THE DESERT ROSE PLAYHOUSE TO PRESENT “NITE CLUB CONFIDENTIAL”
The Desert Rose Playhouse, the Valley’s live stage company serving the LGBT community, will present Miss Joey English in Dennis Deal’s “mid-century modern” jazz musical Nite Club Confidential. The production will open January 10, 2014 for a six-week run closing on February 16, 2014. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 2 PM.
With an impressive background performing in nightclubs, theatres, and on television around the world, Miss Joey English stars as 1950’s nightclub chanteuse “Kay Goodman”, a woman who all through the Eisenhower administration, never once saw daylight. Miss English is joined by award-winning singer/actor/dancer John Ferrare as singer/agent/club owner “Buck Holden” and fresh young talent Katie Pavao as up-and-coming nightclub star “Dorothy Flynn”. Also appearing are Ryan Dominguez and Jeremy Johnson as “Mitch” and “Sal”, versatile and personable members of the vocal group, The High Hopes.
These five characters, accompanied by an onstage 3-piece combo, take audiences on a giddy and sophisticated global adventure from New York to Hollywood and Paris with a smart mix of Vocal Standards like “That Old Black Magic”, “Goody Goody”, and “Something’s Gotta Give” as well as terrific new Jazz tunes. The production is directed by DRP Artistic Director Jim Strait. Broadway and Hollywood veteran Steven Smith is Musical Director/Conductor and choreography is by Mark Demry.
Tickets are $30 for Friday and Saturday evening performances; $28 for Sunday matinees and go on sale December 15, 2013. To order go online at www.desertroseplayhouse.org or call 760-202-3000.
Where: The Desert Rose Playhouse, 69620 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
IT’S BACK! FANTASY SPRINGS’ IMPROV COMEDY SERIES MAKES A COMICAL RETURN FOR THE 7th SEASON
You’ll be laughing all the way to the slots in the coming months. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino’s Improv Comedy series opens for a 7th season on January 10th with some of the biggest names in comedy.
Top-name comedians such as Fritz Coleman, Dat Phan, Rondell Sheridan, Jack Gallagher, Bob Zany and many more, will hit the stage and make audiences roar with laughter. You’ll see well-known acts, as well as get introduced to some rising stars in the industry.
The Improv series runs every Friday and Saturday night through April 12th. Three comedians perform at every show, which take place each Friday at 9pm and Saturday at 8pm & 10pm. Tickets are $20 per show and are available by calling 800.827.2946 or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com. Guests must be 21 or older to attend Improv performances.
CELEBRITIES ANNOUNCED FOR COYOTE STAGEWORKS BENEFIT
Star-Studded Cast to Perform “The Man Who Came to Dinner”
Coyote StageWorks is pleased to announce a roster of celebrities scheduled to appear in “The Man Who Came to Dinner” at 6:00 pm on Sunday, January 19, 2014 at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs. The one-night-only performance will benefit Coyote StageWorks, a not-for-profit company dedicated to advancing theatre as a vital art form in the desert communities of the Coachella Valley.
Veteran stage, television and film actor G. W. Bailey has been cast as the famously outlandish radio wit Sheridan Whiteside, the role played by Nathan Lane in the show’s Broadway revival in 2000. Bailey (Captain Harris of “Police Academy”) is joined by funnyman Fred Willard (“Everybody Loves Raymond,” Waiting for Guffman,” “A Mighty Wind”), and his “Major Crimes” and “The Closer” co-star Phillip P. Keene. Additional celebrities named to the growing cast list are Joyce Bulifant (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Airplane!”), Jim J. Bullock (“Too Close for Comfort,” “Hollywood Squares,” Broadway’s “Hairspray”) and Mo Gaffney (“Absolutely Fabulous,” “That 70’s Show,” “Kathy and Mo: Parallel Lives”).
Local celebrities also slated to appear in the performance include Valley philanthropists Annette Bloch, Barbara and Jerry Keller (Acqua Pazza, Lulu), and Terri Ketover. Wells Fargo financial professional Gary Hall will play a role, as will popular radio host Bill “Bulldog” Feingold, CBS Local 2 meteorologist Patrick Evans, and restaurateur Tony Marchese (Trio, Purple Room).
Tickets are $75 and $125 per person for the performance only; $250 and $500 tickets include a VIP cast reception following the performance. Artists are subject to change without notice.
For more information about Coyote StageWorks and its 2014 season, please visit coyotestageworks.org. Group sales: 760-318-0024. To purchase individual tickets or subscriptions call 760-325-4490 or visit annenbergtheater.org.
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW FOR THE 5TH ANNUAL SPA TOUR!
Celebrating the beautiful healing hideaways of California’s Spa City, the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce along with the Hoteliers Association of Desert Hot Springs will host the 5th Annual Spa Tour on Thursday, January 30, 2014 from 5pm to 8:30pm.
Overlooking the Palm Springs area, Desert Hot Springs is home to dozens of boutique resorts known world-wide for their natural, healing, hot mineral waters and represent various styles to include Mid-century Modern, Moroccan, casual, classic and clothing optional. Spa Tour is an amazing opportunity to see several of these properties in one evening, and the beauty that rests within.
Tickets are available for the 5th Annual Spa Tour and can be purchased Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm by calling the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce at 760-329-6403 or in person at 11-999 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs. Available ticket levels and prices are as follows:
VIP Tour: $125 if purchased by January 10th, $150 from January 11th
(VIP Tour ticket includes: Welcome Reception at the new Essense restaurant located in Two Bunch Palms Resort, swag bag, spa robe, guided coach tour, one additional drawing entry and an After-Tour Party at Miracle Springs Resort)
Guided Coach Tour: $40 if purchased by January 10th, $50 from January 11th
Self – Guided Tour: $20 if purchased by January 10th, $30 from January 11th
*All ticket sales are final and nonrefundable
LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB, A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT ROLLS OUT THE RED LANTERNS FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR
Year of the Horse Celebration Includes “Package of Good Fortune,” Parade, Festivities and Fireworks
It’s a feast for the senses as La Quinta Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort rolls out the red lanterns for Chinese New Year 4712 – the Year of the Horse. Honoring annual Chinese traditions with a fresh desert spin, the resort announces its first annual Year of the Horse Celebration set for Saturday, February 1, 2014 (public welcome) as well as a new “Package of Good Fortune,” resort food and beverage specials and a value-added retail program.
GIFT A GETAWAY – Set on 45 lush acres rife with colorful gardens, 41 pools and radiant winter sunshine, La Quinta Resort & Club’s new “Package of Good Fortune” includes guestroom accommodations, breakfast for two and a Citrus-inspired welcome amenity for revelers set on celebrating the season in style. Keeping with tradition, guests will also receive a crisp red envelope upon check-in stocked with lucky casino dollars.
The Package of Good Fortune also includes a variety of retail perks including a VIP Coupon Book at Desert Hills Premium Outlets – the quintessential desert shopping experience with 130 retail outlets including Gucci, Versace and Jimmy Choo – 18 percent discount at The Bungalow Shop and Spa La Quinta Oasis Shop, bicycle rental specials ($8.00/hr.;$28.00/day) and complimentary shuttle service to nearby Fantasy Springs Casino.* Available January 27 through February 10, 2014, rates start at $308.00/double occupancy, excluding taxes and resort fee ($27.00), based on availability. To book visit www.laquintaresort.com/resort/special_offers/ or call +1 760 564 4111.
YEAR OF THE HORSE CELEBRATION – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2014 (Public Welcome)
Celebrated during the second new moon after the winter solstice, Chinese New Year stems from a long custom of honoring family and reunions, warding off evil spirits and beckoning good luck for the future. Also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, this worldwide event is marked with a traditional lantern festival, dragon dance and fireworks display.
La Quinta Resort & Club will honor the New Year with a “Year of the Horse Celebration” staged at the alfresco Resort Plaza. Starting at 5:30 p.m., the event kicks off with a variety of family games and activities, authentic Chinese-influenced food and beverage specials and an ongoing video presentation. At 7:00 p.m., the festivities heat up with a colorful dragon parade and acrobatic performance and culminate with an elaborate fireworks display over the resort on Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m.
*Shuttle service to Fantasy Springs Casino offered Friday through Sunday only, January 30 – February 3, 2014.
DAME EDNA IMPERSONATOR TO APPEAR AT THE PURPLE ROOM
Michael L. Walters Performs His Rendition of Famed Character
Renowned actor, vocalist, and female impersonator Michael L. Walters will take the Purple Room stage by storm in “A Royal Audience with Michael L. Walters as Dame Edna,” on Sunday, February 9 and Monday, February 10, 2014. Dinner begins at 5:30 pm with the performance at 7 pm and reservations are recommended. Tickets for the dinner show are $40 per person and may be purchased by calling 760-322-4422 or by visiting purpleroompalmsprings.com. Walters will also make a special late night appearance at 9 pm on Sunday for $20 per person (cocktail and food menus available).
A fun-filled evening of glamour and sidesplitting laughter featuring glittering gowns, outrageous comedy, and original musical numbers, the show is a full-scale homage to the fabulous Dame Edna. Michael Walters, who first donned the wisteria coif and rhinestone glasses in 2001, never dreamed he would still be performing the character today. His impersonation has received the blessing of Dame Edna’s original creator, Barry Humphries, who Walters had the honor of appearing with in 2010.
The legendary Purple Room is open for dinner from 3 pm to midnight Tuesday through Sunday, with a late night menu served from 11 pm until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and top quality entertainment six nights a week (closed Mondays). For reservations and more information about upcoming performances and shows, call 760-322-4422 or visit purpleroompalmsprings.com.
TRIO RESTAURANT’S 5TH ANNUAL “HOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST NIGHT” TO BENEFIT AIDS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
In celebration of the 86th Annual Academy Awards, Trio Restaurant in Palm Springs will once again host “Hollywood’s Biggest Night” beginning at 4:30 pm, on Sunday, March 2, 2014. The glittering evening will include the now signature ‘orange’ carpet arrivals, and a special greeting from dynamo hostess and local celebrity, Bella da Ball. Proceeds from this event will benefit AIDS Assistance Program. Those in attendance will view the Oscars® pre-show and awards presentation on special screens.
“Traditionally, this has truly been a magical evening of dining, drinks, and the greatest awards show on earth,” says Tony Marchese, co-owner of Trio. “You immediately feel the energy and the excitement as our guests wait with anticipation for the winners, and everyone in attendance has such a wonderful time. It’s hard to believe this is our fifth year hosting this event, and each one seems to be more magnificent than the last.”
Tickets for Hollywood’s Biggest Night start at $125 per person for bar seating, $150 for general seating, or $175 for VIP/premium seating, which includes a prix-fixe dinner, well drinks, wine, and champagne. Tickets should be purchased in advance by visiting www.aidsassistance.org or by calling AAP at 760/325-8481.
“You don’t have to be an A-list celebrity to experience the magic and excitement of Oscar night, and Trio is the best place in the Valley to view one of the most entertaining and highly anticipated awards shows in the world,” says Mark Anton, CEO/Executive Director of AIDS Assistance Program.
PSWIFT TO HONOR WOMEN WHO HAVE SMASHED THROUGH THE GLASS CEILING
The film and television industry was founded by a small group of visionary men, but over the past 100 years it has been women such as Mary Pickford, Ida Lupino and Sherry Lansing who have proved it isn’t simply a man’s world.
To honor the pioneering women of the industry and those working today as actors, directors, producers and writers, the Palm Springs chapter of Women in Film and Television (PSWIFT) will present the 6th Annual Broken Glass Awards on March 8 at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage.
The event is one of the highlights of the Coachella Valley’s social season!
It includes red carpet arrivals that attract media from all over Southern California, dinner and a show featuring the honorees, presenters and Coachella Valley performers that are all open to the public to purchase tickets.
The 2014 slate of honorees and presenters are set to be announced in January, and as they have in past years, will to honor the women who have dedicated their lives and talents to making the film industry a better place for all women to work.
As they have since the 2008 creation of the Broken Glass Awards, PSWIFT slate of honorees will include Broken Glass Awards who live and work in the Coachella Valley, as well as Los Angeles-based industry leaders.
Broken Glass Awards are given to women who have distinguished themselves as successful pioneers in the arts and philanthropy. Past BGA honorees include Jacqueline Bissett, Della Reese, Suzanne de Passe, Gale Ann Hurd, the Team Todd sisters, Kim Waltrip, Gloria Greer, Donna Mills, Raquel Welch, Shirley Jones, Alfre Woodard, Ruta Lee, Mary Hart and philanthropists Jackie Lee Houston, Helene Galen, Barbara Keller, Lisa Houston.
For more information on the 2014 Broken Glass Awards, contact Judith Salkin at FG Creative at (760) 773-1707 or judi@fgcreative.com.
CITY OF LA QUINTA PICKS UP HUMANA CHALLENGE
Residents are offered a little help to step up their fitness game for a brighter 2014
You can tell that the City of La Quinta likes a good challenge, that’s why it is hosting healthy community events at locations around the town.
It’s a week for residents to get worked up with walks, exercise classes and lifestyle awareness demonstrations, all presented in conjunction with Humana to change daily routines and encourage everyone to step of their personal game.
The La Quinta Senior Center, at 78450 Avenida La Fonda, hosts the Humana Fit, Fun and Forever Week Monday through Friday, Jan. 6-10. Registration for the day’s free activities starts at 8 a.m., followed by walks at 9 a.m., fitness demos at 10 a.m. and healthy eating demos at 11 a.m.
On Saturday, Jan. 11, La Quinta Community Park (77865 Avenida Montezuma) is the site of the Humana Well-Being Walk. Registration starts at 8 a.m., with the walk along the Bear Creek Path taking off at 9 a.m. The 5.75-mile walk includes four rest stops with snacks and water. Collect a stamp from each stop and pick up a prize pack at the end of the walk.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Community Park is the site of the Humana Healthy Fun Fair that includes a concert by the New Sensations Party Band; Interactive Kids Fun Zone with carnival games and giant inflatable toys. Local nonprofit and health agencies will be there promoting their programs and services.
And on Sunday, Jan. 12, from 8 a.m. to noon, bring your reusable shopping bags to fill them up with fresh fruits, veggies, breads and flowers at the Humana Day at the Certified Farmers Market at Old Town La Quinta, in the heart of the village at 78100 Main Street. Chef Michael Vaughn of Twenty6 Restaurant at La Quinta Resort will show off his skills by whipping up dishes created with items selected from the Farmers Market.
For more information on the Humana Fit, Fun & Forever Week, contact Tustin Larson at (760) 777-7085 or tlarson@la-quinta.org.
DANCE FOR LIFE PALM SPRINGS LAUNCHES COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM
Residency to include workshops, lectures, and more
Dance for Life, a showcase of spectacular performances by renowned dance companies in support of AIDS Assistance Program, is partnering with Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) to create an educational outreach component. Nevada Ballet Theatre is a classically based company committed to the highest artistic standards with an eclectic repertory, moving easily from the classics to the high-energy, contemporary ballets.
Nevada Ballet Theatre will arrive early in the week of their DFL performance, and will present educational workshops, lectures, and demonstrations. This program will take place on Monday, January 13th and Tuesday, January 14th, and will provide an opportunity for local schools and dance studios to experience ballet. The schedule will include a public rehearsal at a local dance studio, ballet workshops (for a nominal fee) for students interested in dance, grade school and high school lecture demonstrations, and public mini performances. The schedule is as follows:
Dance for Life Palm Springs/Dance Outreach & Workshop
Monday, January 13 – 7:00 pm 9:00 pm
CK Dance
820 East Research Drive #10
Palm Springs, CA
(760) 992-5678
Tuesday, January 14 – 5:30 7:30 pm
Dance Dimensions
41651 Corporate Way #4
Palm Desert, CA
(760) 346-6283
The cost of the workshops is $15, and $5 for spectators. Cash and check will be accepted upon arrival. Space is limited, so reservations are required. For additional information and to reserve your space, email Keith Elliott at dflworkshop@gmail.com.
Designed for the novice and professional dancer alike, this program will allow students to broaden their knowledge and appreciation for the art of ballet, and it will culminate with a group performance “Flash Mob” style at an undisclosed location, explains Keith Elliott, co-producer of Dance for Life Palm Springs. James Canfield, Artistic Director of NBT, is elated to create this project because the mission of NBT is to educate and inspire regional, statewide, and national audiences, and to vitally impact community life through professional company productions, dance training, and education and outreach.
Dance for Life Palm Springs will return to Palm Springs for a highly anticipated encore performance on Friday, January 17, 2014, at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs. The evening begins with a champagne reception at the Palm Springs Art Museum at 6 pm, followed by the Dance for Life performance at 7 pm.
Tickets for the event are $95 per person. VIP Seating is also available at $200 per person. This VIP-level ticket also includes entry to a special VIP reception with dancers and sponsors the evening before the performance at the Bouganvillea Room at Spencers Restaurant in Palm Springs. To purchase tickets, contact AIDS Assistance Program at 760/325-8481 or by visiting www.aidsassistance.org.
DANCING WITH OUR STARS CELEBRATES THEIR 13TH SEASON
Grab your dance shoes and join us for the original multi-charity dance competition fundraiser, Dancing with Our Stars. Always a popular event, local professional dancers share the dance floor with community members for the charity of their choice. Since 2006 we have raised over $350,000 for 76 charities.
Event tickets for Dancing with Our Stars, Sunday, February 16th at 5 pm at the Agua Caliente Casino are $90 and include one vote for the charity of your choice. Votes are $20 each and can be purchased in advance of the live competition to support your favorite participating charity.
The following charities and dancers providing a magical, inspiring evening of dance are:
o CASA – Galiena Jacobs & Dennis Gimenez
o Red Hot Ballroom – Genevert Tan Martz & Isa Lapaj; Traci Kaylor & Don Ramos
o Safehouse of the Desert – Frank Dimick & Kristin Staszek
o Soroptimist House of Hope – Rose Marie Rae & McNeil Atwood
Also enjoy the tantalizing non-charity Pro/Am competition from our dance community featuring Elvia Gomez & Tim Dawson and Lowell Fox dancing with Elizabeth Wood & Nancy Gardea. In the non-charity Amateur competition are Kathy & Mike Rodier and Kathleen Collins & Sonny Routt. A special treat is the competition of three couples from our local schools featuring Red Hot Ballroom’s “Red Hots”.
Celebrate the Valentine’s Day weekend with the special person in your life and enjoy romantic entertainment by our hostess Sharon DiHaworth, dinner, the dance competition and dancing for all the guests several times throughout the evening. Hosts will be on hand to dance with guests.
For additional information, contact lynne@acharityaffaire.com, 760-218-1687 or go to www.dancingwithourstars.com.
