Treat yourself to Musical Theatre University’s full production of an original family musical, Christmas at the Grande Ole Dame, written by renowned actress Joyce Bulifant (best known for The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Airplane! and Match Game) and her late husband, Roger Perry (actor and composer who wrote songs for Barbra Streisand and Bing Crosby), with additional lyrics by MTU’s David Green.
The opening-night performance on Thursday, Dec. 19, will benefit Tools for Tomorrow’s free arts literacy program in Coachella Valley elementary schools.
The cast will include veteran actors Tim Ewing (Broadway’s Mamma Mia), Leslie Tinnaro (Broadway’s Evita) and Douglas Graham (Cats, Dancin’ and Chicago) as well as MTU’s talented students and other local professionals.
Christmas at the Grande Ole Dame was previously performed as a concert version in 2016 at Cal State-San Bernardino’s Palm Desert campus, and MTU’s full production is a “dream come true” for Bulifant, who dedicates this production in memory of concert version cast members Roger Perry, Gavin MacLeod, Sanford Reed, Barbara Keller and Tim Martin.
The charming love story parallels changing times at the Hotel Colorado, “the Grande Ole Dame of the Rockies.” The musical traces the hotel’s registry of notable and notorious guests such as the Unsinkable Molly Brown, Tom Mix, Al Capone, Teddy Roosevelt, Buffalo Bill Cody, Doc Holliday and others. There are many lively dance numbers.
Bulifant has dedicated her talents to many children’s causes. She formed the Dyslexia Public Awareness Program and produced, wrote and directed two musical fundraisers: Gifts of Greatness starring Julie Harris, Patti Duke, Ed Asner and Danny Thomas; and Different Heroes, Different Dreams starring Tony Danza, Helen Hayes, Judy Collins and Barbara Eden. Bulifant is a former executive vice-president of The Dyslexia Foundation. With the help of the Mt. Sopris Rotary Club, she founded the River Bridge Regional Center, a Colorado advocacy organization for abused children.
For many years, Bulifant and Perry directed Tools for Tomorrow students’ performances at fundraisers. On Feb. 24, 2025, Bulifant will direct TFT’s “Singing in the Rain” dinner show featuring TFT’s Theatre Troupe and honoring KESQ’s Patrick Evans.
“We greatly appreciate the generous support of Joyce Bulifant, David Green’s Musical Theatre University and PSUSD Foundation,” said TFT board president Robin Nugent.
Founded in 1999 by Rachel Druten, Tools for Tomorrow works with the belief the arts have the power to transform a child’s life. In 2024-2025, TFT has after-school Creative Clubs in 25 Coachella Valley elementary schools, and two theater troupes as well as community partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City, Hanson House, Olive Crest, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Read With Me.
TFT’s Creative Clubs integrate visual arts, music appreciation, creative writing and theater with a focus on social-emotional learning and innovative thinking. Students receive individual art-supply kits, which they keep at the end of their session so they can continue to create at home. TFT’s hands-on creative experiences nurture children’s positive self-esteem. The theater program helps students develop and put on a play, introducing them to performing, public speaking and working together in a safe, supportive environment. After-school classes are led by trained TFT teaching artists with assistance from volunteers.
Christmas at the Grande Ole Dame’s opening-night benefit will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School, 2248 E. Ramon Road. To buy tickets, visit www.toolsfortomorrow.org and use code TOOLS to ensure that TFT receives the benefit of your $35 ticket purchase. For more information, call 760-601-3954.