WEST SIDE STORY IN CONCERT: A GALA CELEBRATION
The Tony award-winning musical serves as the backdrop to the opening of the NEW Dezart Playhouse
Two groundbreaking works, one in art, one in architecture, debuted in 1957 with bold, visionary clarity. On Broadway, WEST SIDE STORY premiered, redefining musical theatre with its fusion of classical form, jazz, Latin rhythms and raw social commentary. Meanwhile in Palm Springs, the Chambers & Frey-designed church, now the new Dezart Playhouse, was completed: a mid-century modern masterpiece that married minimalist elegance with spiritual purpose.
Dezart Performs honors the landmark year of 1957 with WEST SIDE STORY IN CONCERT: A GALA CELEBRATION featuring a live orchestra and vocal ensemble marking the official debut of the new Dezart Playhouse.
The Tony award-winning musical is based on a conception of Jerome Robbins with book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
Directed by Dennis Courtney | Music Direction by Stephen Hulsey
Opening Night, Thursday, November 13 – 5:30 PM Reception | 7:00 PM Performance
An evening of celebration and elegance that begins with a pre-show patio reception including tray-passed appetizers along with a self serve food table, a hosted bar, live entertainment and valet parking, followed by the concert performance. Catering by 849 Fine Catering and Events.
$535 (includes fees)
Friday, November 14 – 6:00 PM Reception | 7:00 PM Performance
Saturday, November 15 – 6:00 PM Reception | 7:00 PM Performance
The celebration continues! Enjoy a pre-show patio reception with tray-passed appetizers and complimentary wine and champagne, followed by the concert performance. Catering by 849 Fine Catering and Events.
$187 per night (includes fees)
Everything in 'West Side Story' is of a piece. Everything contributes to the total impression of wildness, ecstasy and anguish. The astringent score has moments of tranquility and rapture, and occasionally a touch of sardonic humor.
The music of 'West Side Story' is by Leonard Bernstein, and it is superb. In it there is the drive, the bounce, the restlessness and the sweetness of our town. It takes up the American musical idiom where it was left when George Gershwin died. It is fascinatingly tricky and melodically beguiling, and it marks the progression of admirable composer.
Mr. Bernstein has permitted himself a few moments of graceful, lingering melody: in a yearning 'Maria,' in the hushed falling line of 'Tonight,' in the wistful declaration of 'I Have a Love.'
Nov 13 2025 - Nov 15 2025
Show TimesThursday, November 13
5:30 PM Reception
7:00 PM Performance
Friday, November 14
6:00 PM Reception
7:00 PM Performance
Saturday, November 15
6:00 PM Reception
7:00 PM Performance
DEZART PLAYHOUSE
605 S. Riverside Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
The Cast
Alexandra Imbrosci-Viera (Maria)
Alexandra is excited to celebrate Dezart Performs’ new theater with this beautiful piece. A proud Latina from New York, she last performed in the area on tour with PIRATES OF PENZANCE at the McCallum Theatre. Select Off Broadway: IOLANTHE (Leila) and PIRATES (Kate) (NYGASP), QUILLÉN (NY Theatre Festival), ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE (Inside Broadway). Select regional: TITANIC (Kate McGowan) at Actors Theatre of Indiana, Josh Groban’s BRIDGES tour at Carnegie Hall, RedHouse Arts Center, Music Theatre of Connecticut, Finger Lakes Opera. Favorites include: WEST SIDE STORY (Maria), INTO THE WOODS (Baker’s Wife), ANYTHING GOES (Hope Harcourt), LITTLE WOMEN (Meg). Love to Mom, Dad and Eric. Follow along @alex_imbrosci_viera
Eric Heimsoth (Tony)
Eric is thrilled to be joining Dezart Performs to revisit one of his favorite roles! A Midwest native, he earned his BFA in Theatre from St. Olaf College, in Minnesota. WEST SIDE STORY will mark his Palm Springs debut and a welcome return to the stage since relocating from Minneapolis to Southern California. Some of his favorite past credits include INTO THE WOODS (Rapunzel’s Prince), A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (Hero), ASSASSINS (Balladeer), MY FAIR LADY (Freddy), ANNIE (Rooster) and A NEW BRAIN (Gordon). Eric is a member of Actor’s Equity.
Joslynn Cortes (Anita)
Joslynn Cortes is grateful to be making her Dezart Performs Debut! Joslynn is a Puerto Rican New Jersey native, AMDA graduate and voice teacher at Vocal Love. She is incredibly thankful to tell Anita’s story for a second time in her career. Favorite credits include WEST SIDE STORY (Anita) at Glow Lyric Theatre, SOMEBODY TO LOVE (Estella Hernández) at Rubicon Theatre Company, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Crystal) at South Coast Repertory Theatre, JUNIE B. JONES at Walnut Street Theatre and EVITA (Eva Peron). Joslynn would like to thank God, her fiance Jalen, family and friends for their constant support and encouragement. Recuerda siempre que hay un lugar para nosotros.Que Dios te bendiga.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Chris is thrilled to return to Dezart after appearing last season in GRAND CONCOURSE! Some of his favorite credits also include ALTAR BOYZ (Short North Stage, OH), IN THE HEIGHTS (Mill Mountain Theatre, VA), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Mountain Theatre Company, NC), SHBOOM! LIFE COULD BE A DREAM (Sierra Repertory Theatre, CA) and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (The Palace Theatre, NH). When he’s not performing on land, Chris takes to the seas as a featured vocalist with Oceania Cruises, where he shares his solo show, CABARET CARRANZA. Follow his adventures on Instagram: @chrisduhfer_
Nathan Wilson (Riff)
Nathan just marked one year in Palm Springs and is thrilled to continue working with so many great theaters in the desert. He was last seen at Palm Canyon Theatre in FOREVER PLAID (Jinx) and at Revolution Stage Company in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING (J. Pierrepont Finch) and SPRING AWAKENING (Herr & Choreographer). You’ve also seen his choreography in HOW TO SUCCEED..and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at Palm Canyon Theater and COMPANY at Revolution. He holds a BPA in Dance Performance from Oklahoma City University.
Rebecca Rodriguez (Francisca)
Rebecca is making her Dezart Performs Debut! She has performed regionally throughout the Coachella Valley where her most notable role was MAN OF LA MANCHA (Aldonza) for College of the Desert. Rebecca is currently a Master of Arts candidate in Theater Education at the University of Northern Colorado. She is currently a part of two vocal groups, COACHELLA VALLEY CLASSICAL VOICES with Doug Nagal and the CALIFORNIA DESERT CHORALE under the direction of her vocal instructor, Tim Bruneau. Rebecca has enjoyed her time with Dezart Performs and appreciates her loved ones supporting her musical journey.
John Corr (Snowboy)
John is thrilled to be making his Dezart debut in this beautiful new space! His other local credits include GOD OF CARNAGE (Michael Novak), LIFESPAN OF A FACT (Jim Fingal) and KAFKA’S JOKE (Franz Kafka)* with Desert Ensemble Theatre, SNOW WHITE (4) with Coachella Valley Repertory, THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Jamie)*, WHITE CHRISTMAS (Bob Wallace), and A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER (Monty Navarro) with Desert Theatreworks, CABARET (Cliff) with College of the Desert and several other productions across his 5 years in the valley. He is also a proud member of the Coachella Valley Modern Men chorus. *Desert Star Award.
Brent Aronowitz (Baby John)
Brent has performed most recently in cabarets at Revolution Stage Company and sings with MODERN MEN: COACHELLA VALLEY MEN’S CHORUS. Based in Cathedral City and Los Angeles, he also works as a film executive, real estate agent and occasional writer/performer. Brent is a graduate of the UCLA Screenwriting Professional Program and Knox College in Galesburg, IL, where he studied classical voice. Brent is delighted to join Dezart Performs for the first time.
Tim Ewing (Doc)
After 40+ years in NYC working on Broadway, Off-Broadway and television, Tim now happily resides in Palm Springs. Delighted to return after last season’s runaway Dezart Performs’ hits FALSETTOS, STRAIGHT TO THE HEART. CVRep: NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT and THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA. Broadway/Nat’l Tour: MAMMA MIA (Harry) Off Broadway: Sondheim’s PACIFIC OVERTURES, Jones-Schmidt’s COLETTE COLLAGE, Bill Finn’s FALSETTOLAND, Sheldon Harnick’s LOVE IN TWO COUNTRIES, Richard Rodgers NO STRINGS. Regional: VANYA SONIA MASHA & SPIKE (Vanya), CABARET (Herr Schultz), THE BURNT PART BOYS (Father), THE FULL MONTY (Harold), A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (Frederick), FALSETTOS (Marvin), SYLVIA (Greg), LEND ME A TENOR (Max), DRACULA (Van Helsing), JACQUES BREL. Television: THE LAST OG, LAW & ORDER, L&O SVU, THE GOOD WIFE, ELEMENTARY, THE BLACKLIST, UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT, DIFFICULT PEOPLE. Tim is a member of Actor’s Equity and SAG-AFTRA.
Jenne Carey (Rosalia)
Jenne is an award-winning singer who has performed internationally, originated roles in new operas and devised theater, lent her voice to the soundtrack of a major motion picture and shared the stage with such artists as Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, Tony Bennett and Sarah Brightman. Jenne is an active local soloist with COACHELLA VALLEY CLASSICAL VOICES. Recent performances include INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH BROADWAY at the McCallum Theatre and SONGS FROM THE HEART at Dezart Performs.
J Pablo Stewart (Chino)
J Pablo performed in 1st National, MISS SAIGON (and Broadway Vacation Swing). Off Broadway: LILYA (Dr. Estrada), VERITAS (James Printer), A LIFE WITH IKE (Stanley), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Cupid, Mustard Seed, Philostrate), LA RONDE (Soldier), EQUUS (Nugget/various). Regional: At CVRep, CABARET (Bobby), NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Matthew and Dance Captain), WEST SIDE STORY (Bernardo), HAIR (Berger), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Cupid, Mustard Seed, Philostrate); Film/TV: A SMALL MISTAKE (Ricky Acevedo), IN THE SHADOWS (Juan Gutiérrez), UNBROKEN CHAIN (Professor), RED (Satan), CRAZE (The Man), HOMICIDE CITY (Raphael Crespo), UNRAVELED (Mr. Suarez), NY HOMICIDE (Raphael Rios).
Linda Ceniceros Gonzalez (Teresita)
Linda was born and raised in the Coachella Valley. Her passion for singing touches many hearts all throughout the United States. You may have seen Linda alongside Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch in various performances at THE PURPLE ROOM. She discovered her joy for teaching kids the art of music and dance during her recent credits with THE YOUNG AMERICANS. She would like to thank everyone for their constant support.
Jason Ayestas (Officer Krupke/Ensemble)
Jason is a versatile actor and singer originally from Baltimore, MD. His Coachella Valley credits include TOOTSIE (Michael/Dorothy), EVIL DEAD The Musical (Jake), and COMPANY (Harry). A graduate of AMDA in NYC, other credits include BLOOD BROTHERS (Mickey), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Seymour), DROOD, BABY, PIPPIN, WORKING, CAROUSEL and the World Premier of I AM HARVEY MILK with SFGMC. Looking ahead, Jason will be featured in The Bent’s production of DOG SEES GOD this December. Love and gratitude to his loving and supportive husband, Kenneth. This one is for Carlie.
Jeffrey Scott Adair (Judge/Ensemble)
Jeffrey was last seen in OLIVER (Bill Sykes), SOUTH PACIFIC (Commander Harbison), ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (Charlie Davenport) and his DTL and Broadway World nominated OKLAHOMA (Ali Hakim) all for Desert Theatricals. He has received five Desert Theatre League Awards. Las Vegas: dancer/singer in HALLELUJAH HOLLYWOOD, (MGM Grand Hotel), LIDO DE PARIS (Stardust Hotel) and BEACH BLANKET BABYLON (Sands Hotel). SF Bay Area: PIPPIN (Lewis), A CHORUS LINE (Al), HELLO DOLLY (Ambrose) FOLLIES (Young Ben), KISS ME KATE (Bill/Lucentio) and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Mercedes).
Marcello Tulipano (Pepe)
Marcello is thrilled to be making his debut with Dezart Performs! Recent Credits: CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (Jerry Jubilee) at PCT, and THE SHARK IS BROKEN (Richard Dreyfuss) at RSC. Other Desert Credits: THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA (Choreographer/DTL Nom), SWEENEY TODD (The Beadle), SOMETHING ROTTEN! (Minstrel/Dance Captain), BRIGADOON (Angus) all at PCT, KINKY BOOTS (Mr. Price) at DTW. Film/TV: SNAPPED: KILLER COUPLES (Lauro Garcia), FATAL ATTRACTION (Detective) on Oxygen, and QUEER AS FOLK (Babylon Dancer) on Showtime. For Ben.
Erik Scott Romney (Action) debuted the hit one-man show BROADWAY’S BAD GUYS! and appears and stars in productions throughout Southern California, including his hometown Palm Springs. Erik is Broadway Bound and raising money for a 6-month test drive of NYC (January-June). Favorite credits include, West Coast Regional Premieres: THE FANTASTICKS REIMAGINED! (Mortimer ‘The Man Who Dies’), SOMETHING ROTTEN! (Tom Snout). Regional: THE WIZARD OF OZ (The Scarecrow), CABARET (Emcee), YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Igor), SPAMALOT (Patsy), THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (William Barfeé), A CHORUS LINE (Mike). Television: GLEE (SSN 1) (Stand-In). AMDA Alumni & Proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association. www.erikromney.com | @iamjustaduck
Grant Wheaton (Lt. Schrank/Ensemble)
Grant is thrilled to join in the celebration of Dezart Playhouse’s new home! Most recently he was in COMPANY (Larry) at Revolution Stage. Some of Grant’s favorite roles have included THE FANTASTICKS (El Gallo), ROMEO AND JULIET (Romeo) and THE APPLE TREE (Adam). With an MFA in Acting, he has had roles in a number of feature films including WORKING GIRLS, CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS and FX. Grant has played recurring roles on several daytime soaps including ALL MY CHILDREN, GUIDING LIGHT and ONE LIFE TO LIVE. All love and gratitude to husband Dennis and puppy Jamie!
Greg Hicks (Ensemble)
Greg is a cabaret singer who’s performed at The Purple Room, NYC’s Birdland and Disneyland and was the 2024 winner of CABARET RIOT at the Revolution Stage Company. He’s had leads in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, HELLO, DOLLY, PROMISES, PROMISES and the political satire AUDACITY in San Francisco. An international bestselling author, keynote speaker and seminar leader, Greg and partner Rick Foster have studied the biochemistry of happiness across 80 countries and have made a career sharing their research. This performance is for the grandkids – Jack, Ben, Connor, August, Lucia, Lorenzo and Magnolia.
Kim Schroeder Long (Ensemble)
Kim is delighted to be part of this special production opening the new Dezart Playhouse! A proud member of Actors’ Equity, her resume spans classic and contemporary plays, musicals, touring and immersive theatre in various regions of the country, with her portrayals of icons like Blanche DuBois, Bette Davis, Rosemary Clooney and Judy Garland garnering particular acclaim. This fall, she served as a coach for DET’s SINGING WITH THE DESERT STARS and a judge for Revolution Stage’s popular CABARET RIOT and regularly performs at PS Underground, Revolution Stage andThe Palm Springs Cultural Center. kimschroederlong.com
Additional Ensemble Members
Bryan Burch, Keith Cornell,Marc Copfer, Kirk Dow, Mark Duebner, Michelle Fiore, Jim Gnaster Long, Bart Stottlemyre, Bart Stottlemyre, Matthew Walker
Photo Gallery
