The McCallum Theatre providesa dose of much-welcome optimism this week with the release of its 2020-2021 schedule, which includes plenty of opportunities to laugh, sing and be entertained.
Its most recent season was cut shortas coronavirus concerns wiped outperformances in March and April, but the Palm Desert entertainment venue has another strong season loaded upwith its usual mix of singers, comedians, Broadway shows and some wild-card acts— includingthe wildest of cards:Puddles, the 7-foot clown who sings opera.
"Obviously our greatest hope isthat people are staying safe and healthy and doing what we are all supposed to be doing, but we also know that the arts is something that people need in their lives and they cravethat," said McCallum Theatre's acting President Mitch Gershenfeld. "We know that when this is over people are going to want to go back and they're going to want to be inspired by the things that see on stage."
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While the usual variety is sprinkled throughout the lineup, which runs from Nov. 1 to April 10, Gershenfeld said that the slate of Broadway shows is particularly strong.
Along with returning classics like "Les Miserables," "Hairspray," "Beautiful," "Jersey Boys," Blue Man Group and Riverdance, two Broadway shows aremaking their McCallum debuts:"Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" and "Come From Away."
"Come From Away" is a musical set in Canada in the week after 9/11. Several planes that were heading for the U.S. at the moment of the attacks had to be diverted to a small town in Canada, and the passengers lived there. The show recounts how that town took in all these stranded strangers and made them feel at home during a devastating time.
"Heroic peopleacting in time of crisis is what that show is all about and it's unusually timely and I'm very glad we have that on the season," Gershenfeld said. "If people like Broadway, I think this is probably the best Broadway season we've had in the last 20 years."
Another highlighton the slate is a return to the stage by the Smothers Brothers.
The world-famous brothers used to be regular performers at the McCallum, but they retired 10 years ago. According to Gershenfeld, the duo decided they wanted to return to action this year and because of the long-standing relationship they had with the venue, they wanted their first show back to be in the desert. It will be a comedy show, but they will also show clips from the past and take questions from the audience.
They are part of a comedy contingent that includes John Cleese, Jay Leno and Paula Poundstone.
Musical performances featureheavyweights such asLeannRimes, Neil Sedaka, Patti Lupone, Vanessa Williams,Kristin Chenowith and Charo. There will also be three tribute shows to Ray Charles, George Michael and Queen.
One of the acts that was postponed due to the lost shows in March andApril was a special tribute to Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme. It's back on next year's slate as the legendary song-and-dance duo will be celebrated with their son, David Lawrence, standing in for Steve and Broadway star Debbie Gravitte playing Eydie.
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And then there are shows that fit into that "other" category.
For the thirdyear in a row, the McCallum will host "National Geographic Live," which is an evening with journalists from the fabled magazine sharing their adventures and photos and experiences in what has become quite a crowd favorite, according to Gershenfeld.
The "Mitch's Picks" series is back, too. That is where Gershenfeld showcases some under-the-radar acts that the audience may not know heading into the night, but they just have to trust in Gershenfeld's judgment.
As part of his hand-picked roster, he's got uber-talented musicians from other parts of the world lined up, a few other surprises and this will also be where we get to meet Puddles.
"He's a 7-foot clown with an operatic voice and it's a theatrical show where he takes everybody on this journey," Gershenfeld said. "I get that it's a leap of faith to buy a ticket to a 7-foot tall clown who sings, but it's really an extraordinary show."
In the end, it's coming up with that eclectic mix that makes Gershenfeld love his job.
"I try to do something for everytaste," he said. "We've got everything from someone as classic as Neil Sedaka to something as oddball as Puddles' Pity Party. I think that's what makes the McCallum interesting is that we have so many shows, and if one thing isn't your cup of tea maybe the next night is, and that's what so much fun about programming the theater."
Tickets for all the shows go on sale Monday, April 20 and purchasescan be made online only. Due to the stay-at-home orders, the box office is not open for calls or for in-person purchases.
You can find a full list of the shows at the venue's officialwebsite McCallumTheatre.com, which is also the only place you can buy tickets. While the process is simple, there is a tutorial video if you are a first-time online ticket buyer.
Shad Powers is a columnist for The Desert Sun. Reach him at shad.powers@desertsun.com.
