes. A cast of twenty dances enthusiastically to excellent original choreography by rising Coachella Valley star Anthony Nannini, and impressively pulls off both sweet folk rock songs and belted numbers. The performances and strong visuals from the designers result in an enjoyable, cheerful evening, with numerous stand-out moments.
Review: NUNSENSE A-MEN! at Desert Theatreworks is Heavenly (or maybe Hellacious) Fun
If you’ve seen the original NUNSENSE, which consists of hilariously stupid (stupidly hilarious?) jokes and songs, you’ve seen NUNSENSE A-MEN! — same book and lyrics, same music, and same characters, but with a twist: The cast is entirely made up of men. DTW’s performers play their roles STRAIGHT rather than as if they were part of a drag show; if they wore stage makeup at all, they applied it with a light touch. Their earnestness adds to the hilarity, for example when rubber-faced, diminutive Raul Valenzuela glares at Charles Harvey’s Mother Superior, and the tall Mother Superior glares back. The even more diminutive Larry Martin, playing postulant Mary Leo, is a dentist in real life; he performs an excellent ballet routine. DTW veterans Mark Demry and Michael Hamlin round out the cast. They, too, are DIVINE; this ensemble cast works together seamlessly. They ace the singing and dancing (ballet, Broadway-style, and tap), and their chemistry is terrific.
Review: Desert Theatreworks Shows off Singing and Dancing with WHITE CHRISTMAS
There is a great deal of enthusiastic singing and dancing by a large, energetic cast in Desert Theatreworks' (DTW's) production of WHITE CHRISTMAS, with book by David Ives and Paul Blake, and songs and lyrics by Irving Berlin. Daniela Ryan directed this production, which features two choreographers - Stacy Casaluci-Grenrock, assisted by teenaged veteran DTW member Violet Feath (who also serves as dance captain) for the tap numbers.
BWW Review: Desert Theatreworks Has Mounted A Must-See Production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
There is a new must-see production in the Coachella Valley: Desert Theatreworks’ presentation of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, the rock musical mash-up of comedy, horror, and sci-fi, with music by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman. The directing, acting, singing, dancing, puppetry, and all-around technical quality make for a delightful afternoon or evening of entertainment.
BWW Review: I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES Is Both Sweet and Saucy
Desert Theatreworks has produced another winner: Neil Simon’s I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES. This story, with its emphasis on rekindling father-daughter love, is deeper than many of his plays. The two casts make the audience care about the characters. Director Daniela Ryan has done a superb job of coaxing brilliant performances from both.
BWW Review: ALWAYS....PATSY CLINE at Desert Theatreworks
In the past two decades I have had several opportunities to see Always, Patsy Cline and I always avoided the show, thinking 'A two-woman show can't be entertaining and besides, I don't like country music.' Please, please do not make the mistake I did. This show has only a few more performances in the Coachella Valley, and it is an incredibly entertaining and moving experience. Part celebrity concert, part Hallmark heart-warming tale, Desert Theatreworks' current production is a must-see!