Dezart Performs Closes Season With Bruce Graham's Deeply Moving OUTGOING TIDE

Desert's theater-lovers will get a special bonus this month when innovative performing arts company Dezart Performs adds a fourth full production to its season. The award-winning work to be presented is "The Outgoing Tide," written by Philadelphia playwright Bruce Graham. World premiered in Chicago in 2011 and performed in New York the following year, the deeply moving drama has not previously been seen in Los Angeles or the Coachella Valley. "The Outgoing Tide" opens Friday, April 22, 2016, and runs for three weekends, closing on Sunday, May 8.

The story line reads like this: In a summer cottage on Chesapeake Bay, Gunner has hatched an unorthodox plan to secure his family's future but meets with resistance from his wife and son, who have plans of their own. As winter approaches, the three must quickly find common ground and come to an understanding before the tide goes out.

Playing the husband and wife are consummate professionals Michael Fairman and Judith Chapman, perhaps best known for their roles in the daytime television drama, "The Young and Restless." Their son is played by the accomplished local actor, Scott Smith, according to Dezart Performs Artistic Director Michael Shaw, who directs the production and, together with Clark Dugger, serves as co-producer.

"I clearly remember the afternoon I finished reading this play for the first time three years ago," Shaw recalled. "Playwright Bruce Graham's honest and powerful words had me laughing out loud one moment, and wiping away tears the next. The immense humor and heart-gripping drama moved me in ways I didn't think possible from one play."

Shaw knew immediately this was something he wanted to bring to Palm Springs but had a number of other projects on his to-do list. "It's all about timing, and this season just felt like the right moment," he said.

When it came to casting the show, Shaw's starting point was Chapman, who now resides in Palm Springs and has worked with Dezart Performs on two previous projects. "Judith was always my first choice for the role of Peg, and it was through her that I met Michael Fairman. Once I spent time with Michael, I knew he was perfect for Gunner," Shaw said.

To date, Chapman has directed two of Dezart Performs' most popular productions, "Invasion of Privacy" and "Duck and Cover," with Shaw playing the male lead in the latter play. "This is her first time as an actress on our stage, and my first time directing her. We are both very excited about changing roles," he said.

Audiences are sure to enjoy this "role reversal" as well, and to appreciate the fine acting of all three cast members in a drama that has garnered the highest critical praise for its sensitive handling of painful life situations that many will recognize from their own families.

For more information about "The Outgoing Tide" and/or to purchase tickets, please go to www.dezartperforms.org or call (760) 322-0179.

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