Charlie Thomas is a local theatrical director, actor, producer, stage designer and playwright with over thirty-five years’ experience in both professional and non-professional live theatre, film, television, and radio. His pedigree includes most of the…

Neil Simon heavenly comedy “God’s Favorite” staged reading at Theatre 29 (11/4-11/5)

With Theatre 29 charging full steam ahead toward the holiday opening of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” December 1st, the thespians are offering a little treat November 4 & 5. Theatre 29 will be hosting at staged reading performance of Neil Simon’s classic comedy “God’s Favorite” the weekend of November 4 & 5. A fundraiser for Theatre 29, the story is a modern riff on the Biblical story of Job as successful Long Island businessman Joe Benjamin has it all: wealth, a lovely home, a demanding…

Theatre 29 to present “Musings of a Black Woman in a Brown Desert” on 10/28

A unique and personal look at an artistic and spiritual journey will be a special presentation at Theatre 29 on October 28 and 29th. This one person play follows author and performer Miri Hunter as she moves from her Los Angeles loft and settles into life in the Mojave Desert. Is it the fulfillment of a promise to herself to find a place where she can just be or is it a continuation of the life she keeps trying to leave behind? Hunter says “Musings of a Black Woman in a Brown Desert” is part…

Community Art Project at 29 Palms Art Gallery 10/27

Local artist Ben Allanoff will be facilitating a community art project, called Sun Shelter #1, on Friday October 27, from noon to 5pm at the 29 Palms Art Gallery campus. Participants are encouraged to bring long strips of fabric to weave into a giant outdoor loom – fabric with a color or pattern or history that carries personal meaning is especially encouraged though plenty of material will be provided to everyone. Partnering in the project is Valley Star Community Services One-Stop TAY Center,…

“The Witches” a cauldron of delights at Theatre 29, final showings this weekend

In the litany of children’s literature, very few authors loom as large as Roald Dahl. With a writing career which spanned the better part of a half century, Dahl’s novels tapped into the darker underbelly of the youth psyche and firmly embedded these fantastical stories and absurd adventures in the social consciousness of multiple generations of fans worldwide. His tales of underdog heroes and outrageous villains have been translated to the cinema, television and, of course, the stage. One such…

JTNP Art Expo selects 64 artists for juried exhibition at 29 Palms Art Gallery

Sixty-four artists have been selected for the 11th annual Joshua Tree National Park Art Expo juried exhibition in November. The 64 artists and artworks, inspired by Joshua Tree National Park in three categories: 2-Dimensional Art, 3-Dimensional Art, and Photography, were selected from submissions by 140 artists from across North America. The art will be eligible for awards totaling $4,000, including a Best of Show, plus an honorary Superintendent’s Award to be selected by Joshua Tree National…

Auditions for “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Theatre 29

With Theatre 29’s season premiere production of Roald Dahl’s “The Witches” currently playing to satisfied audiences, the community theatre is preparing for their next seasonal offering. Arts & Entertainment reporter Charlie Thomas shares that you won’t say “Good Grief” to this opportunity… Theatre 29 and Director Katie Fleischman will be holding open auditions for a live stage production adapted from Charles M Schulz’s timeless story and featuring the music of Vince Guaraldi. The classic…

Black Rock Art Gallery opens “Sedimental” exhibition this weekend

The Black Rock Art Gallery has a brand-new exhibition beginning October 6th. A new art exhibition at the Black Rock Art Gallery features works of Joshua Tree-based artist Margeaux Walter. “Sedimental” is an exhibition of photographs in which the artist has photographed sections of the landscape, printed them onto fabric, and then sewn them into outfits and drapery. The artist inserts their body, covered in the prints, into the landscape to form simple, targeted, visual interventions. Using…

Opening night the “The Witches” to benefit Theatre 29

Theatre 29 debuts Roald Dahl’s “The Witches” on Friday, October 6th at a gala event. For the past twenty-four seasons, opening night galas at Theatre 29 have traditionally been a fund-raising opportunity for area nonprofits. On Friday, October 6th, the opening night will be for the benefit of Theatre 29, itself. Extensive upgrades and repairs occurred over the summer at the venue, and this event will help replenish the coffers. The opening night gala will feature food especially themed to the…

Tickets on sale for Thought Theatre’s “Shakespeare in Revue”

Tickets are now on sale for the first production Thought Theatre’s 2023-2024 season, “Shakespeare in Revue." A Re-Vamp of the 2021 production, if you saw it then, you’ll want to see it again and again! Four playwrights step into the Ghostwriter Saloon to share comedy, drama and a few pints. What could go wrong?? Everything? Nothing? Join William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Kyd and Frances Beaumont as they compete to write and perform the best original play. Conceived and…

Morongo Basin Theatres bring home trophies at 2023 Desert Star Awards

The Desert Theatre League hosted their 35th annual Desert Star Award presentation on Sunday, October 1st at Sun City Palm Desert.  With a capacity house, awards recognizing outstanding performances during the 2022-23 theatre season amongst dozens of local theatre companies were awarded.  Kevin Hayles receives his Desert Star Award for Groves Cabin Theatre Larissa Rodney receives her Desert Star Award for Theatre 29 Theatre 29 saw an Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical for Youth Theatre…