Dezart Performs

CHOIR BOY

The 2019 Tony-Nominated Drama with music by Tarell Alvin McCraney

A moving story of sexuality, race, hope, gospel music, and a young gay man finding his voice. This coming-of-age story follows a group of young Black students at Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, a highly respected institution dedicated to helping its students grow into “strong, ethical Black men.” But what happens when young student Pharus does not fit the mold for a typical “Drew man.” Pharus is different from his peers, and his effeminate nature constantly sets him apart. Though he may be the leader and most talented member of Drew’s renowned gospel choir, he struggles to gain their acceptance and respect. CHOIR BOY is an Official 2022 Palm Springs Pride event.

Directed by Michael Matthews

Musical Direction by Ignoisco Miles

Choreography by Joyce Guy

2019 Tony nominee for Best Play | 2019 Drama Desk winner for Outstanding Music in a Play

Running time: 100 minutes. There will be no intermission. NOTE: The seating arrangement for this production is different than our usual seating. We have made every effort to keep groups of patrons together.

For complete information about our COVID-19 policy, click here.

Content advisory: This play contains nudity.

Dezart’s production of Choir Boy is funny, poignant, thought-provoking and ethereal, with musical numbers that will blow you away. Do not miss this one.

-Bonnie Gilgallon, CV Independent

Another season of eye-opening, provocative theater from Dezart Performs has begun with CHOIR BOY. It is a tight 100 minutes of story and song performed by an incredibly talented cast.

-Kay Kudukis, Broadwayworld.com

A dynamic work done beautifully by a superb cast. Their vocal blending was glorious. Bravo to all!

-Sal M., Patron

Dates

Oct 28 2022 - Nov 06 2022

Show Times

Fridays and Saturdays: 7:30 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 2:00 PM

Location

Pearl McManus Theater
at the Palm Springs Woman’s Club
314 S Cahuilla Road
Downtown Palm Springs, CA 92262

The Cast

MAURICE ALPHARICIO (AJ)

Maurice was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, is a US Army Veteran (11yrs) and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting for Film from the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. Regional theatre includes, SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD (Man 1), HAIRSPRAY (Seaweed J. Stubbs), RENT (Tom Collins), BLACK NATIVITY (Joseph) and THE BROTHERS SIZE (Elegba). TV credits include THE EQUALIZER on CBS. The multi-hyphenate performer, creator and recording artist is thrilled to play the role of Anthony Justin “AJ” James. Much love & gratitude to my tribe (family, friends and the Nancy Chaidez Agency) for their undying support and love. Jah Bless. _mauricealpharicio on Instagram, @MAlpharicio_ on Twitter.

ANDRE G. BROWN (Headmaster Marrow)

Andrew received his MFA at University of Washington and MA at New York University. Theatre credits include BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY (Playmakers), AFTERWORDS (5th Avenue Theatre), THE MOUNTAINTOP (AAPAC Albuquerque, Garry Marshall), WINE IN THE WILDERNESS (EgoPo), MILK LIKE SUGAR (ArtsWest) AND IN THIS CORNER CASSIUS CLAY (Seattle Children’s Theatre), HOODED; OR BEING BLACK FOR DUMMIES (Theatre Battery), F*CKING A (UW), HOODOO LOVE (Sound Theatre). Currently, Andre is completing a feature length documentary, A SOUL CLEANSING. ig@asoulcleansing.

NICHOLAS HORMANN (Mr. Pendleton)

Nicholas began his career on Broadway in THE VISIT directed by Harold Prince and has appeared in fifteen Tony Award-winning regional theaters productions including HOLIDAY, LOVE FOR LOVE, THE RULES OF THE GAME, THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING, SAINT JOAN AND EXECUTION OF JUSTICE. TV series include THE WONDER YEARS (Emmy submission), MODERN FAMILY, PARKS & REC, BONES and SEINFELD (as Calvin Klein). He attended Yale School of Drama, was raised on fish and poi in the Hawaiian Islands and delighted to be making his Palm Springs debut with Dezart Performs.

DAVID ALAN MADRICK (Bobby)

David, a New York City native,  made his Off- Broadway debut in ROMEO & JULIET (Tybalt) for Access Theater and originated roles in the hip-hop musical MS. ESTRADA (Herman) for The Flea Theater and FAUST (Del) for Theater For The New City. Later making his TV debut as Charles Barkley in Lifetime’s HIGH SCHOOL LOVER, followed by James Franco directorial debut PRETENDERS. After relocating to Los Angeles, David’s film credits include BLACKISH (Dr. Collins) and Tyler Perry’s RUTHLESS (Jay).

DENNIS RENARD (Pharus)

Dennis is a graduate of UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television and currently in the Discovery+ limited series THE BOOK OF QUEER. Film credits include MISSISSIPPI REQUIEM, SAN ANDREAS: MEGA QUAKE for The Asylum and SINISTER MINISTER for Lifetime. Los Angeles theatre credits include THREE TABLES with Padua Playwrights at the Zephyr Theatre, STRANGER THINGS: THE DRIVE-INTO for Netflix, ARCANE: ENTER THE UNDERCITY for Riot Games, THE CITY OF CONVERSATION at Coachella Valley Repertory, MONO/POLY at the Odyssey Theatre, APOLLO 11 at the Rose Bowl, BABY EYES with Playwrights’ Arena and 12 ANGRY MEN at the Laguna Playhouse. Dennis would like to thank his family and friends for the undying support and Dezart Performs for the hospitality!

NATE SUMMERS (Junior)

Nate is from Cleveland, Ohio, earned his degree at Bowling Green State University specializing in Acting and Directing for the stage. He is most known for his work in MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL National Tour (Swing) and on Norwegian Cruise Line (Lead Soloist). Other theatre credits include AIDA (Radames), DREAMGIRLS (Curtis), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Seymour), PIPPIN (Pippin), SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD (Man 1), RADIO GOLF (Roosevelt Hicks) and THE BOYS IN THE BAND (Bernard). His film credits include FINDING FISH, directed by Denzel Washington. Nate is beyond grateful to be a part of this bucket-listed special production and pleased to premiere on the Dezart stage. Hope you enjoy!

MICHAEL SWAIN-SMITH (David)

Michael is an Akron, Ohio native with a BFA from Ohio Northern University. With diverse experience including touring companies of PAW PATROL LIVE! and NICK JR. LIVE!, theatre credits NEWSIES (U/S Jack), SINGING REVOLUTION (Ens.), MEMPHIS (Gator), THE WHO’S TOMMY (Cousin Kevin) and in TV/ Film, GOLDBERGS, PAW PATROL LIVE! @ HOME. Thank you mom, grandma and MTA! Enjoy the show! Proverbs 3:6. @michaelswsm