Shel Safir

Review: LOOT at Desert Ensemble Theatre

As one audience member who fell asleep remarked, “Farce is hard”.  That gave the opening to this review. Farce IS hard if you don’t understand how it is to be directed so that it works effectively. This review was extremely difficult to write because Desert Ensemble Theatre is high on the list of professional quality community theatres in the desert.

Review: DIAL M FOR MURDER at Desert TheatreWorks

It’s Halloween time again and what better way to get in the spookiest of vibes than seeing a good murder mystery, right? Desert Theatreworks in Indio has just the potion for you with their current production of 'Dial M for Murder'. 

LOOT Comes to Desert Ensemble Theatre Next Month

Tickets are now available for Desert Ensemble Theatre’s (DET)  production of Loot, by Joe Orton (1965). The genre-changing black comedy runs from November 15–24 In Theatre 3 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

Previews: DIAL M FOR MURDER at Desert Theatreworks

Desert Theatreworks is thrilled to announce its upcoming stage adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, 'Dial 'M' for Murder,' running from October 4 to 20, 2024, at the DTW Blackbox Theater. This production promises to immerse audiences in Hitchcockian suspense within the intimate confines of our theater. 

Review: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Desert Theatreworks

What did our critic think of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Desert Theatreworks?

Review: CHRISTMAS WITH THE CRAWFORDS Puts The 'Fun' Back In Dysfunctional at Desert Theatreworks

What did our critic think of 'CHRISTMAS WITH THE CRAWFORDS' PUTS THE 'FUN' BACK IN DYSFUNCTIONAL at Desert Theatreworks?

Review: JIMMY BUFFETT'S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE at Desert Theatreworks is a Rollicking Good Time

Desert Theatreworks showcases its talented cadre of singers, dancers, and comedic actors in its current production, the musical comedy JIMMY BUFFETT'S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. Director Lance Phillips and musical director Douglas Wilson have done a superb job with this jukebox musical that features Buffett's tunes. A cast of twenty dances enthusiastically to excellent original choreography by rising Coachella Valley star Anthony Nannini, and impressively pulls off both sweet folk rock songs and belted numbers. The performances and strong visuals from the designers result in an enjoyable, cheerful evening, with numerous stand-out moments.

BWW Review: Desert Theatreworks Has Mounted A Must-See Production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

There is a new must-see production in the Coachella Valley: Desert Theatreworks’ presentation of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, the rock musical mash-up of comedy, horror, and sci-fi, with music by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman. The directing, acting, singing, dancing, puppetry, and all-around technical quality make for a delightful afternoon or evening of entertainment.

BWW Review: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at Desert Theatreworks is a Great Deal of Fun

Desert Theatreworks (DTW) has mounted an excellently acted, enjoyable, comedic production of Ken Ludwig's 2017 adaptation of Agatha Christie's MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. The script drags in spots, but director Lance Phillips-Martinez has created a visual feast that keeps the audience's attention.

BWW Review: MAMMA MIA! is the Happiest Show in Town!

If you notice an inordinate number of smiles in the east end of the Valley, chances are that they're on people who have seen Desert Theatreworks newest show, Mama Mia! The musical includes 25 songs by the Swedish rock group Abba, and every one of them is so enjoyably recognizable that after the first measure or two, viewers think a?oeOh, yeah. That one!a?? You'll amaze yourself at how many of them you recognize, and what disco-ball memories they conjure forth!