Palm Springs, CA
The Palm Springs Tribune, along with several Coachella Valley media outlets, got an early look inside the newly restored Plaza Theatre ahead of its grand reopening on December 1. The rehabilitated landmark, after a thirty-four million dollar restoration, is getting ready for prime time with its first show and gala happening December featuring Cynthia Erivo of “Wicked.”
The renovation was extensive, touching nearly every corner of the theatre, and crews are now hurrying to get every detail completed by opening night. Among the most impressive upgrades is the theatre’s new screen and advanced projection technology, generously accepted from the Sphere in Las Vegas, giving the Plaza a state-of-the-art visual experience unlike anything it has had before. Two fully renovated dressing rooms are now ADA compliant, ensuring the space is accessible and supportive for performers of all needs. The theatre hallway will also showcase a new museum space that will honor and celebrate the theatre’s rich history and impact on the city as well documenting early Palm Springs.
Renovated dressing room for performers
Plaza Theatre hallway will feature a museum space to celebrate the theatre’s rich history
During the media preview, we spoke with General Manager John Bolton of Oak View Group (OVG), who oversees booking and programming. When we asked him what he was most excited about, Bolton didn’t hesitate.
“I am excited about Cynthia Erivo, one of the biggest stars out right now on the whole planet, flying from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade to here, then flying to London to open Dracula,” Bolton said
But Bolton’s excitement extends far beyond opening night. “Beyond that, I’m excited that we have eight or ten resident user groups of the facility including Palm Springs Symphony, Gay Men’s Chorus, Modern Men, the Jazz Festival, Modernism, Palm Springs Speaks, our Lecture Series, our Arts Teach Kids Series, our Scripted Hands Series, Pops at the Plaza, Palm Springs Pops Orchestra, and the Film Festival. All of those things really will make this place come alive and I’m glad they’ve decided to make this their home.”
Inside the auditorium, the transformation is striking. The original white leather seats have been replaced with rich red seating that is both elegant and fully ADA compliant. The theatre now holds about seven hundred guests, maintaining the intimacy of the historic venue while offering modern comfort.
The 700-seat theatre has been upgraded with entirely new seating
One of the most breathtaking features remains overhead: the star-filled ceiling designed to resemble an outdoor Spanish village under a desert night sky. This celestial detail reflects Palm Springs’ deep connection to Hollywood and its legacy as a haven for stars.
The grand reopening also marks the launch of an ambitious inaugural season, beginning with Cynthia Erivo of “Wicked” on December 1, 2025. The lineup runs through mid-May and includes major stars, comedy, music, film, and family programming.
Inaugural Season Lineup:
• The Opening Night Gala Featuring Cynthia Erivo – December 1, 2025
• An Evening With Lily Tomlin – December 2 & 3, 2025
• Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas – December 15, 2025
• Brad Williams – The Growth Spurt Tour – December 27, 2025
• An Evening with Bianca Del Rio – January 21 & 22, 2026
• Spamilton: An American Parody – January 28, 2026
• The Mikado performed by the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players – March 5, 2026
• The Princess Bride – An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes – March 7, 2026
• Matthew Morrison – Welcome to Rhythms & Revelations – A Carwash For Your Soul – March 22, 2026
• New York Philharmonic String Quartet – An Evening of Mozart, Beethoven, Wolf & Price – April 4, 2026
• Puppy Pals Live – As Seen on America’s Got Talent – May 16, 2026
With the Plaza Theatre’s renovation, the venue is ready to give an economic shot in the arm to Palm Springs while offering a rich cultural experience for residents and visitors alike.
Outside of the Plaza Theatre getting ready to reopen for its inaugural season