David Green - Page 19

The McCallum Theatre presents "Salute to Benny Goodman at Carnegie Hall" on Monday, March 6, at 8:00pm. The performance features the Benny Goodman Tribute Orchestra with 18 of the country's top musicians, conducted by Terry Myers, and with Special Guest Vocalist Nancy Osborne. Relive the legendary concert that made Benny Goodman the most celebrated jazz bandleader of his day. Leading a band of musicians including Harry James, Ziggy Elman, Gene Krupa, Teddy Wilson, Lionel Hampton, Johnny Hodges and Count Basie, Benny Goodman played music ranging from "Honeysuckle Rose" to "Sing, Sing, Sing." We re-create that night in 1938 with today's best musicians. 

The most popular group in the history of the McCallum Theatre (21 sold-out shows and counting!), The TEN Tenors return with "The Power of TEN" celebrating the group's 20th Anniversary World Tour. For eight performances from Tuesday, February 28, through Sunday, March 5, "The Power of TEN" will showcase the exhilarating and unique sound for which The TEN Tenors are world-renowned. In this spectacular new show, The TEN Tenors take on the most dynamic songs in the world, soaring through classical arias and giving rock anthems the special "tenorial" treatment. This electrifying night of world-class entertainment truly shows that "the Vocal Wonders from Down Under" can sing anything, with beloved classics by Puccini, Rossini and Verdi and artists as eclectic as Taylor Swift, David Bowie, One Direction, Dolly Parton and Mariah Carey. Lifelong fans will be especially thrilled to hear the sheer power of The TEN Tenors' signature version of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody."

On Saturday, February 18, the Palm Canyon Theatre will celebrate its 20th anniversary. The event will include a preshow reception catered by El Mirasol, followed by a performance of Evita. Intermission will include desserts, and after the show audience members can meet members of the cast. The Palm Canyon Theatre was founded by the Layne Family, located in the historic Frances S. Stevens School, and opened its doors in September 1997 with Romberg and Hammerstein's operetta "A Desert Song." In 2014, Dr. William "Bill" Layne received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Desert Theatre League. In 2015, the Layne Family was honored with the 382nd star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, placed directly in front of the theater, which is located.

The McCallum Theatre presents Catskills on Broadway on Friday, February 24, at 8:00pm, starring Freddie Roman, Elayne Boosler and Sarge. The Catskill Mountains of New York, the cradle of American humor, launched the careers of many of our greatest comics. In this all new version of the 1991 Broadway hit, Freddie Roman, Elayne Boosler and Sarge offer a laugh-packed nostalgic salute to the region whose hotels spawned scores of America's performers, writers and directors. Catskills on Broadway will have you howling with laughter with this great evening of good old-fashioned comedy that will take you back to the golden years of the Catskills. 

The McCallum Theatre presents Michael Feinstein and 'Isn't It Romantic' on Saturday, February 25, at 8:00pm. Michael returns with an evening of America's most romantic music from The Great American Songbook, reprised from his sold out Broadway run. Almost a million copies have been sold of his Isn't It Romantic album. Michael will be accompanied by a 17-piece band that will contrast with the beautiful piano solos for which he is known. Michael Feinstein has built a dazzling career over three decades bringing the Great American Songbook music to the world. From 5 Grammy nominated albums to Emmy nominated PBS specials, acclaimed NPR series, and concerts at The White House, Buckingham Palace, Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House, his work as an educator and archivist define Michael as a force in American music. 

The McCallum Theatre presents 'Lorna Luft Sings the Judy Garland Songbook' on Tuesday, February 14, at 8:00pm. Lorna Luft's career has encompassed virtually every area of entertainment. A celebrated live performer; stage, film and television actress; best-selling author; recording artist and Emmy-nominated producer, she triumphs in every medium.Born to Judy Garland and producer Sid Luft, music and entertainment were part of her childhood. At age 11, she made her television debut singing on her mother's series, 'The Judy Garland Show.' At 16, already a seasoned performer, she shared the bill with her mother on Broadway in a month long concert engagement at New York's Palace Theater. I had the chance to chat with Ms. Luft as she was preparing for her upcoming engagement in the desert. Her are some excerpts from the conversation:

On Stage Touring, LLC, in association with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE), is proud to announce the award-winning theatrical Elvis Lives, "The Ultimate Elvis Artist Tribute Event," will be presented at the McCallum Theatre for three performances, Tuesday, February 21, through Thursday, February 23. The multi-media live musical is a co-production of On Stage Touring's Legends in Concertdivision and producing partner Elvis Presley's Graceland®. Elvis Lives is a journey across Elvis' life featuring winners and finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprise's (EPE) annual worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, each representing Elvis during different stages of his career. The tour marks the third time in the production's six-year history that all three Elvis tribute artists are top winners of the contest.

The McCallum Theatre presents RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles when it returns for five performances Friday, February 17, through Sunday, February 19. As "the next best thing to seeing The Beatles!" (Associated Press), RAIN performs the full range of The Beatles' discography live onstage, including the most complex and challenging songs that The Beatles themselves recorded in the studio but never performed for an audience. In addition to the updated sets that include LED, High-Definition screens and multimedia content, new songs have also been included. 

Tickets are now on sale for the desert's most anticipated annual star-studded concert event, Michael Childer's 'One Night Only', benefiting Jewish Family Services Of The Desert (JFS), to be held Thursday, April 20, 2017 at The McCallum Theatre. This season's theme is 'Hello Jerry' and Michael and cast pay tribute to the incomparable composer Jerry Herman, bringing to the stage music form his popular musicals including Mame, Mack and Mabel, Grand Tour, La Cage Aux Folles and, of course, Hello Dolly.

The McCallum Theatre presents Simply Three on Wednesday, February 15, at 8:00pm. Since 2010, the electrifying trio of Glen McDaniel (violin), Nick Villalobos (cello), and Zack Clark (bass), together known as Simply Three, has captivated audiences worldwide with high-octane performances. Acclaimed as "having what it takes" (Boston Philharmonic) and "highly imaginative and well played" (Maine Today), Simply Three continues to receive praise for their ability to impress listeners with a multitude of genres that span from Puccini and Gershwin to artists such as Adele, Coldplay, and Michael Jackson. By reshaping convention through this style of genre hopping, the trio seeks the true essence of classical crossover with original works as well as innovative arrangements that showcase their technical virtuosity and heartfelt musicality.

Dezart Performs brings to the stage CHAPATTI, a touching tale of the redemption found through friendship between human beings and the deep bond found in the companionship of our four-legged friends, for the final eight performances of its 2016-17 season, March 31 through April 9.

The McCallum Theatre presents 'Lorna Luft Sings the Judy Garland Songbook' on Tuesday, February 14, at 8:00pm. Lorna Luft's career has encompassed virtually every area of entertainment. A celebrated live performer; stage, film and television actress; best-selling author; recording artist and Emmy-nominated producer, she triumphs in every medium.Born to Judy Garland and producer Sid Luft, music and entertainment were part of her childhood. At age 11, she made her television debut singing on her mother's series, 'The Judy Garland Show.' At 16, already a seasoned performer, she shared the bill with her mother on Broadway in a month long concert engagement at New York's Palace Theater.

The McCallum Theatre presents Bernadette Peters, with Musical Director Marvin Laird, on Saturday, February 4, at 8:00pm. Tony Award-winning actress Bernadette Peters dazzles audiences and critics with her performances on stage and television, in concert and in movies, and on recordings. Bernadette currently stars in Amazon Prime's Golden Globe nominated series, "Mozart in the Jungle." Recent stage credits include City Center's Encores! Production A Bed A Chair: A New York Love Affair. Prior to that, she starred on Broadway in the Stephen Sondheim/James Goldman production of Follies, following a successful run at the Kennedy Center. She also starred opposite Elaine Stritch in A Little Night Music.

Steve March Torme, the first-born son of legendary jazz singer Mel Torme presents a magical evening of music and memories on Monday, February 6, at 8:00pm at the McCallum Theatre. Steve March Torme, accompanied by a ten-piece band playing iconic arrangements by Marty Paich, sings his father's best-known songs, interspersed with personal Torme photos and video clips. From the opening strains of "Sweet Georgia Brown" to the up-tempo excitement of Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing," the concert covers a sweeping arc of many of the songs Mel performed over a 50 years plus career, including "Stardust," "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square," "Lulu's Back in Town," and "The Folks Who Live on the Hill."

The McCallum Theatre presents Cole starring Michael Griffiths on Friday, February 3, at 3:00pm and 8:00pm. Winner of the Helpmann Award, the Australian equivalent of the Tony Award, Australian cabaret performer Michael Griffiths explores the colorful life and timeless songs of Cole Porter. It's a tale of hedonism, grave misfortune and a legacy that sparkles with wit and wisdom. Singer, pianist, actor, composer and musical arranger Michael Griffiths has been described by the West Australian as "one of the most consummate male cabaret performers in Australia at the moment." His popularity is far-reaching, receiving five star reviews and standing ovations wherever he performs.

It's been a long time since I've used the phrase 'must see'. I intentionally use it on rare occasion so it doesn't lose it's meaning and become a trite 'catch phrase'. I want it to signify my whole hearted and highest endorsement of a theatrical production. Dezart Performs current production of  Bruce Norris' Pulitzer Prize winning play, Clybourne Park, is a MUST SEE theatrical production. It is the finest piece of ensemble acting that I have seen in the desert in four years, in both our community-based and professional companies. 

The McCallum Theatre welcomes the return of the acclaimed British dance company BalletBoyz® for performances on Monday, January 30, at 8:00pm and Tuesday, January 31, at 8:00pm. Described by The Guardian as "a paradox of muscular impact and weightless flight," the company's evocative style sets new standards for dance as the company graces the stage with ferocity, strength and determination, as well as tremendous elegance and poise. BalletBoyz®caused a sensation with their first appearance at the McCallum in 2014 and are now back for two performances.

The Illusionists - Live from Broadway comes to the McCallum Theatre for four performances Saturday, January 28, through Sunday, January 29. On the heels of a highly successful multi-city tour and run on Broadway, the world's best-selling touring magic show, The Illusionists - Live From Broadway will play the McCallum Theatre as part of its current North American tour to more than 50 cities. 

The McCallum Theatre presents Garrison Keillor on Friday, January 27, at 8:00pm. True to his radio form, the humorist shares hilarious anecdotes about growing up in the American Midwest, the people of Lake Wobegon, and "late-life fatherhood." With a wonderful, dry sense of humor, he captivates audiences and delivers with class, charisma, and wisdom. One of the most prolific American storytellers of all time, Garrison Keillor is a best-selling author and humorist known for his popular live radio variety show, "A Prairie Home Companion," which attracts more than 4 million listeners on more than 600 public radio stations each week.

The Desert Rose Playhouse is participating in 'The Ghostlight Project', on January 19, 2017. In each time zone across the country, members of the theater community from Broadway to regional theaters to high schools and colleges and community theaters will come together to launch THE GHOSTLIGHT PROJECT. Gathering outside of theaters on the eve of the Presidential Inauguration, people will join in creating 'light' for the challenging times ahead.