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‘Annie’ Brings Holiday Cheer to Palm Canyon Theatre
Palm Canyon Theatre presents the family favorite Annie, running Friday, Nov. 28, through Sunday, Dec. 21. This timeless musical—filled with optimism, laughter and unforgettable songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life”—celebrates hope, love and the magic of found family.
Two talented young actresses will share the title role of Annie: Karsyn Kemp and Sierra Petrilla. Each brings her own charm, voice and energy to the spunky redhead determined to find a better tomorrow.
Directed and choreographed by Se Layne with musical direction by Linda Mack, the production also stars Paul Grant as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, Tara Howard as Grace Farrell, and Olga Morales as Miss Hannigan. Additional featured roles include Anthony Nannini as Rooster, Jessica Inserra as Lily, Donald Kelley as Drake, Lisa Walters as Mrs. Greer, Kelly Bevel as Mrs. Pugh, Stephen Giboney as Bert Healy, Tom Warrick as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Nick Edwards as the Dog Catcher.
The orphans are portrayed by Leilah Mendivil as Pepper, Isla Gurnon as Duffy, Brenda Meza as July, Radmira Koltsova as Tessie, Bogdana Koltsova as Mae, Brooklyn Park as Kate, and Kaia Petrilla as Molly. Ensemble members include Neil Badham, Alan Berry, Lois Bondurich, Donovan Bricker, Danny Hargreaves, Adam Hieter, Stevie Gold, Thelma Irvine, Justin Marionowits, Marvin Rea, Steve Shane and Sanai Wright.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets, including fees, are $46 for adults, and $20 for students. PCT is located at 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, and box office hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For tickets or more information, call 760-323-5123, or visit palmcanyontheatre.org. (Sponsored Content)
Late Autumn Art Stroll
The Perez Art District closes out November with its 4th Fridays @ 4:00 art walk from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 28, in Cathedral City. One gallery to check out is Ghost Gallery, at 68733 Perez Road, Building C, which is hosting a tribute to the late artist Gerald Patrick. Patrick developed a signature style of layered hard-edge geometric abstraction, working in acrylics and oils on large canvases, and transitioning into sculpture. The walk, with all galleries free and open to the public, is an easy way to meet artists, see new work and buy directly from creators. For more information, visit theperezartdistrict.com. —Charles Drabkin
Create and Illuminate
From 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29, Art in the Park in the Dark will transform Demuth Park (at Mesquite Avenue and Calle Santa Cruz, in Palm Springs) into a neon-lit wonderland of lasers, live art and gleeful weirdness—proof that Palm Springs’ most creative residents still know how to throw a party that shines. At the nighttime art happening, curated by producer and comedian Shann Carr, expect hands-on art booths, illuminated installations and glow-in-the-dark kickball. The night sky will be painted with high-powered laser beams while a DJ keeps the beats happy, and the Desert Flaggers swirl, swoop and sparkle under blacklight. The first 100 attendees get free blacklight flashlights, and with six food trucks in attendance to keep you fueled up, this is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving weekend. Learn more at facebook.com/ArtParkDark. —Charles Drabkin
Divine Pet Protection
Does your pet need divine protection? At 6 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 30, bring your animal friends to get blessed at the Pet Blessing happening at the Beatnik Lounge, at 61597 Twentynine Palms Highway, in Joshua Tree. Bring your pet to receive a special blessing—but please make sure they are well-behaved or in a carrier. You can also receive a photo of your pet with the monks issuing holy protection to your pet. There is a suggested donation of $10 to $20 per pet, and proceeds will go towards Gaden Shartse Monastery, which houses 1700 monks in Southern India, ages 3-97, all dedicated to the study and practices of Buddhist philosophy. For more information, visit the Facebook Event page. —Matt King
Living Legend, Historic Venue
After a long wait, a historic Palm Springs venue is back with a grand opening gala. At 7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 1, Wicked-star and worldwide phenomenon Cynthia Erivo headlines the Opening Night Gala at the Plaza Theatre, at 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive. Erivo, the Wicked star who’s just an Oscar short of an EGOT at the age of 38, is kicking off the Plaza’s return in style, bringing her one-of-a-kind singing abilities and musical-theater jams to town. The event will also feature Mark Meadows and the Palm Springs Pops Orchestra. Tickets are moving fast, and remaining tickets as of this writing start at $1,250. Each ticket includes a copy of Erivo’s upcoming book, Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much, a limited-edition poster and more. Don’t miss Coachella Valley history! For tickets and more information, visit www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com. —Matt King
Gingerbread Without the Sugar Rush
At 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 2, the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory, at 71100 Highway 111, will turn into a quiet little workshop for anyone who likes their holiday crafts calm and detailed, as the library hosts a Gingerbread House Holiday Cross Stitch session. Show up; settle in; and get to work. The library will provide all the materials needed to complete a mini stitched gingerbread house. Cross stitch tends to create its own kind of community, with people trading tips and comparing tiny patterns, and this event offers an easy entry point for beginners, or a pleasant couple of hours for longtime stitchers. Admission is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, click here. —Charles Drabkin
Tuesdays Are for Tunes
Fill your Tuesday evenings with musical movie magic! At 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 2, a brand new concert series, The Tuesday Show, begins at the Palm Canyon Theatre, at 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. The once-a-month series kicks off in star-studded style, as the first show will focus on “Songs From the Silver Screen,” so expect an assortment of your favorite tunes from classic films! Producing the show, and handling vocal duties, is powerhouse voice and acclaimed actress Francesca Amari, and the musical director of the evening is piano maestro Wayne Abravanel. Joining the duo on Dec. 2 will be Kimberly Cofer, Mark Cotter, Estee Graham and Gregg Marx. Tickets are $35. For tickets and more information, visit palmcanyontheatre.net. —Matt King
Gingerbread With the Sugar Rush
The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa, at 74855 Country Club Drive, in Palm Desert, is unveiling a holiday display shaped by the resort’s pastry team and culinary and hospitality students from La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and Coachella Valley high schools. Get your first glimpse at Gingerbread Junction at 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5. Executive pastry chef Dominique Valenzuela not only oversaw the project but is also bringing back the seasonal baked goods counter, open daily from 2 to 8 p.m. through the end of December. The display will be up through Dec. 25, with voting open to anyone who likes to compare gingerbread architecture. Results will be announced Dec. 29. Gingerbread Junction is a great place to linger before heading out to Santa and Mrs. Claus Meet and Greet and Holiday Boat Tour, taking place in evenings from Dec. 21-24. For more information, click here. —Charles Drabkin
Iconic Desert Eras
Take a trip into the desert’s past! At 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, the hi-dez time machine event Atomic Days and Desert Nights will take place at the Morongo Basin Historical Museum, at 632 Landers Lane, in Yucca Valley. Revisit the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s at this unique exhibit, showcasing iconic desert aspects such as the mid-century modern boom and alien-obsessed high desert haunts. Local folk duo The Kearns Family (pictured) will be providing the soundtrack, and the show will also feature special guest Billy Mitchell, a fourth-generation cowboy in the Mojave Desert who is a descendant of one of the founding families of Barstow. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pat.kearns.5.—Matt King
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