Gay Theatre’s Comeback

Gays and live theatre are inextricably linked, both in attendance and production, so the concept of a “Gay Theatre” almost sounds redundant.  However, California has at least four major LGBTQ-affirming theatre companies:  Celebration in Los Angeles, Diversionary in San Diego, New Conservatory in San Francisco, and Desert Rose Playhouse in Palm Springs.  The first three have long established themselves as producers of excellent theater which also relates to gays through either gay story lines, gay authors, or a gay-themed treatment such as cross-dressing or gender reassignment of characters.  The founders of Desert Rose Playhouse managed to finance the opening of the company around ten years ago and often did some outstanding productions.  However, many of them fell short.  As a friend said to me once, “It’s not always good, but it’s gay so we need to support it.”

Those apologetic days are in the past.  About three years ago, the theatre was taken over by Robbie Wayne as Artistic Director, aided by his fiancé Matthew McClean who designs, coordinates technical functions, and handles many other chores.  Their first few productions kicked the company into turbo-drive excellence, which soon resulted in full houses, often with numerous performances added.  The company performed in a small building in Rancho Mirage.  It could only seat around 75, and stage lighting was very difficult with a 10’ ceiling.

Tiny theatre no more!  Late last year the producers learned that a straight nightclub in Palm Springs (who would have guessed?) had been closed by the city.  The city made it clear that the property could not be used as a nightclub ever again!  The producers approached the owner with a proposal to convert the 7,000 square foot cavernous building on South Palm Canyon Drive, into a theatre — and it was accepted. In fact, the owner was so enthusiastic that he gave them a rent-free period to convert the space.  Theatre donors made generous contributions, and Robbie and Matthew, often working alone, started the onerous conversion project.  In addition to swinging hammers and crowbars, their days were filled with accessing theatre lights, curtains, seats, applying for grants, exploring the details of permits and licenses, and finally, planning a season of plays and musicals. 

The former nightclub, Zelda’s, was closed so suddenly that dirty glasses still sat on the tables, litter was on the floor, and trash cans were full.  Dozens of giant speakers were left behind, as well as lights, tables, and stripper poles affixed to raised platforms around the room.  Many things including the lights, a few speakers, and a video wall have been incorporated into the final design.  The rest had to be hauled off.  60 theatre seats were imported, and the overall seating plan includes tables at the sides, highboys and stools behind the theatre chairs, and VIP banquettes on a raised platform at the rear of the theatre.

The company plans to open on June 17th with The Miss Firecracker Contest by bi-sexual playwright Beth Henley, slated to appropriately run through the 4^th of July.  Next comes the very red-necked The Great American Trailer Park Musical with both the male and female characters cross-dressed.  That will be followed by camp classic Xanadu, transgendered rock & roll with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and for the holidays they are presenting their third annual production of the popular holiday musical, Christmas with the Crawfords.  Of course, as with every other element of our lives, all of this is subject to Covid regulations!

A rotating collection of local bars will serve drinks at the theatre before, during, and after performances.  Tickets and further information can be found at https://desertroseplayhouse.org.  The theatre is located at 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive in the Revivals shopping mall.