Desert TheatreWorks is happy to reopen its 2021/2022 season! Picking up where the theatre left off, the season will premiere with a show that embodies the very spirit of Broadway, Mel Brook’s THE PRODUCERS. Following this, a line up of theatre classics will reinvigorate theatre goers with the magic of live theatre once more.
“Wow! Sixteen months went by so fast and yet so long. We have missed seeing our wonderful patrons, and working with our dedicated volunteers, and brilliant casts and crews. I felt it was important to reopen the theatre with the show that was abruptly canceled due to the pandemic. The Producers successfully played one performance to rave reviews when our offices had closed March 14. In my opinion, this production was one of our finest, and our audience deserves to see it! I carefully chose a season that offers a little bit of everything. All the shows are upbeat, fun, and an escape to a happy place again. Two of our productions will feature live bands this season, with two other large-scale musicals, and three brilliant plays. In addition to our season, we will have offerings for our KidsWorks Program, and our ArtWorks Program, giving everyone a chance to participate and/or view this great work! We cannot wait to welcome you back, and hopefully with open arms and not six feet apart!”
– Lance Phillips-Martinez / Artistic Director
Desert TheatreWorks 2021-22 Season
Mel Brook’s THE PRODUCERS
Book by MEL BROOKS & THOMAS MEEHAN, Music and Lyrics by MEL BROOKS
DTW is back presenting our acclaimed production of Mel Brooks Broadway hit! The Producers features Max Bialystock, the onetime king of Broadway producers hungry to strike it rich, and Leo Bloom, an accountant with dreams of someday becoming a theatre producer, discover that they could get richer by producing a flop than a hit and start by finding the worst show, worst director, and worst actors. When their new production, “Springtime for Hitler,” turns out to be a smash success, the plan is thrown off and the partners lives are thrown into chaos. Join us for our grand re-opening with this musical comedy romp! Rated PG-13
November 5-21, 2020
MURDER AT THE HOWARD JOHNSON’S
By RON CLARK and SAM BOBRICK
Is all fair in love…and murder? Murder at the Howard Johnson’s, is a laugh-out-loud riot featuring a woman, her husband and her lover hatching hilarious murder schemes…unsuccessfully. Set in a Howard Johnson’s hotel room in the 1970s, this comedic love triangle is filled with plot twists and surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is one ridiculous situation and extravagant sight gag after another in this rapid-fire comedy. Rated PG-13
December 3-23, 2021
WINTER WONDERETTES
Written & Created by ROGER BEAN
Featuring classic holiday pop hits from the 50’s and 60’s. This seasonal celebration finds the 60’s girl group “The Wonderettes” entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party! Featuring a live band and great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland,” the result is, of course, marvelous! This energetic and glittering holiday package is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. Rated G
January 7-February 6, 2022
ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE
By TED SWINDLEY
Featuring the music of Patsy Cline. If you have not seen this show, you do not know the real Patsy! Based on the true story of one wild night in 1961 Houston, when single mom Louise Seger became fast friends with her idol, Ms. Patsy Cline. Louise recreates her evening and correspondence with Patsy, as well as many of the singer’s highlights, in this touching, down-home country musical comedy. Featuring a live band, this rollicking musical tribute includes many of Cline’s unforgettable hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” Rated PG
February 11-March 13, 2022
Neil Simon’s I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES
I Ought to Be in Pictures is one of Neil Simon’s comedic gems! Herb Tucker is a struggling Hollywood screenwriter suffering from writer’s block. To make matters worse, his forgotten past just showed up on his doorstep in the form of Libby, his young teenage daughter he abandoned, along with her mother and brother, years earlier. Libby is a wisecracking, resourceful girl who has come to Hollywood to be an actor. Convinced he can help jump-start her career; Libby expects Herb to help because he “owes her.” With Steffy, his sometime girlfriend, at his side, Herb decides to take another stab at fatherhood and hopefully this time, get it right. You will not want to miss this heartfelt comedy. Rated PG-13
March 18-April 10, 2022
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Book and Lyrics by HOWARD ASHMAN, Music by ALAN MENKEN
A deviously delicious musical send-up of ‘50s B movies, Little Shop of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatergoers for more than 30 years. The musical follows a geeky florist shop worker who is secretly harboring a man-eating plant. His conundrum grows out of control as the sounds of early ’60s rock, doo-wop and Motown numbers fill the air. Do not miss this blockbuster musical comedy hit! Rated PG-13
April 22-May 8, 2022
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER
By TODD KREIDLER
Based on the screenplay Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner by WILLIAM ROSE
It is 1967 in San Francisco, California. Joanna is surprising her parents with a visit home and a fiancé. Making that first introduction to the parents is never easy, and even more so when the whirlwind romance is set against the backdrop of the ’60s and involves a young mixed-race couple. Both families are forced to reckon with their ideas and prejudices in the face of pending nuptials. This new and timely adaptation of the classic movie, starring Sidney Potier, Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, still rings true today and ultimately provides touching moments and hilarious comedy. Rated PG
May 14-15, 2022
KIDSWORKS PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP
A musical performed by youth ages 8-18
DTW’s Kidsworks will perform their annual musical theatre workshop show. This 60-minute musical featuring performances ages 8-18, will enchant audiences of all ages. Rated G
May 21-22, 2022
ARTWORKS CONTEMPORARY PLAY FESTIVAL
Various Playwrights
Join DTW’s Artworks for a weekend of contemporary play readings and one act plays. Buy a pass, see a few or see them all! Recommended for Mature Audiences
Desert Theatreworks
www.dtworks.org
Box Office (760) 980-1455
Box Office Hours: Tuesday- Friday 10am – 4pm
Performances held at: The Indio Performing Arts Center 45175 Fargo Street, CA 92201
Desert Theatreworks is a 501C3 Community based theatre company serving the Coachella Valley.