David Green - Page 33

The McCallum Theatre kicked off its Broadway Series last night with the national tour of the wildly popular Jukebox Musical ROCKS OF AGES to a sell-out opening night crowd. The McCallum once again proved itself to be the near perfect road house for a musical - it is large enough to accommodate a big touring production with the intimacy of a Broadway house. ROCK OF AGES has a score that begs the audience to sing along --- in fact, many of the audience members did jutst that … sang along, in something akin to a Rocky Horror Picture Show experience - and the classic 80's tunes follow you out to the parking lot and for a good 24 hours beyond. The score is the best part of the show. The book is frivolous, formula and all too predictable with far, far too many "poop jokes" and "sexual innuendos" along the way, It is wall to wall 1980's kitsch --- similar to the other Broadway 80's throwback "The Wedding Singer". But "The Wedding Singer" does it much better.

Celebrated recording artist and co-star of the TV phenomenon "The Voice" Cee Lo Green brought a technically savvy, high energy rap and rock show to the Agua Caliente Resort Spa Casino's THE SHOW, one of the best concert venues in Southern California, to a "near sold out" and very eager crowd. Ceelo is definitely a showman - but the concert proved to be more hype than substance. The entertainment factor was high --- the vocal prowess was not. Just like "The Wizard of Oz" --- if you took away all of the special effects that propped him up, the magical "man behind the curtain" was a bit disappointing.

Coyote StageWorks launches its fourth season on November 23 with the Tony-nominated comedy "Souvenir" and follows up with a season that consists of "a little something for everyone". For the second season in a row, all productions will be staged at the Annenberg Theatre which is located at The Palm Springs Museum Of Art in downtown Palm Springs. CSW's mission is to bring affordable, entertaining, and thought-provoking theatre to Palm Springs and the surrounding communities of the Coachella Valley and to create an Actors' Equity Theater of local, regional, and national influence.

Pint-sized opera diva and 2010 "America's Got Talent" star Jackie Evancho will perform 'Songs Of The Silver Screen' at McCallum Theatre for one night only tonight, November 16, at 8:00pm. When Jackie Evancho submitted a video to YouTube to compete for a slot on "America's Got Talent," she could never have predicted that a push of the "send" button would eventually send her to the top of the entertainment industry. Jackie's unique, gorgeous soprano has won her millions of fans and her recordings have dominated the music and DVD charts. Her warmth, charm and poise have helped her gain the support of legendary music producers like David Foster. Billboard Magazine namedJackie to their list of music movers-and-shakers under the age of 21 because her "spellbinding, operatic vocals possess a power and poignancy that often moves listeners multiple times her age to tears."

The internationally acclaimed singing group Straight No Chaser will bring their signature vocal stylings and a little bit of the holiday spirit to The McCallum Theatre on December 4 at 8:00 pm as part of Fitz's Jazz Cafe Series. If the phrase "male a cappella group" conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs, think again. Straight No Chaser (SNC) are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. As original member Randy Stine comments, "We take the music very seriously; we just don't take ourselves too seriously."

Grammy-nominated artist Richard Marx will headline The Annenberg Theatre, located at The Palm Springs Museum Of Arts, for one performance tonight, November 14 at 8:00 pm.

Armed with his Spanish guitar and an amazing world-class band of musicians, Benise - En Fuego! will kick off the Fitz's Jazz Cafe Series at The McCallum Theatre today, November 2 at 8:00 pm Benise is also the creative force behind the Emmy Award Winning electrifying multi-cultural World Music and Dance Productions, "The Spanish Guitar" and "Nights of Fire!" In 2010, Benise performed on the #1 rated show in the United States, "Dancing with the Stars" and toured the US covering 40 major markets. Airing nationally on PBS in 2007, "Nights of Fire!" was an unprecedented and spectacular journey of music and dance through Spanish Flamenco, Cuban Salsa, African Rhythms, Argentinean Tango, and Brazilian Samba. Backed by a stage full of musicians, an orchestra, and 12 elaborately choreographed dancers, "Nights of Fire!" captured world music at its best.

Renowned, powerhouse vocalist and entertainer Lorna Luft will headline the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies newest incarnation, DANCE TO THE MUSIC, when it opens today, November 1 in the historic Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs. Born to legendary entertainer Judy Garland and producer Sid Luft, Lorna's acclaimed career has encompassed virtually every arena of entertainment. A celebrated live performer, stage, film and television actress, best selling author, recording artist and Emmy nominated producer - she continues to triumph in every medium with critics labeling her one of the most vibrant, versatile and exciting artists on stage today.

Motown Legend Smokey Robinson brought his incredible songbook, his great passion for performing and some wonderful personal stories to The McCallum Theatre on October 27 in a very "Up Close And Personal" concert, and so much more. The McCallum Theatre has proven itself, once again, a consummate concert venue --- and it was the perfect venue to showcase these great hit songs and some great conversation with this singer-songwriter, record producer and former record executive -- a man who helped change the face of the music industry in the mid 20th century.

Armed with his Spanish guitar and an amazing world-class band of musicians, Benise - En Fuego! will kick off the Fitz's Jazz Cafe Series at The McCallum Theatre on Friday, November 2 at 8:00 pm Benise is also the creative force behind the Emmy Award Winning electrifying multi-cultural World Music and Dance Productions, "The Spanish Guitar" and "Nights of Fire!" In 2010, Benise performed on the #1 rated show in the United States, "Dancing with the Stars" and toured the US covering 40 major markets. Airing nationally on PBS in 2007, "Nights of Fire!" was an unprecedented and spectacular journey of music and dance through Spanish Flamenco, Cuban Salsa, African Rhythms, Argentinean Tango, and Brazilian Samba. Backed by a stage full of musicians, an orchestra, and 12 elaborately choreographed dancers, "Nights of Fire!" captured world music at its best.

Pint-sized opera diva and 2010 "America's Got Talent" star Jackie Evancho will perform 'Songs Of The Silver Screen' at McCallum Theatre for one night only on Friday, November 16, at 8:00pm. When Jackie Evancho submitted a video to YouTube to compete for a slot on "America's Got Talent," she could never have predicted that a push of the "send" button would eventually send her to the top of the entertainment industry. Jackie's unique, gorgeous soprano has won her millions of fans and her recordings have dominated the music and DVD charts. Her warmth, charm and poise have helped her gain the support of legendary music producers like David Foster. Billboard Magazine namedJackie to their list of music movers-and-shakers under the age of 21 because her "spellbinding, operatic vocals possess a power and poignancy that often moves listeners multiple times her age to tears."

Grammy-nominated artist Richard Marx will headline The Annenberg Theatre, located at The Palm Springs Museum Of Arts, for one performance on November 14 at 8:00 pm. For over 20 years, Richard Marx has consistently and powerfully made his mark on the music industry. His debut single, "Don't Mean Nothing" and self-titled debut album kicked off his career as a solo artist in 1987 and went on to sell 3 million copies. His 1989 follow-up CD, "Repeat Offender," became even more successful, selling over 7 million copies worldwide. From 1987 to 1990, he became the first male solo artist in history to have his first 7 singles reach the top 5 on Billboard's singles chart, including the 1 hits "Hold On to the Nights," "Satisfied" and the worldwide classic, "Right Here Waiting." This feat remains unchallenged.

One of the most beloved and influential figures in the history of popular music, Smokey Robinson will bring his trademark vocal style and his incredible songbook to The McCallum Theatre tonight, October 26 for one special night, celebrating his 50th anniversary in the music business and the 50th anniversary of Motown Records. Smokey has logged an incredible 37 Top 40 hits in his career. He wrote and produced hits for Motown greats including The Temptations, Mary Wells, Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye and others. "The Way You Do the Things You Do," "My Girl," "Get Ready," "You Beat Me to the Punch," "Don't Mess with Bill," "Ain't That Peculiar," and "My Guy" are just a few of his songwriting triumphs during those years.

The McCallum Theatre played host to the irreverent funny man Howie Mandell last Saturday night and he did not disappoint.

One of the most beloved and influential figures in the history of popular music, Smokey Robinson will bring his trademark vocal style and his incredible songbook to The McCallum Theatre on Friday, October 26 for one special night, celebrating his 50th anniversary in the music business and the 50th anniversary of Motown Records. Smokey has logged an incredible 37 Top 40 hits in his career. He wrote and produced hits for Motown greats including The Temptations, Mary Wells, Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye and others. "The Way You Do the Things You Do," "My Girl," "Get Ready," "You Beat Me to the Punch," "Don't Mess with Bill," "Ain't That Peculiar," and "My Guy" are just a few of his songwriting triumphs during those years.

I've said it before, but it is hard to find a more perfect venue than The McCallum Theatre for just about any theatrical production of any genre. And it was great to be back, as The McCallum kicks off it's 25th Anniversary Season - a season that promises to feature something for everyone - from Howie Mandell to Jackie Evancho, from Rock of Ages to Beauty And The Beast to West Side Story, and from Barbara Cook and Michael Feinstein to Yo Yo Ma and Chris Botti. Last night The McCallum played host to a multi-media touring production called THIS IS THE 60's and it was a great "warm up act" for everything that will follow. For those who came back for the second half, after a somewhat "underwhelming" first Act (there was a minor exodus in the parking lot at intermission), it turned out to be a rousing evening or musical nostalgia that brought the crowd to their feet dancing in the aisles - literally.

Broadway is alive and well and living in Las Vegas. The influence of the Great White Way on the Las Vegas Strip is more evident than ever and the word of the day is "QUALITY!" For theatre goers visiting Las Vegas who have digested just about "one Cirque too many" - Caesars Entertainment offers the antidote, producing the finest theatrical experiences in town ranging from a first rate production of JERSEY BOYS to Jerry Mitchell's tantalizing PEEPSHOW to the always surprising PENN AND TELLER, and more. On a recent trip to Sin City I attended five of Caesar's great theatrical offerings and was treated to a feast for the senses at every turn.

The Desert Theatre League presented Coyote StageWorks a total of twelve Desert Star Awards at the Desert Theatre League's annual celebration and awards ceremony on October 14. The Desert Star Awards are presented each year by the Desert Theatre League to recognize excellence in the local theatre community. Almost thirty local theatre companies compete for the awards, which are given in the categories of Ballet, Youth Theatre, Drama, Musical/Opera/Pageant, Revue/Cabaret, Comedy, Staged Reading, One Acts, and Technical Awards. Founded in 1987, the Desert Theatre League has been representing the interests of the Coachella Valley's theatre community for twenty five years. The Annual Desert Star Awards celebration and awards ceremony first took place in 1988.

The 20th Century's most compelling decade will come roaring back to life as This Is The 60's lands at The McCallum Theatre for one performance, tonight, October 18 at 8:00 pm. More than a stage show, and much more than a concert, This is the ‘60s takes the audience on a cultural journey celebrating the 50th anniversary of so many milestones in news, pop culture, and music history in a unique multimedia blend of live music, historical film clips, dance, fashion, and animation.

Coyote StageWorks launches its fourth season on November 23 with the Tony-nominated comedy "Souvenir" and follows up with a season that consists of "a little something for everyone". For the second season in a row, all productions will be staged at the Annenberg Theatre which is located at The Palm Springs Museum Of Art in downtown Palm Springs. CSW's mission is to bring affordable, entertaining, and thought-provoking theatre to Palm Springs and the surrounding communities of the Coachella Valley and to create an Actors' Equity Theater of local, regional, and national influence.