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Experience
DESERT THEATREWORKS
Desert Theatreworks was organized for the benefit of members of the community to provide education, entertainment and exposure to cultural experiences. The objective for the theatre company is to become a resource for both the residents and visitors to the Coachella Valley to enrich the cultural depth and education of the community at large. Desert Theatreworks will strive to present imaginative, innovative, and entertaining plays and musicals for the entire community. An effort will also be made to bring to life works that are rarely produced.
Coming Soon!
Dial "M" for Murder
October 4-20
Tony Wendice has married his wife, Margot, for her wealth and now meticulously plans her murder to claim it all. He blackmails a disreputable acquaintance into strangling her for a fee of one thousand pounds, crafting an impeccable alibi for himself. However, Just as Margot’s fate seems sealed, a perceptive Scotland Yard inspector and Margot’s lover uncover the sinister plot. Experience DTW's new immersive production with all the thrills of Alfred Hitchcock's famous 1954 film adaptation.
SAVE MONEY WITH SEASON TICKETS
We're thrilled to unveil our spectacular lineup for the 2024-2025 season
Don't miss a single moment of the excitement! We're excited to launch our partial and full season ticket packages. By securing your tickets now, you'll not only reserve your seat for every performance but also enjoy significant savings of 15-20 percent!
Coming Soon
Dial "M" for Murder
Blackbox Theater • October 4 - 20, 2024
Tony Wendice has married his wife, Margot, for her wealth and now meticulously plans her murder to claim it all. He blackmails a disreputable acquaintance into strangling her for a fee of one thousand pounds, crafting an impeccable alibi for himself. However, Just as Margot’s fate seems sealed, a perceptive Scotland Yard inspector and Margot’s lover uncover the sinister plot. Experience DTW's new immersive production with all the thrills of Alfred Hitchcock's famous 1954 film adaptation.
The Wild Women of Winedale
Playhouse Theater • October 18 - November 3, 2024
Enter the realm of this contemporary comedy where three women navigate life's twists and turns. Meet the spirited sisters, Fanny and Willa, along with their delightfully eccentric sister-in-law, Johnnie Faye. Through laughter and tears, they've weathered life's storms, from losing spouses to the unexpected sinkhole swallowing their home in Florida. Join these remarkable women as they tackle life's clutter with wit and ingenuity, promising an uproarious journey filled with laughter and heart. Don't miss out on the hilarity - DTW brings this fresh comedy to life with signature flair in our intimate Blackbox theater.
Jersey Boys
DTW Main Stage • November 9 - December 1, 2024
Experience Desert Theatreworks' electrifying production of "Jersey Boys: The Musical" on the DTW Mainstage! With innovative staging and dynamic performances, this fresh take on the classic tale of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons promises an unforgettable night of rock 'n' roll and nostalgia. Get ready to sing along to hits like "Sherry" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" in a show you won't want to miss. Join us as we journey from the gritty streets of New Jersey to the heights of musical stardom, celebrating friendship, loyalty, and the power of dreams. Don't miss your chance to witness this iconic story reimagined with passion, energy, and pure entertainment!
Nuncrackers
DTW Main Stage • Dec 6, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
DTW's annual Christmas production is back, and this time it's the uproarious Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical." Join the zany sisters of Nunsense as they spread holiday cheer, yuletide laughs, and a dash of festive mischief. Broadcasting live from the basement of Mount Saint Helen’s Convent, the sisters take to the airwaves for a cable access Christmas special like no other. With (mostly) traditional holiday songs such as "Here We Come-a-Waffle-ing" and "We Three Kings of Orient Are Us," a hilarious secret Santa contest, a quirky rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet, and plenty of laughs courtesy of the Little Sisters of Hoboken, this show promises non-stop entertainment. Will they manage to get their act together? Join us for an evening of laughter and find out, as you'll be chuckling your way through the holidays and into the New Year with "Nuncrackers"!
Legally Blonde The Musical
DTW Main Stage • January 17 - February 9, 2025
DTW's exhilarating production of "Legally Blonde The Musical" lights up the stage to ring in the new year. Follow Elle Woods as she takes on Harvard Law, fueled by the desire to win back her ex-boyfriend. With infectious energy and catchy tunes, the show captures Elle's journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Along the way, she faces challenges from peers, professors, and her former flame, but with the help of newfound friends, she proves her resilience and determination. Don't miss this fabulously fun musical extravaganza that will have you cheering for Elle every step of the way!
The Odd Couple (Female Version)
Blackbox Theater • February 14 - March 2, 2025
DTW proudly presents Neil Simon's timeless comedy "The Odd Couple," reimagined in its female version. Join Olive Madison and Florence Unger and their group of girlfriends for their weekly Trivial Pursuit night in Olive's cluttered apartment. When freshly dumped Florence arrives, Olive invites her to move in, what could go wrong? Everything! Total opposites, Olive's laid-back demeanor clashes with Florence's neurotic cleanliness, putting their friendship to the test. Tensions escalate when Olive arranges a double date with the Costazuela brothers, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and uproarious moments. Don't miss this uproarious comedy that explores the quirks of friendship and the chaos of mismatched personalities!
Tootsie
DTW Main Stage • March 7 - March 30 ,2025
Dive into the uproarious world of TOOTSIE, dubbed "musical comedy heaven" by Rolling Stone and "the most uproarious new musical in years!" by The Hollywood Reporter. This laugh-out-loud extravaganza, inspired by the beloved Academy Award-winning film starring Dustin Hoffman, is a heartfelt love letter to the stage. Meet Michael Dorsey, a talented actor whose knack for job-hopping is legendary. When faced with the ultimate career crisis, Michael concocts a harebrained scheme: transform into the fabulous actress Dorothy Michaels. Suddenly, Michael finds himself on a wild Broadway adventure, winning hearts, stealing scenes, and even catching feelings for his leading lady, Julie. But as the curtain rises on this comedic caper, Michael soon discovers that juggling dual identities is no easy feat. Join us for a whirlwind of comedy, romance, and theatrical shenanigans in TOOTSIE!
The Diary Of Anne Frank
Blackbox Theater • April 4 - April 13, 2025
This new adaptation of the classic Broadway play interweaves firsthand survivor accounts with recently discovered excerpts from Anne Frank's diary, creating a modern and emotionally charged narrative of the Nazi era. Anne Frank is portrayed not just as a historical figure, but as a vibrant and talented young girl who confronts the challenges of her time with honesty, humor, and determination. Set in a hidden attic where eight individuals seek refuge from Nazi persecution, "The Diary of Anne Frank" vividly captures the daily struggles and emotions of their existence – from fear and hope to laughter and sorrow.
Anne's voice echoes throughout the narrative, expressing her desire to use her writing to transcend personal troubles and bring joy to others, even strangers. Crafted for a contemporary audience, this adaptation pays homage to Anne's enduring spirit and her message of resilience.
ArtsWorks is a specialized program designed for Senior performers. We invite adults to engage in performing arts without memorization and rigorous rehearsals. ArtsWorks inspires creative expression, social connection, and personal growth through a variety of performing arts activities tailored specifically for their needs. From play readings to singing sessions, This program offers seniors the opportunity to stay active, boost cognitive function, and forge meaningful connections within a supportive community.
All play readings are performed in the DTW Blackbox on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 730pm.
For Peter Pan on her 70th Birthday
A Staged Reading by Sarah Ruhl
October 29 & 30
When Ann thinks of her father, she immediately remembers playing Peter Pan in her hometown theater in Iowa, particularly when he used to bring her flowers after her performance. Her memory is jogged by the fact that she and her four siblings are in their father’s hospital room during his final moments. His death sparks a conversational wake that includes everything from arguments over politics to when each sibling realized that they grew up. A loving look at a family’s view of death, life and the allure of never growing up.
American Moor
A Staged Reading by Keith Hamilton Cobb
November 19 & 20
A seasoned African-American actor auditioning for the role of William Shakespeare’s iconic Black hero Othello must respond to the dictates of a younger white director who presumes to understand how to maximize the Black character for believability. What could possibly go wrong? A poetic exploration of Shakespeare, race, and America, not necessarily in that order.
Six Years Old
A Staged Reading by Daphne Silbiger
February 25 & 26
Adalaide is six years old, and she knows a few things: Her stupid babysitter Kim is stupid, her younger brother Dewey is an idiot and she does NOT like being treated like a girl. Though Kim takes Adalaide’s frustrations seriously and tries to offer support, Adalaide’s family and peers discourage her, leaving her to seek out dangerous measures in order to transform into who she was born to be (her hero, Han Solo). Played with a cast of Senior actors, SIX YEARS OLD is a comic and poignant play reflecting back on the wild fantasies and serious desires of queer childhood.
Straight White Men
A Staged Reading by Young Jean Lee
March 25 & 26
When Ed and his three adult sons come together to celebrate Christmas, they enjoy cheerful trash-talking, pranks, and takeout Chinese. Then they confront a problem that even being a happy family can’t solve: When identity matters, and privilege is problematic, what is the value of being a straight white man?
Gladys in Wonderland
A Staged Reading by Keith Hamilton Cobb
November 19 & 20
87-year-old Gladys' days of munching donuts and scouring the obituaries seem numbered when Death himself comes knocking on her door one morning. Ready to whisk her off into the great unknown, her cheerful grim reaper is startled by Gladys' stubborn refusal to expire. In order to push Gladys toward the light, he ushers in a parade of obnoxious friends and relatives who nitpick and whine. He also gives her a taste of nursing home life from an inmate's point of view. Suddenly, the afterlife doesn't look so bad
ELEVATED | INCLUSIVE | DISTINCTIVE
In our Signature line of productions, DTW explores themes of LGBT representation and inclusivity. Aimed at a mature audience, these shows are performed at various venues across the Coachella Valley, from Palm Springs to La Quinta. Through our Signature productions, we aim to celebrate diversity and promote a sense of belonging within our community, fostering appreciation for all members of our society.
Christmas with the Crawfords
Margaritaville Resort, Palm Springs
December 13-29
Step into a Hollywood holiday hootenanny presented with a new vaudeville-esque twist! DTW SIGNATURE SHOWS presents the revamped and rambunctious Christmas With The Crawfords. Imagine it’s Christmas Eve, 1949, at the Crawford family’s opulent Brentwood mansion, where a musical parody and high-kicking salute to Hollywood's Golden Age unfolds. Silver screen legends like Judy Garland, Carmen Miranda, Gloria Swanson, and the Andrews Sisters take the stage in a tinsel-tangled tribute that's as fresh as new-fallen snow. Forget the usual holiday fare; this festive frolic is the perfect antidote, leaving you with a spring in your step and a thankful heart for the family you’ve got. Join us for a night where Hollywood’s heyday meets holiday camp in a spectacle that sparkles brighter than the star on top of the tree!
Honky Tonk Angels
BlackBox Theater
Jan 11, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025
Step right up to the musical extravaganza that's sure to get your boots tapping and your heart singing! In "Honky Tonk Angels," three fearless women from diverse walks of life dare to chase their honky tonk dreams all the way to the bright lights of Nashville. Packed with 30 timeless country hits including "Stand By Your Man," "9 to 5," and "Harper Valley PTA," this toe-tapping journey is a rollicking celebration of sisterhood, resilience, and the power of music. From the creator of "Always... Patsy Cline," get ready for a hilarious, foot-stomping good time that'll have you cheering for these unstoppable gals every step of the way!
ASL Performances
As a service to our deaf and hard of hearing friends in the Coachella Valley, DTW has partnered with C4 Communication and will be providing ASL Interpreters at the following performances listed below.
Click on the show to purchase tickets
Dial "M" for Murder
Sun, Oct 20 - 2:00PM
The Wild Women of Winedale
Sat, Oct 26 - 7:30PM
Jersey Boys
Sat, Nov 30 - 7:30PM
Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical
Sat, Dec 28 - 7:30PM
Legally Blonde the Musical:
Sat, Feb 8 - 7:30pm
The Odd Couple (Female Version):
Sat, Mar 1 - 7:30PM
Tootsie the Musical:
Sat, Mar 29 - 7:30PM
The Diary of Anne Frank
Sat, Apr 12 - 7:30PM
