The Desert Scene

Palm Canyon Theatre Director Shares Insights on Thought-Provoking New Plays

Join Bonnie G on this episode of The Desert Scene as she chats with the talented Judith Chapman, celebrated actress and director known for her remarkable work on shows like The Young and the Restless. Judith dives deep into her latest endeavor at the Palm Canyon Theatre, where she is directing two timely and thought-provoking companion plays: Shunned and Sundew. Shunned explores themes of acceptance and familial tensions within an Amish community, while Sundew highlights the urgent need to protect Mother Earth through the story of a determined woman safeguarding her land’s ecology. Judith shares fascinating insights on the authenticity involved in production, such as the handcrafted Amish costumes, and the extensive research undertaken. Learn about her dynamic cast, including both seasoned actors and exciting new talents, all united by a commitment to delivering powerful theatrical experiences. Listen in to discover more about these poignant productions opening in October.

#TheDesertScene #BonnieG #JudithChapman #PalmCanyonTheatre #TheYoungandtheRestless #Shunned #Sundew #AmishCommunity #ProtectMotherEarth #TimelyPlays #ThoughtProvokingTheatre #TheatreDirecting #PalmSpringsArts #AuthenticProduction #DynamicCast #StageProductions #TheatreInPalmSprings #mutualbroadcastingsystem

Insight into The Bent’s Upcoming Season: Exciting Productions and Sneak Peeks

Join host Bonnie G on The Desert Scene as she welcomes Terry Ray, the Managing Director of The Bent LGBTQ Theatre Company, for an engaging conversation about their upcoming season. Terry reveals the exciting productions planned, including the thought-provoking play F**king Men, which tackles relevant LGBTQ+ themes, and the highlight of their season, I'll Eat You Last, featuring acclaimed actress Cathy Moriarty in a one-woman show about Hollywood super-agent Sue Mengers. Discover insights about the unique structure of their plays, the challenges of starting a theatre company from scratch, and the importance of telling LGBTQ+ stories in the vibrant Palm Springs community. Terry also discusses their fun and festive original Christmas musical, Skippy and Bitsy's All Star Christmas TV Extravaganza. Whether you're a local or visiting, this episode gives you a sneak peek into all the thrilling theater coming your way. Listen in for all the details!

#TheDesertScene #BonnieG #TerryRay #TheBentLGBTQTheatre #LGBTQTheatre #PalmSpringsTheatre #F**kingMen #IllEatYouLast #CathyMoriarty #SueMengers #LGBTQStories #TheatreSeason #PalmSpringsArts #TheatreCommunity #OriginalMusicals #ChristmasMusical #LocalTheatre #mutualbroadcastingsystem

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. welcomes Howard Shangraw, renowned acting instructor at CV Rep's Conservatory and Director of Before the Bell, this year's impactful anti-bullying student outreach production. Shangraw delves into CV Rep's admirable tradition of annually showcasing productions featuring local valley students, with themes that resonate socially and culturally in today's world. Tune in to discover how this initiative empowers young actors and promotes important conversations within the community. Together, they explore the power of theatre in addressing and challenging societal issues. Don’t miss this compelling discussion on art, education, and change!

#EmpowerYouth #AntiBullying #TheaterForChange #HowardShangraw #YouthEmpowerment #StopBullying #TheaterImpact #SocialChange #BullyingAwareness #CreativeActivism #PositiveChange #InspireYouth #CommunityTheater #ArtsInActivism #YouthVoices #CVRep #CoachellaValleyTheatre #TheDesertScene #BonnieG #Podcast #PalmSpringsUnifiedSchoolDistrict #PSUSD

This week on The Desert Scene with Bonnie G., award-winning host Jeff Barnett returns to discuss his upcoming Movie Magic show at Revolution Stage Company on September 6th at 7:30 pm, highlighting the organic process of building the show with a talented cast. The group blends diverse personalities and vocal styles, including harmonies, to create a dynamic performance. Barnett shares his background, from his start in high school theater to his professional work, including his involvement in an AIDS benefit. The show promises a mix of familiar and lesser-known songs, inviting the audience on a musical journey. The cabaret features Charles Herrera, Kim Schroeder Long, Heather Joy, and accompaniment by Stephen Hulsey.

Bonnie G welcomes Brad Mercer to The Desert Scene, highlighting his multi-talented career in radio, music, and movies. Brad's weekly radio show, Brad Mercer's Bands and Fans, has been running for 11 years and features unsigned and newly signed indie country rock artists. His band, Brad Mercer and The Profile, performs classic rock and original music locally. And, Brad's movie music includes Ride to Justice and A Sense of Stranger, with notable actors like Michael Fassbender and Neil McDonough. Hear about his song I'm Coming Home which has received praise from legendary The Beatles artist Paul McCartney, leading to potential collaboration, which he talks about in his conversation with Bonnie. Listeners can find more information on Brad's website, theprofileband.com.

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. welcomes Colonel Mark Johnson, USArmy (Ret.) to chat about his new book Scars and Strife. Johnson tells us how his own personal experience with PTSD and as a judge presiding over veteran treatment court inspired his writing.

To contact Col. Johnson, email: [email protected]

On this episode of The Desert Scene with Bonnie G., Bonnie welcomes Jerry Soria-Foust, the talented Artistic Director of the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, as they embark upon their 25th Season. Tune in as Jerry shares exciting details about upcoming auditions and how community members can join the celebrated chorus. Get the inside scoop on the highly anticipated new season, which will feature a special concert series performing beloved tunes from the Disney Songbook. Discover the enchanting world of the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus and uncover what has made them a Coachella Valley entertainment favorite among both locals and visitors. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with music, community, and inspiration.

#PSGMC #PalmSpringsGayMensChorus #DisneyMagic #AnniversaryCelebration #Podcasts #PodcastLove #BehindTheScenes #LGBTQ #DisneyFans #MagicMoments #25YearsOfMagic #CelebrateWithUs #PodcastCommunity #DisneyDreams #EntertainmentExcellence #JerrySoriaFoust #CoachellaValley #PalmSpringsMusic #GALAChorus #MutualBroadcastingSystem #TheDesertScene #BonnieG #PSGMCAuditions

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. welcomes David Green, creator, producer and director of Musical Theatre University at Rancho Mirage High School. He shares details about the afterschool program, which trains young students on the art of musical theatre, including acting, singing and dance. Green also chats about the four big productions the students put on each year, as well as their upcoming performances at Willie's Restaurant in Rancho Mirage each Sunday in August.  

MORE INFO: www.musicaltheatreuniversity.com

#TheDesertScene #BonnieG #DavidGreen #MusicalTheatreUniversity #RanchoMirageHighSchool #TheatreEducation #YoungPerformers #ActingClasses #SingingLessons #DanceTraining #StudentProductions #WilliesRestaurant #RanchoMirage #TheatrePerformance #CommunityTheatre #MutualBroadcastingSystem #Podcasts #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #PSUSD

Tune in to The Desert Scene with Bonnie G for an engaging conversation with James Mortensen, owner of The V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar in Palm Springs. Discover the vibrant live entertainment lineup, featuring talented local musicians, dazzling performances, and themed nights that promise fun and excitement. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this episode will leave you eager to experience the dynamic atmosphere and fun shows at this unique spot.

MORE INFO:  www.vwinelounge.com

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. welcomes award-winning Broadway singer David Burnham. They discuss his impressive career, highlighting his journey from singing to pigs on a Southern California farm as a child to community theatre to Broadway to the cabaret stage. Burnham also shares exciting details about his upcoming show, part of the CV Rep Summer Cabaret series on July 25th. Tune in for an insightful conversation with this bright theatre talent. For show information, visit www.cvrep.org.