Palm Springs, CA
A Play by Marc Erdahl – At Prism Theater
The Prism Theater’s is putting on a production of CAMP MORNING WOOD. The musical is by Jay Falzone and is a truly “campy” show that bears all (literally). The musical and lyrics are fun and the jokes are a little obvious, but the show is fun fodder and the audience eats it up. Of course they did, because the youngest person in the room was the kids taking off his clothes, and dancing around the stage. Perfect for an audience that finds itself better with age. Lets face it, anyone that finds themselves in PS, must be over 50. That of course would also include me with.
While the cast is generally even, (Barrett D. Carroll) Senator Snatch, as the conservative-closeted senator who has particularly strong vocals and comic timing. But I think needs more stage time. This is where I felt the show missed an opportunity. Since so much more comic relief was left on the bathroom floor. If you are going to go down that dirt road, why not take it all the way. With a name like Senator Snatch, what do you expect? Isn’t that what every conservative-closeted senator wants, to service their “constituents”.
We find out later that the Senator Snatch has a propensity for big, hairy men; actually the token bear played by Matt LeGrand. Who knew? I however would have liked to see Matt, come out for the big reveal, with a hairy chest wig, furry bear paws, and a fur covered jock strap. (I think that I remember seeing Tim Conway play that part, on the Carol Burnett Show.)
The show celebrates lots of different sub-cultures of the gay community including twinks, bears, effeminate, pups and just regular guys, and they come in all shapes and sizes (above and below the waist).
E. TalleyII (Titus) is a particular audience fave as he struts to the song “BBC” (Big Black Cock). Of course, the “BBC,” to our surprise, was not even real. Let’s face it if you didn’t see that thing coming, you have never entered the world of silicone. However, Titus would rather be preferred as a learned man, with a PhD.
And then there is the lead Randy (Chad Heffelfinger) who starts off the show, driving around a forest, lost, raining and clueless. It did not remind me at all of “Rocky Horror Picture Show’, simply because there was no girlfriend in the car with him. And he, like Titus, had a PhD. but more specifically in “Colonial Gay Culture”, which as we are constantly being reminded that “it’s a thing”. He of course is shy, not as shy as the senator. But no matter what the other camper say, he is not going to take his clothes off. That fact makes all of us curious about what he’s got under the hood. I won’t spoil it for you. We find out later that this same shy young man, lost his boyfriend, the results of a three-way gone wrong. This of course will be relevant to an experienced audience. At least for some of us.
Of course throughout the show Randy (Chad Heffelfinger) is always searching on his phone. He is always searching on Grinder, (with a phone with no bars), looking for anything and I mean anything to hook up with. Of course many of us know. Finding a man worth hooking up with on Grinder, is like walking through a digital abyss full of men, who got their photos out of GQ. But coming to his rescue is of course the true twink of the show, Derek (Jefffrey A Johns). He is the love child of Richard Simons and Rose Nyand, and is perfect for the part. He of course wants to convince Randy that he is butch enough. However, he can’t quite grasp the idea that S&M, is not a reference for that delicious campfire treat.
Then there is a go-go dancer Kincaid who thinks he’s “Cher,” played by Prince Alex. And he actually can sing and dance. The leader of the group is The French camp director. We know that because of his French accent and the red beret. (If you are expecting a spectacular costume extravaganza, you’ll be disappointed.)
I was shocked, to find out later (spoiler alert), that he is NOT French. He finally admits, that he’s from some state like Iowa. I asked my husband—he’s from Iowa—if he knew him. “Of course not, Iowa grows a lot of thing, fags not being one of them.”
I can’t miss mentioning the audience’s favorite. The uncredited stagehand/scene changer. I had never seen a stagehand strutting across the stage with it all hanging out. As many of us would say he, “has much more than a mouth full”. The audience definitely had something to look forward to during scene changes. Because let’s face it, when have you ever seen a stagehand get a standing ovation?
Yes, “Camp Morning Wood” runs through all of the gay stereotypes and the humor is adult (you must be 18 years old to attend), but having said that, it is fun watching 7+1, naked men running around a stage and not being at a strip club. Lance Phillips the director does an excellent job leading the nudity throughout the show with choreographered, peek-a-boo teasers.
All in all, go see “Camp Morning Wood” and keep your phones in your pocket, so that you can take selfies when the wood comes out. This is the theater’s requirement, since they don’t want to see anything leaking out. What better way to allow our community to laugh at ourselves. This show was created for just such a crowd. There are few places in America where this play would find an audience. And you definitely wouldn’t read about it in the local paper.
I have to admit that I had fun writing this review. Where else but in the Palm Spring Tribune, could you write about the community you know and get it printed.
(Personal plug; discover all of the other reviews Wesley and Marty have been offered in the palm springs tribune., written for and about the Coachella Valley Arts Scene.)
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If you’re not laughing your way through the show, then you’re taking “Camp Morning Wood”, way too serious. If so, go see “Laughter on the 23rd Floor”. By Neil Simon, A hilarious play mostly about older men, stuck in a room, writing jokes, with their clothes on. Desert Theatre Works, currently is presenting it at their Indio location. In any case, take advantage of all the great theater we have in the valley.
Prism Theater January, 23- March 22, 2026
NOTICE: PERFORMANCES FOR CAMP MORNING WOOD
Performances For Camp Morning Wood
Are Held At:
4707 EVENTS
4707 E SUNNY DUNES RD
PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264
The set up for Prism theater’s temporary location is a cabaret style with tables and special cocktails.
For tickets go to the Prism Theater’s website https://www.psprism.com/
CAMP MORNING WOOD
Conceived by Marc Eardley
Book & Lyrics by Jay Falzone
Music by Trent Jeffords, Derrick Byars, Matt Gumley & Jeff Thomson
About the Author
D. Wesley Spencer, Ph.D., is a writer, actor, director, arts educator, and He is the co-author of Universal Creative Intelligence: How the Arts and Sciences Propel Human Advancement, a book exploring how creative thinking shapes learning, leadership, and human progress.
He teaches communication at College of the Desert. Wesley brings a lifelong passion for theater and storytelling to every review he writes. As a columnist for The Palm Springs Tribune, Wesley covers theater, concerts, film, dining, local talent, and cultural events throughout the Coachella Valley. His reviews are known for their warmth, clarity, and deep respect for the power of the arts and the artists and communities they serve. service.to.others.cci@gmail.com
Universal Creative Intelligence: How the Arts and Sciences Propel Human Advancement