Dezart Performs

05/25/2026

Gay Desert Guide writes, "Dezart Performs has entered a pivotal new chapter as Phase Two of the Dezart Playhouse transformation begins, advancing the adaptive reuse of the former First Church of Christ, Scientist into a fully equipped, modern performing arts center. Following the successful completion of Phase One during Season 18, the company now moves forward with major upgrades supported by a generous additional $200,000 gift from writer/producer and longtime supporter David Clark Lee, who has challenged the community to match his contribution.

Dezart Performs launches Phase Two of the Dezart Playhouse renovation with major upgrades, historic status, and community support.

04/23/2026

The Palm Springs City Council voted unanimously to award the Dezart Playhouse the highest designation as a Class 1 Historical Landmark. Mayor Pro Tem David Ready said, "it’s an amazing addition both to our city, and in terms of what it will bring to the culture and what it will bring to the community. Palm Springs is better for what you’ve done with this building."

The First Church of Christ Scientist, now home to Dezart Performs, earns the city's highest historic designation, protecting a rare example of Desert Modernism designed by one of Palm Springs' most celebrated architects.

04/16/2026

Kevin Mann of NBC Palm Springs writes about Dezart Performs' production of LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!: "Okay, I have to tell you about this show because… wow. 'Love, Valor, Compassion' at Dezart Performs is one of those productions that just stays with you. Like, you don’t just watch it—you feel it the whole way through.The direction and staging are super minimal, but somehow it all works. You completely believe you’re in all these different places with barely any set. It’s one of those 'less is more' situations done really, really well. Bottom line? It’s powerful, it’s uncomfortable at times, it’s beautiful—and yeah, I’d absolutely tell you to go see it if you can."

“Love, Valor, Compassion” at DezArt Performs is raw, emotional, funny, uncomfortable—and completely unforgettable.

04/14/2026

Jason Mannino of Stage and Screen writes about Dezart Performs' LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!: "A moving revival that transforms urgency into reflection without losing its emotional core. Director Philip Wm. McKinley guides this revival with a beautiful, fluid rhythm that makes the nearly three-hour runtime feel like a summer you’ve actually lived through rather than just watched. He gets incredible work out of this ensemble."

Tickets at dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.

Photos by David A. Lee.

Dezart Performs’ revival of Love! Valour! Compassion! is a moving, nostalgic tribute to friendship, love, and the AIDS era.

04/11/2026

Stephen Radosh of Gay Desert Guide writes about Dezart Performs' LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! "Every member of the cast gives a performance that is honest and rings true. Moments of confession are not polished; they tremble. Moments of conflict are not explosive; they bruise. This is a truly sensational ensemble company."

"Philip Wm. McKinley’s superb direction wisely resists the temptation to modernize the play into something it isn’t. Instead, the production honors its 1990s setting while emphasizing its timeless emotional stakes. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to feel the weight of 3 weekends that changes everyone present."

The show runs from April 9 through the 19th. Tickets at dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.

Photo by David A. Lee.

For the full article, click below:
https://gaydesertguide.com/love-valour-compassion-reviewed-by-stephen-radosh/

04/09/2026

Michael Shaw is “Perry” In LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! "Perry" is Arthur’s partner. He’s a confident, emotionally grounded businessman who challenges Arthur to claim his independence and self-worth.

Michael is the Founding Artistic Director of Dezart Performs. His professional acting career began in Miami at age 22 in the first regional production of AS IS, following its Broadway premiere. He has appeared in more than 35 regional and summer stock productions, including A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, WEST SIDE STORY, MAN OF LA MANCHA, RABBIT HOLE, and THE FOREIGNER. As an actor, he was last seen as Daniel in Dezart Performs’ critically acclaimed DANIEL’S HUSBAND, which received four Desert Star Awards, including Outstanding Drama, and he is deeply grateful for the opportunity to return to the stage in this production of LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!—an experience that has reminded him of the immediacy, vulnerability, and joy that first drew him to the theatre. Michael made his professional directorial debut over 20 years ago and has since directed more than 45 productions. Recent highlights include FAT HAM, GRAND CONCOURSE, and A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD, for which he received the 2024 Desert Star Award for Best Direction of a Drama. His production of EUREKA DAY became the highest-selling show in Dezart Performs history. His productions of THE MOUNTAINTOP and the Pulitzer Prize-winning SWEAT also earned top honors for Outstanding Drama and Direction. As a producer, Michael oversaw the gala opening of the new Dezart Playhouse, including WEST SIDE STORY IN CONCERT. Additional producing credits include WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME and MR. PARKER, both Desert Star Award winners. He is a 40-year member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, and holds a BFA from Florida State University. See Michael and the rest of the cast in LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! April 9–19. Tickets at dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.

04/06/2026

Jamie Pierce is both “John" & "James” In LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! They are identical twins; “John” is a composer and the dance accompanist for Gregory’s dance company. His demeanor is one of simmering anger and general disdain. “James,” his twin, is gentle, introspective and emotionally open and courageous.

Jamie is an Ovation Award-nominated actor whose theatre credits include, Los Angeles: PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT (Celebration Theatre), CAROUSEL (Musical Theatre West), DREAMGIRLS (5-Star Theatricals), URINETOWN (Coeurage Ensemble). New York: THE MUSIC MAN (Helen Hayes Theatre), BROADWAY DANCES (with Karen Ziemba). Regional: EVITA, PETER PAN, PHANTOM (Pioneer Theatre). TV/film credits include, THE FAMILY BUSINESS (BET/Netflix), THE CON (ABC), 79TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS and the title role in the multiple award-winning independent q***r film, BILL. See John/Jamie and the rest of the cast in LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! April 9–19.
Tickets at dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.

04/03/2026

Meet the Cast: Matt McConkey as “Arthur” In LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! "Arthur" often seen as the “nice one” and the stabilizing force in his 14 year relationship with Perry. he is a shy, socially awkward accountant.

Matt has performed on LA stages including Upright Citizens Brigade, Dynasty Typewriter, Largo, Hudson Theatre, Comedy Central Stage, Atwater Village Theatre and more. TV: AMERICAN AUTO, MARRY ME, HAPPY ENDINGS and the award-winning short THE HOUSESITTERS (now streaming on Screambox). Matt was also a recent guest on Bravo’s WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE to promote his podcast AND JUST LIKE MATT. Training: NYU/Tisch School of the Arts, Stella Adler Conservatory (NYC) and Steppenwolf West. Catch Matt and the rest of the cast in LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! April 9–19. Tickets at dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.

03/31/2026

Tim Frangos is “Bobby” In LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! “Bobby” is a blind, gentle, loving person, who is appreciative of his life and surroundings, often exploring he and his lover Gregory’s country home by touch.

Tim (he/him) is a recent MFA Acting graduate from University of California, Irvine. He has performed across Southern California with companies including Center Theatre Group, A Noise Within, Kingsmen Shakespeare Company and Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum. Favorite roles include ROMEO AND JULIET (Romeo), THE CIDER HOUSE RULES (Homer Wells) and AIRNESS (Shreddy Eddy). Tim also holds a BA in Theatre and Pre-Law from University of Southern California and trained at the British American Dramatic Academy in Oxford.
See Tim and the rest of the cast in LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! April 9–19. For tickets, go to dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.