March 2026 Reviews

March 30 – “Magical” is defined as something enchanting, fascinating, and seemingly removed from everyday life. I experienced that kind of joy last night at the Plaza Theatre with the Palm Springs Symphony, Elizabeth Pitcairn, and The Red Violin. Elizabeth doesn’t just play the instrument—she becomes part of it. Every nuance, every musical phrase, every emotion is expressed through her entire body. Her technique is glorious, of course, but the true magic lies in knowing she is playing the legendary 1720 Red Mendelssohn Antonio Stradivari violin. At one point, tears filled my eyes—and I didn’t even realize it. Kudos to Maestro Tom Hartley, the Palm Springs Symphony, Marilyn Benachowski, Mozart, John Bolton, and the Universe for allowing such a breathtaking musical collision to take place on this planet. Hear her on the Joey English Radio show www.joeyenglish.com or check out www.elizabethpitcairn.com and of course www.palmsprings-symphony.org. Last night was a "dream come true".

Mar., 29 - John Bolton’s choice to present “Purple Rain"– A Tribute to Prince” at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre, starring Marshall Charloff, was inspired. In a 100-minute powerhouse performance, Charloff delivered a true, musician-level Prince experience — so authentic he’s been recognized by those connected to Prince himself. Think bobby-soxers for Frank Sinatra or baby boomers for Elvis Presley — this was that kind of electricity. Five of the happiest, hardest-working performers you’ll ever see: spot-on vocals, serious guitar chops, costume changes, and Prince-perfect phrasing, movement, and musical direction. And the 600 backup singers and dancers!!! Oh wait… that was the audience!!

En-joey'd Yo Younger as Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (J.B.K.O.) @ Gary Powers’ Revolution Theatre. Especially the photos of the 'REAL THING" on the screen throughout the performance. Taking on a figure as iconic as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is no small undertaking, and Yo Younger embraced the challenge with dedication and stamina in this demanding one-woman performance. The production offers a deeply personal journey through the emotions, memories, and historic moments that shaped the life of the former First Lady. For those who lived through the Camelot years, it provides a nostalgic reflection; for newer generations, a thoughtful introduction to an enduring American story. Under the direction of Gary Powers, the piece unfolds with reverence and intention, and the audience responded warmly, rising to their feet in appreciation at curtain call. www.revolutionstagecompany.com.

March 24 – Revolution Stage Company Michael Orland’s “Open Mic Night” feels like an evening in your own living room — if your living room came with a world-class musician at the piano. Michael is the show: host, emcee, pianist, director, comic, arranger — and the whole orchestra rolled into one, backed by an impressive professional pedigree. Yes, it’s a mix of seasoned performers and brave first-timers, but the joy in the room is contagious. You’ll find yourself rooting for everyone. Bring your sheet music, your courage, and your friends — and take your turn in this monthly spotlight.

www.revolutionstagecompany.com.

March 20 – "Sunset Blvd." @ Palm Canyon Theatre was a glorious trip down memory lane for me, having starred in the show there in March of 2013. What impressed me most was how far PCT has come technologically — a real step forward in telling this grand story. Add the thrilling live music under gifted musical director Steven Smith, a perfect Norma Desmond from Se Layne, plus the dancing, costumes, sets, and a large talented cast, and you’ve got a production worthy of Mr. DeMille. Get ready for your “close-up” before it closes April 5. www.palmcanyontheatre.net

March 18 – Renee Taylor’s brilliant one-woman show, My Life on a Diet, at the Plaza Theatre was a delicious mix of laughter, love, memories, and show business magic. Like a live episode of This Is Your Life, it was filled with wonderful photos, terrific stories, and glimpses of a world just beyond recent memory. Renee, celebrating her 93rd birthday, proved she still has impeccable comic timing and the dramatic punch to hold an audience — including Fran Drescher — right in the palm of her hand. From touching memories of her parents and beloved Joseph Bologna to the glamour of Marilyn Monroe, the evening was poignant, funny, tender, and deeply satisfying. And yes — there was every diet ever invented, and then some. We all left wanting more.

March 13 – Ray Limon and Joshua Carr did it again. Their presentation of “Chicago” at the Desert Theatricals Amphitheater in Rancho Mirage was everything you’d expect from a multiple Tony Award-winning show and more. The highlight for me was the live orchestra on stage (I never heard a wrong note!) conducted by Joshua Carr — absolutely thrilling. Great sound, great acting and singing, great costumes, and great choreography in classic Fosse style from Ray Limon. Add great food from Wally’s, and you have a perfect desert night. Don’t miss “Cabaret” in April. www.desert-theatricals.com. Worthy of a Joey English 5 Hershey's Chocolate Kisses Award.

March 11 – The fabulous Plaza Theatre was the site of the 19th version of legendary Michael Childers’ “One Night Only,” and it was my favorite so far. “One Night in Hollywood: The Music from the Movies” combined so many things I adore — the emceeing of TCM’s Dave Karger, the talented singers from both near and far, and the movies… always ready for a little “time alone in the dark.” The way Dave Karger “wove” the evening’s elements together was both seamless and entertaining. Proof once again that nothing brings people together quite like the music of the movies — and a beautiful night at the theatre. Kudos and popcorn to all. www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com.

March 7 – Saw Michael Shaw’s West Coast premiere of “Destroying David” at Dezart Performs’ lovely new home. This one-person play, skillfully performed by Aleisha Force, reaches deep into the mores of human experience, where life and art seem to collide. Mesmerizing from start to finish, what begins as a private museum tour about Michelangelo’s masterpiece morphs into an exploration of one of life’s hardest questions. Complete with audience participation, this 75-minute soliloquy is both shattering and fragile. It deserves the Joey English 5 Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses Award.

Kudos — and chocolate — to Michael Shaw. www.dezartperforms.org.

Mar. 1 – Gary Powers’ Revolution Stage Company presentation of “Simply Sondheim” was a glorious mixture of the sophisticated lyrics, complex melodies, and psychologically rich characters always expected from Stephen Sondheim. I have long appreciated the harmonic complexity of Sondheim’s music — somehow closer to classical composition than typical Broadway pop writing, at least in my mind. Featuring a line-up of veteran Broadway performers, along with Broadway favorite Teri Ralston, who has a long history with Sondheim and his work, the evening served as a perfect tribute to one of the most influential figures in American musical theatre. Gets the Joey English 5 Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses Award. www.revolutionstagecompany.com