Building on an award winning season that saw its acclaimed productions secure 96% capacity, Dezart Performs of Palm Springs (www.dezartperforms.org ) announces its 16th year of fearless, provocative, and inspiring theatre including a Pulitzer Finalist, Drama Critics Circle Award Winner, and a first ever Broadway play written by a Native American. Buoyed by last years’ record attendance, the company is adding two additional performances to each production: Sunday evening performances at 7pm.
“Age 16 is when one is allowed to drive, and we really feel this season puts us back in high gear,” said Michael Shaw, founding Artistic Director of Dezart Performs. “Each production offers a unique perspective, combining laughter, introspection, and powerful storytelling. We can’t wait to share these extraordinary performances with our loyal patrons and new audiences alike.”
Kicking off the season is THE THANKSGIVING PLAY by Larissa FastHorse (November 3 – 12) a comedy that hilariously satirizes the collision between good intentions and absurd assumptions. Directed by Shaw, this wickedly funny production follows a troupe of terminally “woke” teaching artists as they scramble to create a pageant that celebrates both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month. Of note, FastHorse, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe of the Lakota People, is the first Native American playwright to have a show produced on Broadway.
Next up is WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME (January 19 – 28), a dramatic comedy written by Heidi Schreck and directed by Craig Wells. This critically acclaimed show, a 2019 Pulitzer Prize finalist, explores the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives. Audiences can expect a hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human experience.
A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD (March 1 – 10) by Samuel D. Hunter, whose A BRIGHT NEW BOISE was a hit for Dezart Performs last season, takes center stage next. An emotional and thought-provoking drama directed by Shaw, this play delves into the fragile worlds of Keith, a mortgage broker, and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker, as they bond over their shared experiences of marginality and the realities of financial insecurity.
Concluding the 16th anniversary season is MR PARKER (April 12 – 21), a drama written by Michael McKeever whose play DANIEL’S HUSBAND was the sell-out sensation of Dezart’s 2020 Season. Directed by Randy Brenner, the play finds 54-year old widower Terry Parker adjusting to a newly single life after the loss of his partner of 30 years.
“In an era when so much seems to be about polarization, I hope our plays continue to open dialogue and build community,” said Shaw. “We are dedicated to producing fresh and compelling works that inspire such dialogue and provoke thought with a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.”
Subscriptions will go on sale for existing season subscribers Wednesday, July 5; new season subscribers may purchase tickets beginning July 25. Single show tickets go on sale September 12.
All performances take place at the Pearl McManus Theater (at the historic Palm Springs Woman’s Club) 314 S Cahuilla Road, Downtown Palm Springs. Ticket prices are $48 – $55 and may be purchased online at www.dezartperforms.org , or by calling (760) 322-0179. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm; Sundays at 2pm and 7pm.