Previews: ARTSWORKS SERIES at Desert Theatreworks

…”I STAYED IN THE THEATER FOR A LITTLE WHILE LONGER. WHERE YOU DON’T HAVE TO GROW UP.” From Peter’s closing speech in Sarah Ruhl’s powerful play For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday.

And now the ArtsWorks Playreading Series is making it possible for performers to say, “I stayed in theater…where you don’t have to grow OLD.”

ArtsWorks is a program by and for seniors--whether they come with a lifetime of experience or a renewed interest in creative expression--to engage in the performing arts without the pressures of memorization and rigorous rehearsals. But it’s so much more than reading plays. It’s music. It’s movement. It’s an opportunity to expand social connections within the community and to keep those juices flowing—the ones that boost and maintain cognitive skills. It’s joyous.

Last November the series kicked off with a magnetic performance of American Moor—a monologue by a seasoned African-American actor. The character is auditioning for the role of William Shakespeare’s iconic Black hero Othello and must respond to the dictates of a younger white director.

In 2025 the four staged readings in the series run on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of the month, January through April.

For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday (January 28 and 29) is the first production. Ann, who once played Peter Pan in her hometown children’s theater, is waiting with her siblings outside their father’s hospital room during his final moments. She nostalgically recalls that her father brought her flowers after her performance. The play is a loving glimpse into a family’s views of life, death, politics, and the allure of never growing up.

The February reading is Six Years Old by Daphne Silbiger. For a young child, six-year-old Adalaide is plagued by frustrations: her babysitter is stupid, her brother is an idiot, and she does NOT like being treated like a girl. The play is a comic and poignant portrayal of the wild fantasies and serious desires of a queer childhood.

In March ArtsWorks presents Young Jean Lee’s Straight White Men. When Ed and his three adult sons celebrate Christmas together, they confront a problem that even a happy family can’t solve. When identity matters, and privilege is problematic, what is the advantage of being a straight white man?

The final work in the series is Gladys in Wonderland, a comedy by Keith Hamilton Cole. 87-year-old Gladys' days of munching donuts and scouring the obituaries seem numbered. But when a cheerful Grim Reaper appears, he’s astounded by Gladys' stubborn refusal to “shuffle off this mortal coil.” To convince her, he ushers in a parade of obnoxious friends and relatives, eventually altering her viewpoint about the afterlife.

ArtsWorks at Desert TheatreWorks is open to any adult in the Coachella Valley who would like to participate.

All play readings are performed in the DTW Blackbox on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 730pm. Tickets can be purchased at dtworks.org or by calling the box office at (760) 980-1455.  The theatre is located at 45175 Fargo St, Indio.

Next up on Desert Theatreworks stages continued 2024-25 season slate:

Legally Blonde, The Musical (Running through Feb 9, 2025) DTW's exhilarating production of "Legally Blonde The Musical" lights up the stage to ring in the new year. Follow Elle Woods as she takes on Harvard Law, fueled by the desire to win back her ex-boyfriend. With infectious energy and catchy tunes, the show captures Elle's journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Along the way, she faces challenges from peers, professors, and her former flame, but with the help of newfound friends, she proves her resilience and determination. Don't miss this fabulously fun musical extravaganza that will have you cheering for Elle every step of the way!

Honky Tonk Angels (Jan 25 - Mar 30 2025) In the BlackBox Theatre. Step right up to the musical extravaganza that’s sure to get your boots tapping and your heart singing! In “Honky Tonk Angels,” three fearless women from diverse walks of life dare to chase their honky tonk dreams all the way to the bright lights of Nashville. Packed with 30 timeless country hits including “Stand By Your Man,” “9 to 5,” and “Harper Valley PTA,” this toe-tapping journey is a rollicking celebration of sisterhood, resilience, and the power of music. From the creator of “Always... Patsy Cline,” get ready for a hilarious, foot-stomping good time that’ll have you cheering for these unstoppable gals every step of the way!

The Odd Couple (Female Version) Playhouse Theater • February 14 - March 2, 2025
DTW proudly presents Neil Simon's timeless comedy "The Odd Couple," reimagined in its female version. Join Olive Madison and Florence Unger and their group of girlfriends for their weekly Trivial Pursuit night in Olive's cluttered apartment. When freshly dumped Florence arrives, Olive invites her to move in, what could go wrong? Everything! Total opposites, Olive's laid-back demeanor clashes with Florence's neurotic cleanliness, putting their friendship to the test. Tensions escalate when Olive arranges a double date with the Costazuela brothers, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and uproarious moments. Don't miss this uproarious comedy that explores the quirks of friendship and the chaos of mismatched personalities! 

Tootsie the Musical Playhouse Theatre (Mar 7, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025) 

Dive into the uproarious world of TOOTSIE, dubbed “musical comedy heaven” by Rolling Stone and “the most uproarious new musical in years!” by The Hollywood Reporter. This laugh-out-loud extravaganza, inspired by the beloved Academy Award-winning film starring Dustin Hoffman, is a heartfelt love letter to the stage. Meet Michael Dorsey, a talented actor whose knack for job-hopping is legendary. When faced with the ultimate career crisis, Michael concocts a harebrained scheme: transform into the fabulous actress Dorothy Michaels. Suddenly, Michael finds himself on a wild Broadway adventure, winning hearts, stealing scenes, and even catching feelings for his leading lady, Julie. But as the curtain rises on this comedic caper, Michael soon discovers that juggling dual identities is no easy feat. Join us for a whirlwind of comedy, romance, and theatrical shenanigans in TOOTSIE! 

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