Hitchcock horror, live theater and music: Upcoming series at Palm Springs Cultural Center
There's always something going on in the desert during the winter and spring, especially at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
From film series that spotlight cinematic gems from the past to live music and theater shows that are as educational as they are entertaining, there's something for everyone to see at the Palm Springs venue over the next few months.
Here's all that's on the lineup at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Visit https://psculturalcenter.org/pscc for more information and tickets.
Honoring Black History Month
Inner Circle Arts Society, a Black-owned arts group that was created in 2014, will honor Black History Month with two shows: the world premiere of "A Sacred Obligation" and the much-anticipated return of "Medgar X’n James." Both works were created by playwright and actor Joachim Moore.
"A Sacred Obligation" is an original production about the life of abolitionist John Brown. The show will be presented in the new theatrical style of DocuTheater, which brings history to life using video documentary elements along with live actor portrayals.
"A Sacred Obligation" will be on stage Feb. 21, 22, 28 and 29.
If local audiences missed Moore's "Medgar X’n James" last year, they have another opportunity to see the one-man show at the cultural center. Moore portrays civil rights activists Medgar Evers and Malcolm X and acclaimed writer James Baldwin, who had many similarities, though they may be remembered for different legacies. The actor created the show to honor their contributions to society and teach a younger generation about their impact.
"Medgar X’n James" will be shown Feb. 23-25 and March 1 and 2.
All performances for both shows are at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/inner-circle-theatre-company-2685459
Cinema on Ice: Frosty films on the big screen
While there may not be snow on the ground in the desert, there's plenty on the big screen with the Cinema on Ice film series.
The winter-themed film series runs through Feb. 25 and features live introductions and thematic film ephemera by Melissa Dollman and Devin Orgeron of Deserted Films, a nonprofit dedicated to collecting and showing films shot in the Palm Springs area from the 1920s through 1980s. Themed drinks are also available for purchase.
Two film screenings from the series remain this month, and it culminates with a showing of "Dr. Zhivago," the first feature film shown at the Camelot when it opened in February 1967. An intermission will occur, during which Deserted Films has something up its sleeves. Both screenings are at 6 p.m.
Upcoming films include:
"Snowpiercer" (2013) on Feb. 16; the themed drink is the Protein Bar Fizz (Jagermeister and tonic on ice with lemon)
"Dr. Zhivago" (1965) on Feb. 25; the themed drink is a White Russian
Tickets cost $12.
Screwball Sundays return
Screwball Sundays, a film retrospective series featuring classic screwball comedies, will return this spring thanks to a partnership with the Film Society of Screwball Comedy.
The series will feature some of the most beloved and iconic films of the genre as Sunday matinees from March 3 to May 26. Each screening will include a live introduction and post-film Q&A with Aliece Pickett, co-founder of the Film Society of Screwball Comedy, along with a preshow of shorts and cartoons from the 1930s and 1940s.
Additionally, authors will hold special receptions and book signings at certain screenings. Special guests include Molly Haskell, film critic and author of "Frankly, My Dear: 'Gone with the Wind' Revisited" and "Steven Spielberg: A Life in Films"; Rob Kozlowski, author of "Becoming Nick and Nora: The Thin Man and the Films of William Powell and Myrna Loy"; Steven C. Smith, film historian and author of "Music by Max Steiner: The Epic Life of Hollywood's Most Influential Composer"; and Kristen Lopez, entertainment journalist and author of "But Have You Read The Book?"
The screenings will take place at 3 p.m. on select Sundays. The lineup includes:
"Arsenic and Old Lace" (1944) on March 3; featuring special guest Smith
"The Awful Truth" (1937) on March 17
"Harvey" (1950) on March 31
"Sullivan's Travels" (1941) on April 7; featuring special guest Lopez
"After the Thin Man" (1936) on April 14; featuring special guest Kozlowski
"The Palm Beach Story" (1942) on April 27; featuring special guest Haskell (6 p.m. Saturday screening with reception)
"Design for Living" (1933) on April 28; featuring special guest Haskell
"Holiday" (1938) on May 5
"Twentieth Century" (1934) on May 19
"Trouble in Paradise" (1934) on May 26
Tickets cost $12. An all-access pass is also available for $95.
Movies in the Park
Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and ready to go back in time with the Cultural Center's Movies in the Park series, which will showcase some of the most beloved movies from the 1980s and 1990s.
The free film series will be held at Downtown Palm Springs Park, by the Forever Marilyn statue, beginning in March with screenings at 7 p.m. (time may vary depending on sundown).
The lineup includes:
"The Goonies" (1985) on March 5
"The Princess Bride" (1987) on March 19
"Who Framed Roger Rabbit" (1988) on April 2
"E.T." (1982) on April 16
"The Sandlot" (1993) on April 30
"Jurassic Park" (1993) on May 14
"Pee-wee's Big Adventure" (1985) on May 28
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) on June 11
Americana, Broadway and more
Looking to move and groove? The Cultural Center has just what you need with a number of live music shows of all genres.
The Sand, Stars and Guitars Music Series showcases the very best in Americana, country, bluegrass, newgrass, country gospel, American folk and blues music. Grammy nominee and American Music Award winner Billy Gilman will take the stage on March 9. He is known for his debut single "One Voice," a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2000.
Other upcoming performers include Bluegrass and Americana artist Rebekah Speer on April 13, a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band John McEuen on May 25 and Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band on June 15. Tickets range from $35 to $65.
Broadway's Best in the West is a Saturday night concert series that features celebrated stage and screen actors. Tickets are sold out for the Feb. 17 show with actor and Grammy nominee Cheyenne Jackson, but they're still available for Tony Award winner Laura Benanti's show at 8 p.m. March 16. Remaining tickets cost $75.
The Broadway star has received five Tony Award nominations, winning best featured actress in a musical for her portray of Louise in the 2008 Broadway revival of "Gypsy." On the big and small screen, she has appeared in "Tick, Tick… Boom!" "No Hard Feelings," "The Sound of Music Live!" "Nurse Jackie," "Nashville" and "Life & Beth."
The Cultural Center also has weekly performers at its VIP Lounge, including Keisha D. on Sundays, Mon Petit Salon on Mondays, The Mod Squad Variety Show on Wednesdays, Razzle Dazzle: A Broadway Revue on select Fridays and more. Visit tinyurl.com/VIPLoungeTickets for the complete schedule. Tickets cost $10.
Finally, the big band Glenn Miller Orchestra will bring its jazzy sound to Palm Springs on March 4. The show features music director Erik Stabnau, who is a young tenor saxophonist and vocalist, female vocalist Jenny Swoish, the vocal group The Moonlight Serenaders and the 16 instrumentalists on all of Glenn Miller’s biggest hits: "A String of Pearls," "Pennsylvania 6-5000," "In The Mood," "At Last," "Chattanooga Choo Choo," "I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo" and more. Tickets cost $50.
Hitchcock retrospective
The master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock will take over the big screen with a months-long retrospective series at the Cultural Center. Some of the acclaimed director's most thrilling films will be screened, so if you've never experienced that shocking shower scene from "Psycho," this is your chance.
The lineup includes:
"Vertigo" (1958) on March 1
"The 39 Steps" (1935) on April 5
"Rope" (1948) on May 3
"Notorious" (1946) on June 7
"North by Northwest" (1959) on July 5
"Strangers on a Train" (1951) on Aug. 2
"To Catch a Thief" (1955) on Sept. 6
"Psycho" (1960) on Oct. 4
Tickets cost $12. All screenings are at 7 p.m.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Hitchcock, comedies, live music coming to Palm Springs Cultural Center
