If there is one thing that most visitors notice about the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs, California and the well-known Palm Springs Follies it is this: vaudeville isn't dead!
Located at 128 South Palm Canyon Drive, the Plaza Theatre first opened in 1936, for the premiere of Camille, an MGM movie production. In the ensuing years, such headliners as Sinatra, Crosby took to the Plaza stage, making this theatre one of the places to go for the best in entertainment.
Currently, the Plaza Theatre is home to the Palm Springs Follies, a show that literally fills the stage 10 times each week (usually to a sold-out house). A popular film festival is held here each year in January. But the Follies are the spark of life for this classic venue. With tickets ranging from $39 to $85, the vaudeville flavor of the show attracts hundreds who enjoy the singing, dancing and, of course, the showgirls!
In its earlier life, the Plaza Theatre was not only one of the "hottest" movie houses in the west, but it was also the site chosen as home base for numerous radio shows, including Bob Hope and Jack Benny. One of the classic live stage celebrities, Donald O'Connor, danced his way across the Plaza stage as well.
The theatre suffered through difficult years, along with other live-stage venues, and eventually closed in 1987. The theatre began its revival in 1991 and now offers lively entertainment on a regular basis. More information about the Plaza Theatre and the Palm Springs Follies is available by calling (760) 327-0225.
