REVOLUTION STAGE COMPANY
P A L M S P R I N G S
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Real Black Swann
Confessions of America's First Black Drag Queen
Mar 22nd 7:30pm
Join writer, actor, podcaster, and storyteller Les Kurkendaal-Barrett for the Palm Springs debut of his award-winning solo show, The Real Black Swann: Confessions of America’s First Black Drag Queen. This powerful performance interweaves episodes from Kurkendaal-Barrett's own life in his “Glinda pink bubble” with the story of William Dorsey Swann, who was born enslaved in 1858 but rose to become the "queen of drag" in Washington, DC. Swann boldly embraced his identity, enduring repeated imprisonment for the "crime" of wearing female attire and audaciously made a passionate appeal to President Grover Cleveland. Kurkendaal-Barrett, a gifted stand-up comedian with credits on iconic stages like The Comedy Store, The Improv, and The Moth, has brought his humorous and heartfelt one-man show to the fringe circuits and theaters across the US, Canada, and Europe. Don't miss the unique and unforgettable one-night-only performance!
Caro Pierotto and Farofa's Brazil Beyond Samba
March 24th at 7 pm
$20 and up
Fasten your seatbelts, you are about to take a ride on BR-101, the major highway connecting Brazil from North to South! Brazilian exports, Caro Pierotto and Farofa will be your guides on this musical tour featuring the smokin' hot rhythms and sensuous melodies of their birthplace. Recent performances include five shows in Vancouver, BC, a concert for Latino Arts, Milwaukee, and a standing-room-only presentation at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music!
Evolution at the Revolution Presents
A Staged Reading of
Addicted Idol The Musical
March 29th at 1 pm
Experience and share feedback at EVOLUTION AT THE REVOLUTION as the RSC presents staged readings of new work by local playwrights. Tickets are available for a suggested donation of only $10! Addicted Idol is a musical featuring 15 original songs, with an eighty-minute running time. Lisa Estabrook is a reality TV showrunner who had an alcoholic meltdown that knocked her career off its path. Now sober, she runs into Jason Butcher, America’s biggest reality TV producer, and pitches the show concept, “Addicted Idol,” an elimination-style talent contest that takes place in a rehab. Hot singers going cold turkey. Angelic voices battling personal demons. You have to hit rock bottom to make it to the top. Jason Butcher tests Lisa’s ethics when he says, “I run an entertainment company, not a rehab. If we can get someone to relapse, it'll make for great TV, and we’re doing it.” Desperate for her comeback, she agrees to everything.
David Mills in Riot Act
April 3rd 7pm
David Mills’ critically acclaimed, hilarious, stand-up cabaret RIOT ACT! is a screamingly jaded look at the apocalypse. Having opened for Margaret Cho and Trevor Noah, Mills is a bold comedy iconoclast who combines sharply satirical stand-up with a singular take on classic nightclub cabaret. With Bay Area cabaret stalwart, Russell Deason, on piano, Mills takes us on a scathing romp through the boneyard of contemporary culture, eviscerating everything from celebrity to casual sex, gay pride to social media, drugs to politics, and more. In RIOT ACT! Mills turns his acidic humour on today’s harrowing headlines while skewering the unrelenting horrors of contemporary life. Expect a mix of biting wit and surprising reinterpretations of forgotten 50s classics, undiscovered 70s soul bangers, 90s indie standards, and more.
DIETRICH
April 4th & 5th at 8pm
Written by Willard Manus and starring Cindy Marinangel, Dietrich is a based on a true story. Set in May 1960, the play takes place when the actress returned to the Berlin stage for the first time since fleeing the Hitler regime in the 1930’s. Inside her dressing room at the Tatiana Palast Theater, Dietrich weighs whether to go through with the live performance despite threats on her life by Nazi sympathizers (who resented her for having spent much of World War II entertaining American soldiers on the front lines). To them, Dietrich is a turncoat; a traitor who deserves tobe shot and killed on stage. Dietrich (formerly known as “Marlene”)celebrated its world premiere at the Brickhouse Theatre in Los Angeles (Produced by John Lant- Carnegie Hall), debuted in New York at theHudson Guild Theatre (Winterfest), and was selected as a finalist for the NY New Works Theatre Festival at the Acorn Theatre. This play-with-music next enjoyed successful limitedengagements at The Triad Theatre, a celebrated Off-Broadway house.
Frank Duncan's MY LIFE IN A NUTSHELL RECRACKED
April 6th at 2pm
“My Life on Crack’d Nutshell Is a Heartfelt , Delightful and multifaceted performance of Frank’s talents, celebrating life with song, dance, humor and love . There are big laughs, more than a few tears and a truly moving love story holding the whole thing together ! A MUST SEE!!!
Behind the Curtain starring
Craig Ramsay & Catherine Wexford
April 21st at 7:00 PM
Join us once again for an unforgettable night at "BEHIND THE CURTAIN," a dazzling cabaret show that brings together the incredible talents of Broadway stars Craig Ramsey and Catherine Wreford! Fresh off their thrilling victory on Canada's 'Amazing Race,' this dynamic duo will take you on a captivating journey filled with stunning performances, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic and excitement of live entertainment like never before! Get your tickets now before it sells out again!
Cocktails & Cabaret with
Billy L'Amour
April 25th at 7pm
Step into a world of glitz, glamour, and unapologetic fabulousness with Billy L'Amour’s Drag Queen Cabaret! This one-of-a-kind show is your ticket to a night of laughter, music, and pure entertainment, all served up with a side of sparkling cocktails. Billy L'Amour, the queen of charisma and sass, will take the stage by storm, delivering a performance that’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and downright dazzling. As you settle into your seat, sip on expertly crafted cocktails from our themed menu, designed to complement the electric energy of the evening. Whether you’re a drag aficionado or a first-timer, Billy’s magnetic personality and inclusive vibe will make you feel right at home. This isn’t just a show—it’s a celebration of individuality, creativity, and joy, inviting everyone to let loose, laugh out loud, and embrace their inner superstar in Palm Springs, California. So, grab your friends, your squad, or your favorite date and join us for a night that promises to be as unforgettable as it is fabulous. Billy L'Amour is ready to slay the stage, and you’re invited to be part of the magic. Don’t miss your chance to experience the glamour, the laughter, and the sheer brilliance of Billy L'Amour’s Drag Queen Cabaret.
The Funny Thing about Men
a Musical Comedy
Saturday, April 26th 7:30 PM
Mandy Williams’ one-woman show, The Funny Thing About Men, is a witty, laugh-out-loud exploration of the dynamics between men and women in everyday life. Packed with sharp observations, clever musical numbers, and personal anecdotes, Mandy offers a relatable and humorous take on everything from relationships and household responsibilities to societal expectations placed on women. With her signature British charm, Mandy guides the audience through the trials and triumphs of balancing a career, love life, and the unspoken "mental load" that often falls on women’s shoulders. Brimming with insightful humor and catchy tunes, The Funny Thing About Men will leave audiences smiling, reflecting and singing along as they recognize themselves in Mandy’s hilarious journey.
DESERT SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
presents MACBETH
May 2nd to May 4th
The Desert Shakespeare Festival, in partnership with Revolution Stage Company and Desert Performing Arts, LLC, is proud to present a groundbreaking production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. This dynamic, female-driven interpretation will take the stage at Revolution Stage Company in downtown Palm Springs for three unforgettable performances on May 2, May 3, and May 4. With a powerful cast, striking visuals, and an innovative approach, this production promises to captivate audiences with its gripping storytelling and modern relevance. Jessica Lenz takes on the iconic role of Macbeth, a valiant Scottish general whose fate is forever altered when three mysterious witches—portrayed by Steven Lewis, Christopher Manes, and George Kralemann—foresee their rise to the throne. Spurred by ambition and the influence of their cunning spouse, Lady Macbeth (Daniela Ryan), Macbeth seizes power through a ruthless act of regicide. As paranoia and bloodshed escalate, the weight of their choices drives both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth toward a haunting and tragic downfall. Featuring a diverse and talented ensemble, this production re-imagines Shakespeare’s classic tragedy through a fresh and compelling lens, exploring themes of power, fate, and moral consequence.
GREGG GLAVIANO Presents
MAMA'S BOY
May 9th & 10th at 7 pm
This cabaret tells my story of growing up with a parent who suffered from chronic depression and how music and performance became the lifeline that helped me navigate feelings of neglect and discover my own voice. As the child of a parent struggling with mental health challenges, I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility. I wanted to fix her, to make her happy. Alongside that desire came a deep sense of shame. My family didn’t look like the families of my friends, and I worked hard to hide that difference from the world. That need to hide and the yearning to please spilled over into every aspect of my life. From the awkward moments of childhood to the fears of embracing my true self as a young adult, I carried those struggles like a hidden weight. Music changed everything. Through the guidance of gifted teachers and the challenges of performing, I began to confront my fears and grow into the person I am today. Music gave me permission to feel, to express, and ultimately, to heal. This cabaret is a journey through my life—the good choices, the missteps, and everything in between—brought to life through storytelling and song. It’s my hope that by sharing my story, I can reach others who feel unseen, remind them of the power we each have to overcome what holds us back, and highlight the profound ability of music to unite and heal.
LT Cousineau Presents
Songs from My Closet
MAY 13th at 7:30 pm
Songs from My Closet is back and even gayer than before! All the lyrics for this 90-minute (with intermission) cabaret are from the slightly twisted mind of the host and emcee, LT Cousineau. Following on the heels of the critically-acclaimed sold-out cabaret Songs from my Closet in May, LT Cousineau returns with another set of witty, sharp, and timely original songs, this time with a PRIDE! theme. As one would expect from LT Cousineau, Songs from My Closet is laugh-out-loud funny, unashamedly queer, a bit naughty, and at times surprisingly moving. In addition to LT, Songs from My Closet will feature Chip Prince at the piano and special guests Jenne Carey, Kim Schroeder Long, Tod Macofsky, Patrick Wallace and a small group of men from Modern Men: Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus.
David Dean Bottrell presents
TEENAGE WASTELAND
MAY 17th at 7:30 pm
After a hugely successful premiere in New York, actor David Dean Bottrell (Modern Family, the new Frasier, etc) returns to Revolution Stage with his latest hilarious solo show, TEENAGE WASTELAND: Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen (a collection of unfortunately true stories from his early adolescence). Join David for five interwoven tales of heartbreak, hard-ons and hair. Last year, David won the NYC Bistro Award & as well as the Los Angeles Stage Scene Award for "Outstanding Achievement in Storytelling," and played to packed houses in Palm Springs, New York, Los Angeles, Sag Harbor and Nantucket.