McCallum Theatre Lifts Curtain on 2024-2025 Season

McCallum Theatre Will Showcase Six Broadway Shows Including Four Desert Premieres

PALM DESERT — Each year about this time, the McCallum Theatre announces its lineup for the season, and it feels a lot like Christmas morning. There is palpable anticipation that is rewarded with a multitude of surprises.

There might even be a squeal or two.

This year does not disappoint.

Keep your eyes and ears open for even more surprises as the season unfolds.

The 2024-25 season includes nearly two dozen McCallum debuts; all-new shows by an assortment of Desert favorites; six Broadway shows including four Desert premieres; the return of the popular National Geographic Live series; a robust offering of holiday events; comedy, variety, spectacle, legends, and international artists; and for the first time in more than two decades, visits from two of the world’s premier dance companies.

Performances begin in October and continue through mid-May 2025. Additional performances will be added throughout the season.

Tickets go on sale to the public at 8 a.m. Friday, April 12 at McCallumTheatre.org, by phone at (760) 340-2787, or at the McCallum Theatre Box Office. Regular Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. Patrons are reminded that the only safe and secure way to purchase tickets is through the McCallum Box Office or via the official theatre website. Beware third party brokers attempting to re-sell McCallum Theatre tickets, often at much higher prices, as their validity cannot be guaranteed, and patrons may be getting scammed by unscrupulous actors.

“The new season is filled with audience favorites, as well as some enticing McCallum debuts,” said Mitch Gershenfeld, artistic director of the McCallum Theatre. “We are particularly excited that many of the artists who love performing at the McCallum will be returning to the desert with brand new shows. We are also looking forward to some unique evenings exploring the Great American Songbook, Oscar-winning scores, milestone birthday celebrations and international artistry of the finest caliber.”

Audiences may have noticed this year that the McCallum season extended beyond our traditional November through April schedule, Gershenfeld said. “That trend will continue in 2024-2025 with our final Broadway tour slated in May 2025. Everyone should be on the lookout throughout the entire season for added shows. As new opportunities present themselves, and as artists announce new tours, we will book additional artists and shows, ensuring that we bring the widest variety of entertainment to our amazing community.”

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our Board of Trustees, Founders, Leadership Giving and Annual Fund donors, members of our Legacy, President’s and Friends Circles, The Muses & Patroness Circle of McCallum Theatre, along with our staff, volunteers and ticket buyers who support the McCallum Theatre so passionately, Gershenfeld said.

“In addition to the excitement of presenting a fun and fantastic new season, we are equally delighted to unveil the results of a year-long initiative to enhance our online customer experience,” said Garry Kief, Chair of the McCallum Board of Trustees. “On April 1, we launched a new website and transitioned to a new, more robust ticketing platform, enabling our patrons to access their own secure, personal accounts to purchase tickets, register for special events, maintain memberships, keep track of donations, and much more. We have listened to our customers, and our team has spent many hours working hard to ensure that online interaction with the McCallum is easier, faster, and more secure.”

All the shows, musicians, dance performances and more will be listed on the Theatre’s website, https://www.mccallumtheatre.org/

So, rather than spend time here duplicating the information, we want to give you a peek inside our notebook at the Q&A with Gershenfeld.

Uken Report (UR): How would you describe this season of acts and performances?

Gershenfeld: “It’s a combination of six fantastic Broadway shows; well-known and much-loved artists from jazz, pop, Broadway, opera and classical music; and a few very cool surprises.”

UR: How did you go about curating the acts?

Gershenfeld: Some of the shows are dependent on the calendar and when they are touring, particularly the Broadway shows. Others are artists who play here every year or two.  And I am always looking for new things to put on our stage. I find these while I am traveling, or, more recently, from combing through YouTube videos.

UR: What factors go into deciding who to bring in?

Gershenfeld: “The biggest factor is the marketplace.  Who do our audiences want to see on our stage. I try to have a balanced season with something for everyone. And I do try to challenge the audience with some artists with who, they might not be familiar.”

UR: What new acts are coming?

Gershenfeld: “There are a number of them, but here are three I am very excited about. First is the Pacific Jazz Orchestra, led by the 7-time Grammy-nominated composer and arranger Chris Walden. This group is made up of the top studio musicians from Hollywood. They will be paying tribute to the iconic Brazilian jazz singer Ivan Lins. Another group I am excited about is the tenThing Brass Ensemble. This is an all-female brass ensemble from Norway. They are amazing women who will astound you with their virtuosity. And then we have Rhythm India: Bollywood & Beyond. The music and dance of India is fascinating, and you will see both the traditional and contemporary side of Indian dance.

UR: What act are you personally looking forward to seeing and why?

Gershenfeld: “I think the three I mentioned in the last question are among my favorites.  But of course, I am very excited to have Yo Yo Ma back on our stage.  What an amazing musician! And I do have to mention our Broadway shows, particularly the very exciting Six, The Musical, and Dear Evan Hansen.

UR: Is there a balance between bringing in the familiar and new? How do you strike a healthy balance?

Gershenfeld: “There is always a balance in programming a season.  I’ve been doing it here for 24 years and I think I have an idea of what McCallum audiences want. I guess we’ve been successful, as we sell out most of our shows.”

UR: What act/performance do you expect/predict to be the most popular and why?

Gershenfeld: “Musicals like, “Come From Away” and “The Book of Morman” remain incredibly popular.  We also have some iconic stars of Broadway: Bernadette Peters, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Mandy Patinkin. Our audiences always love having Paul Anka and David Foster at the McCallum too.

UR: Have you seen all of the coming performances?

Gershenfeld: “I’ve seen mostly everything. But there are a few that I booked based on research, talking to colleagues and watching YouTube.”

UR: Anything you’d like to add?

Gershenfeld: “This is my last season. I will be retiring in August. I have loved the McCallum since the day I started and know that the future will be very bright for the theater and for the community.”