BY DIANE MARLIN-DIRKX
Sing it out loud and proud, Guenevere: “Tra la! It’s May! The lusty month of May! That lovely month when ev’ryone goes Blissfully astray. Tra la! It’s here! That shocking time of year When tons of wicked little thoughts Merrily appear! It’s May! It’s May! That gorgeous holiday When ev’ry maiden prays that her lad Will be a cad! It’s mad! It’s gay! A libelous display! Those dreary vows that ev’ryone takes, Ev’ryone breaks. Everyone makes divine mistakes–The lusty month of May.” Thus goes the a show-stopper for singer Julie Andrews in the B’way musical “Camelot.” We may not live there, but we live in the next best spot: Paradise. Take a look at what’s going on stage and off during our own (sing it!)“Trusty month of May. Hooray!”
Saturday, May 16, 6 – 9 _PM. One Night Only! Actress/ Entertainer/Legendary Blonde Carol Channing will be honored by the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) at their upcoming Gala “One Enchanted Evening,” with the 29th l presentation of The Joseph L. Treadway Loving Care Award. It is VNA California’s way of recognizing some very special people for the extraordinary care they have given to a family member, friend, or in Carol Channing’s case, her generous philanthropic contributions to citizens of the Coachella Valley. Special Guests scheduled to attend include – Johnny Cannizzaro (“Jersey Boys”), Carolyn Hennessy (“True Blood”), Kristanna Loken (“Terminator 3”) and Omar Sharif, Jr. (“The Secret Scripture”). More special appearances to be confirmed for this special evening. Ever since her Broadway debut in Blitzsteins’ For An Answer and a Time Magazine cover story, which hailed her performance as Lorelei in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Miss Channing has been a star of international acclaim. Her version of “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” is an iconic performance seconded only by Marilyn’s. Her Broadway credits include some of the most memorable characters in theatrical history, winning three Tony Awards® including one for her show-stopping portrayal of Dolly Levi in Jerry Herman’s Hello,Dolly!, as well as one for Lifetime Achievement. Carol’s career has been varied and continuing. (Once when she took to the stage at the McCallum to honor a major figure, we marveled as she effortlessly blew everyone else off the stage.) Co-Chaired by Cynde Rusnak and Art Silva, this Annual Event will be held in the Sago Palm Ballroom at The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs and will include an on-site Silent and Live Auction, Cocktail Reception, Plated Sit-Down Dinner, Award Presentation and Live Entertainment provided by Peggy March (“I Will Follow Him”) and Drew Tablak (www.DrewTablak.com). For more information, visit VNACalifornia.org or call 760-773-6260. For table sales and sponsorship information, please contact (760) 773-6260 or Development@VNACalifornia.org. VNA California has been providing skilled nursing for home health, rehabilitative, palliative and hospice patients in their homes or places of residence since 1931. One of the oldest home health care providers in Southern California, VNA California supports 21,000+ patients each year with 250,000+ home health visits and 185,000 days of hospice care. As the only community-based non-profit to offer a complete continuum of home care, VNA California provides services throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, East Los Angeles and North San Diego Counties.
Wednesday, May 20, 7 PM. The Steinway Society of Riverside County will present the Piano Festival Winners in performance at the Rancho Mirage Public Library. Perhaps it will be the last time you will hear their “astonishing” and “inspired” piano expertise absolutely free! It’s a unique opportunity to witness some of the finest young musical talent that the Coachella Valley has to offer as these students play with pure heart and soul. Senior Winners: Marie Ananian, Yoonseo Ted Choi, Mileana Martinez, Joel Oswari and Bed Tecson; Junior Winners: RanenUnger Hicks, Matthew Gurning, Emika Saito, Lydia XU and Samuel Xu. Come early as seating is limited. The Steinway Society is authorized to use the Steinway name and logo, but receives no funding from the Steinway Piano Company. To find out how you can help them enhance the lives of children through music, please visit www.steinwayriverside.org We gratefully acknowledge donor support for this and other programs. The RMPL, 72200 HWY 111, Rancho Mirage.
Get Packing! Only One Week Away! Depart Thursday, May 21 – Return Wednesday, May 27! The McCallum Theatre announces its 2015 Springtime Theatre Tour to New York in partnership with Break-Away Tours. The New York trip is 7 days/6 nights departing Palm Springs on May 21 and returning May 27, 2015, with guests staying at the convenient Westin Times Square Hotel. Four exciting Broadway productions are included: “The Audience” starring Helen Mirren; 
“The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Nighttime”; a great new revival of “The King And I” and a fourth production to be announced. This tour includes a harbor cruise, breakfast at Carnegie Deli, guided and walking tours, tours of Lincoln Center and The Players, breakfast and theatre talk, lunch at Pete’s Tavern, tours of Kykuit (Rockefeller Estate) and Union Church of Pocantico Hills ad a visit to the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Airport transfers in New York are included. This trip is $3,995 per person, double occupancy. Applicable taxes and airport charges of approximately $100 will be added. “This is going to be one of our best tours yet,” says Judi Cohen, Manager of Special Events at McCallum Theatre. “It’s a great year for Broadway and our specially-arranged tours are always a highlight. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and every detail is handled. The best part is that you never have to touch your luggage.” A percentage of each trip will be donated to the McCallum Theatre, a not-for-profit organization. For more information or reservations contact: Judi Cohen, (760) 776-6186, email her Jcohen@mccallum-theatre.org Enjoy the view as New York and the Great White Way welcome Spring!
“Don’t Be Clueless” wants to remind you that press releases for inclusion should be in to the Coachella Valley Weekly at least two weeks ahead of the scheduled event! Thanks!
