The McCallum Theatre Announces Its Star-Studded 2013-14 Season

The McCallum Theatre announced today its new lineup of world-class entertainment scheduled for the 2013-2014 season with Tony Award-winning musicals and plays, legendary performers, beloved singers, Desert favorites, and international artistry all part of a very full and exciting roster. Subscriptions go on sale on Monday, April 8th at 8am for the Rabobank Broadway Blockbuster Series, Broadway and Beyond Series, Fitz's Jazz Café at the McCallum Series, Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel Series, as well as a Create-Your-Own Series which allows patrons to mix, match, and program a full season of entertainment tailored to their own individual tastes.

Among the new season's highlights is the very first Palm Desert International Dance Festival, presented in partnership with the City of Palm Desert. Featuring three sensational dance companies (Nov. 13-16), Jabbawockeez, Lula Washington Dance Theatre, and Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal, this new McCallum signature event will celebrate the poetry of movement as performed by three very distinct practitioners of the art form. The McCallum's hugely popular Choreography Festival (Nov. 9 & 10), which has been produced by the Theatre's education division for over a decade, now starts off this expanded Dance Festival, and continues to provide emerging and established choreographers opportunities to showcase their work, bringing exciting new dances to the desert.

The 2013-2014 Rabobank Broadway Blockbuster Series boasts four great titles, each a multiple award-winning crowd pleaser: Million Dollar Quartet (Nov. 29-Dec. 1) is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical true story of the famed recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for one unforgettable night. An all-new production of the timeless classic Man of La Mancha (Jan. 24-26, 2014) depicts the triumph of man over his own follies, with a memorable score and book that have inspired theatregoers since the very first note of "The Impossible Dream" was heard on opening night. Winner of ten Tony Awards including Best Musical, Hello, Dolly! (Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2014) is one of the most enduring Broadway classics. Emmy Award-winning Sally Struthers stars as the strong-willed matchmaker Dolly Levi. The Addams Family (Mar. 14-16, 2014) is a smash-hit musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of one of America's favorite zany families to spooky and spectacular life. Four show series packages are available from $140 - $400.

A unique take on the holidays, a salute to a legendary Broadway composer, fiery tango dance and the desert premiere of a five-time Tony Award-winning musical play comprise the 2013-2014 McCallum Theatre Broadway and Beyond Series. Show critics call Someday at Christmas with Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack (Dec. 14 & 15)" extremely strong and hugely entertaining." Patrons can take a break during the bustling holiday season to relax at the McCallum with Frank, Sammy, Dean and Joey. Luis Bravo's Forever Tango (Jan. 11 & 12, 2014) was a hit on Broadway for over 400 performances. Featuring fourteen world-class tango dancers, one vocalist and an on-stage 11-piece orchestra, the evening celebrates the passionate music and dance of Argentina. The Best of Broadway featuring the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Feb. 7 & 8, 2014) presents four of Broadway's brightest stars with a nine-piece orchestra celebrating the timeless music of one of the Great White Way's most prolific composers. Among the show's highlights include beloved songs from Sunset Boulevard, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Evita, Starlight Express, By Jeeves, Song and Dance, Aspects of Love and the longest running show on Broadway, Phantom of the Opera. Dubbed "the most exhilarating storytelling on Broadway" in decades and the winner of five Tony Awards, Peter and the Starcatcher (Mar. 28 & 30, 2014) is a swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan that will have you hooked from the moment you let your imagination take flight. Four show series packages are available from $100 - $320.

Celebrating its 15th Anniversary and co-sponsored by the McCallum Theatre, KJJZ-FM's morning personality Jim "Fitz" Fitzgerald brings another exciting roster of top-flight performers to the desert in 2013-14 for his wildly popular Fitz's Jazz Café at the McCallum. The lineup includes: living legend Herb Alpert with his wife singer, lyricist and author Lani Hall (Nov. 22); expert interpreter of the Great American Songbook, John Pizzarelli (Jan. 18, 2014); multiple Grammy Award-winning songstress Roberta Flack (Feb. 22, 2014); McCallum favorite Steve Tyrell (Mar. 22, 2014); and Broadway's Morgan James, recently seen in the Broadway revival of Godspell and the new production of Motown: The Musical (Apr. 5, 2014) Fitz's Jazz Café at the McCallum is sponsored by Desert Lexus, K-Jazz 102.3 and CBS Local 2. Five show series packages are available from $165 - $375. Fitz's Jazz Café at the McCallum will also be co-presenting acclaimed trumpeter Chris Bottireturning by popular demand (Mar. 27, 2014). The Botti engagement is not part of the series package.

With keen observance and a quick wit, Jeffrey Siegel makes audiences fall in love all over again with classical music. His popular and intimate evenings of piano and commentary return to the McCallum in the 2013-2014 season with four programs: Popular Piano Classics (Dec. 2); The Glory of Beethoven (Jan. 13, 2014); On the Wings of Song: The Great Melodies of Schubert(Feb. 17, 2014); and Mistresses and Masterpieces (Mar. 24, 2014). These performances are presented through the generosity of Donna MacMillan.

Reality shows are no longer just the purview of your television screen as four of the most popular practitioners of the genre take to the stage of the McCallum in solo shows that engage, enlighten, and entertain. James Beard Award-winning personality Alton Brown is on the road with what he calls a "live, traveling, foodie, comedy, quiz, lecture, puppet, talk, science, storytelling and music show." (Oct. 18). The popular James Van Praagh returns to the McCallum with his Message from the Spirit World, promising to "guide a profound healing meditation to open up to the universal force and bring balance and ease to your life." (Nov. 17) America's favorite zookeeper Jack Hanna's live show features many of his favorite animal friends, as well as fascinating and humorous stories and footage from his adventures around the world. (Jan. 27, 2014). The star of "Leader of the Pack" and "Dog Whisperer," Cesar Millan is joined by his "right hand dog Junior" for an evening of astonishing dog training techniques. (Feb. 9, 2014).

This year the McCallum brings an international flair to the holiday season with a variety of special shows guaranteed to inspire joy and cheer. In addition to Someday at Christmas with Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack (Dec. 14 & 15), the McCallum is delighted to welcome back the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, under the direction of Keith Lockhart with their unique takes on classic favorites, brand new originals and a time-honored audience sing along (Nov. 19). Following a sold-out engagement this past season, those singing sensations from Down Under, The Ten Tenors,return to the McCallum for five performances with a new show filled with classics, hits and holiday favorites (Dec. 6-8). One of the most accomplished and influential mariachi ensembles in the United States, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano will spice up the holiday season with their Fiesta Navidad on December 13. The beauty and wonder of Tchaikovsky's classic The Nutcracker as performed by Moscow Classical Ballet is sure to be a holiday treat for the whole family (Dec. 18). The McCallum joins forces with Fitz's Jazz Café at the McCallum to host A Peter White Christmas featuring the UK jazz artist and songwriter, along with smooth jazz trumpeter, Rick Braun and jazz saxophonist, Mindi Abair (Dec. 19).

A strong Latin flavor returns to the McCallum next season with Frida, the Musical, a McCallum exclusive about the life and times of the artist Frida Kahlo (Oct. 25). Performed entirely in Spanish, this passionate bio-musical is a show of incomparable beauty and exquisite choreography. Lucie Arnaz: Latin Roots is the Desert favorite's fiery, explosive and heartfelt musical tribute to the rhythm of her roots and a love note to the man who introduced La Conga to the United States, her father, Desi Arnaz (Feb. 11, 2014).

Spanning various genres and generations, the McCallum welcomes some of the world's top singers to the Coachella Valley in 2013-14. Among them: country superstar Vince Gill, presented with KPLM "The Big 106" (Nov. 2); desert favorite son Jack Jones with his tribute to the Great American Songbook (Nov. 23); the inimitable Frank Sinatra, Jr. returns to the McCallum after a scheduled stint this season was postponed due to illness (Feb. 15, 2014); Chita: A Legendary Celebrationbrings the one and only two-time Tony Award-winner Chita Rivera to the McCallum (Feb. 21, 2014); Platinum Award-winning singer-songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway pays salute to one of America's most powerful and enduring musical artists with The Streisand Songbook (Feb. 26, 2014); the "Ambassador of the Great American Songbook" Michael Feinstein, returns to the McCallum withThe Gershwins and Me, his loving salute to the unforgettable composers (Mar. 7 & 8, 2014); a memorable pairing brings a musical treasure and a master entertainer together for An Evening with Marilyn Maye and Clint Holmes (Mar. 17, 2014); two of country music's most influential singer/songwriters John Anderson and Tracy Lawrence (presented with KPLM "The Big 106"); Broadway legend Patti LuPone returns to the McCallum for two nights (Apr. 3 & 4, 2014); and opera's leading dramatic soprano Deborah Voigt displays her incredible vocal range and versatility (April 8, 2014).

The world comes to the desert in 2013-2104 with a great selection of renowned international music and dance artists. In addition to Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano and the Moscow Classical Ballet, McCallum audiences will enjoy masters of agility The Peking Acrobats (Jan. 14, 2014). Presented by the City of Rancho Mirage; Moscow Festival Ballet with their rendition of the timeless classic Don Quixote; Teatro Lirico d'Europa's intriguing take on Verdi's Rigoletto (Feb. 10, 2014); the explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography of TAO: The Art of the Drum(Feb. 12, 2014); the North American debut tour of Bahia Orchestra Project featuring pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet (Feb. 16, 2014); the virtuosity of The Canadian Brass (Mar. 10, 2014); and the musical glory of the 1920s and 30s, as captured by PBS sensations Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester (Mar. 13, 2014).

Physical and mental comedy each find their place on the McCallum stage with appearances by old-time stand-up comedians Freddie Roman, Dick Capri, and Mal Z. Lawrence in Catskills on Broadway (Jan. 29, 2014); Chicago-style comedy troupe The Second City bring the very best material from their 53-year history in Happily Ever Laughter (Feb. 20, 2014);and four self-proclaimed eccentric lunatics, The Flying Karamazov Brothers, with their zany showcase filled with wild theatrics, arcane errata, and astonishing juggling feats (Mar. 9, 2014).

A winning note of nostalgia is welcome in any McCallum Theatre season and 2013-2014 brings a generous helping of warm musical memories to the desert including: The Kingston Trio, pioneers of the folk music movement of the early 1960s (Nov. 24); Oh What a Night! pays tribute to the legendary Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in a concert presented in partnership with the City of Rancho Mirage (Jan. 21, 2014); Memories of fifties heartthrobs stir our musical souls with Ricky Nelson Remembered with The Jan & Dean Show, featuring Rick's twin sons Gunnar & Matthew Nelson, along with Dean Torrence and the Surf City All-Stars (Jan. 30, 2014); a Tribute to Glenn Miller and the Vocal Groups featuring The Tex Beneke Orchestra, with The Four Freshman and special guests The Four Aces and former Lawrence Welk Show mainstay Mary Lou Metzger on the bill (Feb. 24, 2014); a Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald presented by The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and featuring New York Voices co-founder Kim Nazarian (Mar. 3, 2014);One Night of Queen delivers the look, the sound and the showmanship of arguably the greatest live band of all time (Mar. 6, 2014); and years after their last live performance, The Pink Floyd Experience replicates that spectacle with interpretive videos, plane crashes, flying pig, helicopter, and more (Mar. 18, 2014).

Food, games and activities are on tap as the McCallum Theatre presents its Second Annual Family Fun Day featuring a performance by the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, a unique blend of comedy, juggling and the extraordinary talents of Gregory Popovich's performing pets (Oct. 13). Also fun for the whole family will be the interactive Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music, with a screening of the classic Julie Andrews film complete with subtitles so the whole audience can sing along, as well as a fancy dress competition inviting everyone to come in costume as their favorite character (Feb. 2, 2014); Rhythmic Circus' Feet Don't Fail Me Now, presented by the McCallum Theatre Institute, a percussive-dance phenomenon that electrifies audiences with hard-hitting, rapid-fire tap, sidesplitting humor and finger-snapping tunes (Feb. 4, 2014); the 58th Annual Edition of It's Magic!, presented with the City of Rancho Mirage, is a dazzling revue featuring award-winning magicians (Feb. 23, 2014); back for a second year, The McCallum Theatre Concert Band,comprised of some of the finest musicians in California, will treat audiences to a delightful mix of marches by Sousa and others, classic band music and patriotic tunes (Mar. 23, 2014). Presented by the City of Palm Desert;

Moving drama is also on the McCallum bill in 2013-2014 as L.A. Theatre Works presents The Graduate, a riveting stage version of the 1967 film that has been a touchstone for generations (Feb. 25, 2014); and Walnut Street Theatre brings to the desert the beloved Driving Miss Daisy, Albert Uhry's classic meditation on growing old, relationships, and loyalty (Mar. 25 & 26, 2014).

As always, the McCallum has on its roster a few presentations that defy category, but assure audiences of unique nights in the theatre. Among them: an intimate evening with Academy Award-winner Shirley MacLaine who will share with the audience a montage of memorable film moments and private revelations about her extraordinary life, career and spiritual journey (Jan. 19, 2014); Palm Springs Legends brings together on one stage the top tribute artists to honor some of the iconic stars of the Desert including Lucille Ball, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Liberace, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Red Skelton (Feb. 6, 2014); and Pilobolus, the groundbreaking dance company that over forty years has evolved into an American cultural fixture (Mar. 31, 2014).

Series tickets are available beginning Monday, April 8th at 8:00am at the Theatre's box office, web site at www.mccallumtheatre.com, or by calling the McCallum Theatre Box Office at (760) 340-ARTS (2787).

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