David Green - Page 28

The legendary choreographer Jacques d'Amboise, founder of the National Dance Institute, will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the McCallum Theatre's 16th Annual Choreography Festival on Saturday, November 9th at 7pm. The Saturday night edition of the Choreography Festival also features eleven choreographers from across the nation who will compete for multiple awards and a paid engagement. An additional division of choreographers will be showcased on Sunday, November 10th at 4pm. The Choreography Festival this year is part of the first annual Palm Desert International Dance Festival, presented by the McCallum Theatre and the City of Palm Desert, and sponsored by Palm Springs Life magazine.

The McCallum Theatre deserves tremendous praise for presenting such a diverse slate of theatrical offerings to the desert community season after season - and this season is no exception. FRIDA THE MUSICAL was one of those pleasant and delightful "surprises" that is such a joy to see in a modern theatrical landscape that is often more predictable than not. The FRIDA creative team --- Marcos Lifshitz, Octavio Salazar-Villava and Klaudia Casillas - have delivered a highly artistic and visually appealing production built on the foundation of a rather lush and lovely score. Where it missed the mark, for me, was in the actual structure of the piece and not utilizing the "music" in the musical to its emotional potential. In fact, I might even debate whether it was truly a "musical" at all.

Jack Jones celebrates his fiftieth anniversary in show business in a special one night only concert at The McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert on Saturday, November 23, at 8:00pm. Jones won two Grammys for 'Best Pop Male Vocal Performance' with his singles 'Lollipops and Roses' and 'Wives and Lovers.' He was also nominated for 'The Impossible Dream,' and his recording of 'Wives and Lovers' was nominated for 'Record of the Year'. His hit records include 'The Race Is On,' 'Lady,' 'Call Me Irresponsible,' and 'What I Did for Love.' He is a leading interpreter of musical theater, with acclaimed performances in Guys and Dolls, South Pacific, She Loves Me, Pajama Game, and as Don Quixote in the national tour of Man of La Mancha. Jones's credits also include film and television roles, an internationally syndicated TV variety show, and performances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the White House and he has performed and recorded theme songs for film and TV, including 'Love with a Proper Stranger" and 'The Love Boat.'

The Palm Springs Cultural Center announces a new addition to its annual line-up of cultural programs and special events -- The Stanley Kramer Film Festival will debut at Camelot Theatres on Friday, November 15th and run through Sunday, November 17th. The 2013 event, which is designed to coincide with other Stanley Kramer Centennial events taking place this year, will include special screenings of six of Stanley Kramer's best-known films. It will also feature special events, and special appearances with actress Karen Sharpe Kramer, Stanley Kramer's widow, and his daughter, the actress and singer, Katharine "Kat" Kramer.

The Fabulous Palms Springs Follies will bring the curtain down on a starried 23 year history in Palm Springs with the final edition of the much ballyhooed song and dance production- this final season, appropriately entitled "The Last Hurrah!! - opening on November 1, 2013 with final performances in May, 2014. "The Last Hurrah" opens with sensational guest star Susan who presents her very special tribute to the holiday season with songs both traditional and contemporary. From "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus" to such classics as "Count Your Blessings" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," Anton makes her third Follies appearance a last hurrah to remember!

Dezart Performs opens its 2013-14 season with the West Coast Premiere of "Exquisite Potential," the award-winning comedy by Stephen Kaplan on Friday, Nov. 22 to open the 2013-14 season of Dezart Performs. "Exquisite Potential" will run for two weekends, November 22-24 and November 29-December 1, 2013 at Dezart Performs' theatrical home in downtown Palm Springs, the historic Palm Springs Woman's Club. The premise: What would happen if a man and his wife went to visit their rabbi to discuss the naming service for the new baby they're expecting-and the man announced that he believes their 3-year-old son is the Messiah? And produced a list of 997 miracles that would prove his conviction? Kaplan's amusing but thought-provoking comedy is directed by Joan McGillis.

The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spas presents the razor sharp wit of Comedy Central sensation Daniel Tosh tonight, October 5 at 8:00 pm.

The Desert Rose Playhouse, the Coachella Valley's live stage company serving the LGBT and gay-friendly community, announces their schedule of productions for the 2013/14 Season. The DRT is located in a wonderfully intimate theatre space at the border of Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City, centrally located for patrons from all parts of the desert. The eclectic season includes two wild comedies, one Gothic Creole Mystery, a World Premiere drama drawn from today's headlines, and a very special Mid-Century Modern musical starring radio talk show personality and vocalist/entertainer Joey English.

Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, which opens today, September 19th and runs through Sunday, September 22nd, has announced the complete 2013 Schedule for its Sixth Anniversary Edition.

Bobby Vinton, the entertainer Billboard Magazine has called 'the most successful love singer of the 'Rock-Era', appears at The Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa for one very special performance tonight, September 7 at 8:00 pm.

Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, which opens on Thursday, September 19th and runs through Sunday, September 22nd, today announced the complete 2013 Schedule for its Sixth Anniversary Edition. "We are screening a total of twenty four feature films and more than 30 shorts this year," Michael C. Green, Managing Director of The Palm Springs Cultural Center, said. "This has been a banner year for LGBT filmmaking, which made the selection process even more difficult, but in the end, I think we've put together a schedule that may be our best ever."

Bobby Vinton, the entertainer Billboard Magazine has called 'the most successful love singer of the 'Rock-Era', appears at The Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa for one very special performance on September 7 at 8:00 pm. From 1962 to 1972 Vinton had more #1 records than any other solo male artist in the country and established himself as one of America's top concert performers and most versatile entertainers. His impressive list of hits includes renowned love songs such as Roses Are Red, Blue Velvet and Mr. Lonely, among many others. His songs are recognized as standards throughout the world and his music has retained its vitality and relevance through our changing times. I had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Vinton about his career, his upcoming concert and "all things Bobby Vinton". Here are some of the highlights from that interview.

Desert Rose Productions, Inc. presents nationally acclaimed comedian Shann Carr in her one-woman show Sweet Sweet Laughter! for one performance only, tonight, August 10 at 7:00 pm at The Desert Rose Playhouse at The Commissary in Rancho Mirage.

The Desert Rose Playhouse, the Coachella Valley's live stage company serving the LGBT and gay-friendly community, announces their schedule of productions for the 2013/14 Season. The DRT is located in a wonderfully intimate theatre space at the border of Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City, centrally located for patrons from all parts of the desert. The eclectic season includes two wild comedies, one Gothic Creole Mystery, a World Premiere drama drawn from today's headlines, and a very special Mid-Century Modern musical starring radio talk show personality and vocalist/entertainer Joey English.

The Coachella Valley's premiere theatrical venue, The McCallum Theatre, has added an exciting new array of offerings to its' already jam-packed upcoming seaon. Comedy, jazz, world music, country royalty, pop icons and first ladies of American song have been added to the roster of McCallum Theatre's 2013-2014 season. 'We are always looking to add performances with the broadest appeal to Valley audiences,' said Mitch Gershenfeld, President & CEO of the McCallum. 'We are pleased that several terrific shows became available after our subscription brochure went to press and delighted to add them to what is already an exciting and diverse season of world-class entertainment.'

The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa recently named accomplished gaming executive, C.J. Graham as its new General Manager. Graham has more than two decades of experience in the gaming and hospitality industry, including senior-level positions at the Palms Casino Resort, Wynn and Flamingo, in Las Vegas. His connection to Hollywood? Graham starred as the hockey-masked killer, Jason Voorhees, in the 1986 slasher film Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa is home The Show -- one of the finest, state of the art concert venues in the Western United States. I had the opportunity to sit down with the charismatic and likeable Mr. Graham a few days ago. Here are a few excerpts from that conversation.

The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spas presents the razor sharp wit of Comedy Central sensation Daniel Tosh on October 5 at 8:00 pm. Tosh has been hailed as on of Variety's '10 Comics to Watch" and is one of the most requested headliners in the country. During his sold-out, national tour, "Tosh Tour Twenty Ten: A Comedy Central Live Event," he entertained fans in over 50 cities. He's appeared on 'The Late Show with David Letterman,' 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,' 'The Late, Late Show with Craig Kilborn,' 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' 'Last Call with Carson Daly,' VH1's 'Best Week Ever' and MTV's 'Punk'd.'

Rocker Ted Nugent brings his iconic musical style to The Show at The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa for one high octane concert on August 30 at 9:00 pm. In a music career that has spanned five decades, "Motor City Madman", Ted Nugent has sold more than 40-million albums, performed more than 6,400 concerts and continues to set attendance records around the world. He's been named "Detroit's Greatest Guitar Player of All-Time," by readers of MLive!

CARNIVAL OF WONDERS. starring Magicians of the Year Mark Kalin and Jinger Leigh and acclaimed magician Jeff Hobson promises to bring an evening of spectacle and intrigue to The Show at The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Saturday, August 17 at 8:00 pm. The Show is one of Southern California's finest, state of the art concert and theatrical venues, presenting the most celebrated entertainers from popular music, comedy and Broadway. Carnival of Wonders has been hailed as "A big fat magical hit!"-by the New York Daily News and brings all the fun of a traveling carnival to the Coachella Valley's premiere entertainment venue. The show is guaranteed to "bring out the kid" in everyone!

The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa has named accomplished gaming executive, C.J. Graham as its new General Manager. Graham has more than two decades of experience in the gaming and hospitality industry, including senior-level positions at the Palms Casino Resort, Wynn and Flamingo, in Las Vegas. While at the Palms, Graham ushered in the first Playboy Club to open in 25 years. Most recently, Graham served as General Manager of Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, CA. He managed all hotel, casino and non-gaming operations, while leading 2,500 team members and keeping operations steady, during a $700-million expansion. The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa is home The Show -- one of the finest, state of the art concert venues in the Western United States.