June 2026 Reviews

June 28 - The sensational "Anita Rose" em-ceeing The Bitchiest Brunch @ Dan Gore' s "Oscars, Palm Springs". So talented, so funny and I got some more make-up tips AND some great food. www.oscarspalmsprings.com.

June 23 – Adam Karsten's wonderful "Summer Cabaret" series at Coachella Valley Repertory featured Joanne O'Brien and the songs and sounds of Karen Carpenter. Joanne's voice blended seamlessly with Karen's, and the audience joined in throughout the evening with song and applause. AND the entire "orchestra" and all the back-up vocals were provided by the magnificent Michael Orland. I was reminded of so many friends I worked with who are gone, when Joanne performed a medley of television themes from the '70s; Cindy Williams, Jack Jones, and whomever I happened to be in love with at the time! The memories and a few tears came flooding back. The Summer Cabaret series continues through July 30. www.cvrep.org.

June 19 - "Something to Entertain You" @ the Historic Camelot Theatre @ the P.S. Cultural Center was truly heart-felt, conscience-arousing evening. The documentary about local treasures Karen and Tony Barone left me thinking, "well, I can't start painting giant rabbits (well, maybe "by the numbers") and I don't have time left for a life-long love affair...BUT we were all reminded and inspired to live a genuine, authentic, purposeful life, no matter our career, circumstances, or chosen path. The evening celebrated the courage to follow ones passion and the importance of making every day count. Thanks to the talents of Directors Mary and Jon Orlin, I left full of pure joy. www.Baroneart.com.

June 17 - Gary Powers' production of "SHOWSTOPPERS: A Night of Songs That Stole the Show" was a wonderful evening of musical entertainment. Ten local celebrities flowed on and off the stage, seamlessly performing one hit after another, accompanied by Kurt Kelley's perfect piano orchestrations. The true measure of success? I left wanting each performer to do MORE. The full house en-joey'd the air conditioning, the full bar, the popcorn, AND the ice cream. I still want MORE! Produced as part of Palm Springs' XOXO Arts & Culture Celebration, it was a delightful COOL night of music and memories. www.revolutionstagecompany.com.

June 14 Michelle Fiore & Friends - An Afternoon of Musical Gems @ the Plaza Theatre was truly enchanting. Everything from Michelle's gorgeous gowns, to her choice of performing friends was delightful. Her voice was so mature, resonant and accomplished and yet her banter was youthful, seemingly naive and delightful. What a joy. www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com.

June 13.2026 - The Desert Shakespeare Festival presented "A Midsummer Night's Dream" @ the P.S. Plaza Theatre, directed by Jeff Wallach. The production was a same-sex/gay adaption of Shakespeare's comedy and presented the familiar story w/ a entertaining different contemporary interpretation. I especially "en-joey'd" the stunning technology in the newly renovated Plaza Theatre. Large digital screens and visual scenery created a beautiful atmosphere and were a major part of the theatrical experience. Jeff Wallach blended Shakespeare's timeless themes of love, desire, confusion, jealousy, transformation, and reconciliation w/ modern choices in casting and presentation. And as Puck might have smiled and said, "what delightful fools we mortals can be - especially when an audience leaves the theatre having "enjoey'd" every mischievous, magical moment. www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com.

June 9.2026 - CVRep presented Bligh Voth & Joel Decandio's Sondheim Summer Cabaret Series Concert. I en-joey'd it so much. These two had Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddie chemistry on stage and the joy they conveyed to the air conditioned Summer Cabaret Series audience was contagious. Don't miss any of this series. Runs through July 30. www.cvrep.org.