–
Here are links to some recent reviews and news stories about Coachella Valley Repertory:
“CVRep’s production of ‘Ballroom,’ is one that could rival Broadway.”
– Dee Jae Cox, CV Weekly
“…a very human story about love and loss and coming out the other side. It features sassy women, the men who appreciate them, and lots of song and dance with well-written lyrics by the Bergmans.”
– Kay Kudukis, BroadwayWorld
“BALLROOM is an impressive and delightful production that will have its audiences smiling as they leave the theatre.”
-Jack Lyons, DesertLocalNews.com
“Melodie Wolford literally blossoms before our eyes as she transitions from frumpy widow to the Queen of the Ballroom. Her rendition of “Fifty Percent” is strong, impassioned and heartfelt and makes a great impact. As Alfred, Bill Nolte is absolutely charming.”
-Stephen Radosh, GayDesertGuide
“Mr. Celona is proud of the reimagining work he has led and wants to show it off to advantage. He has cast the twenty-four performers carefully and well, and put an eight-piece band on stage (Scott Storr is the music director) as the ballroom’s house combo. There’s a lot to look at on stage, especially Frank Cazares’ costumes for the women, which cleverly represent the varying tastes in dress for a night out on the town.”
-Bill Eadie, Talkin’ Broadway
CVRep Breathes New Life Into 70s Broadway Musical BALLROOM
Article written by Brian Blueskye for the Desert Sun
A big THANK YOU to Joe Smith and NBC Palm Springs for having as their guests Bill Nolte who plays Alfred Rossi in our upcoming production of the musical BALLROOM, AND CVRep artistic director Ron Celona. Ron gives a great explanation of the backstory of how it came about that CVRep is working with the original writers of BALLROOM to do a re-imagined revival of this moving musical.
Posted by Coachella Valley Repertory on Monday, January 20, 2020
– Casting Set for Revised Version of “Ballroom” Musical
Article by Andrew Gans for Playbill.com
– Great Drama (second item down)
“Good People” Recommended by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun “Best Bets”
– “Good People” at CVRep Theatre is Masterful
Reviewed by Kay Kudukis for BroadwayWorld.com
– A Stage Review of “Good People”
Reviewed by Dee Jae Cox for Coachella Valley Weekly
– CVRep Wraps 10th Season with a Winning Potent Production of “Good People”
Reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– “Good People” Reviewed by Stephen Radosh
for Gay Desert Guide
– The Power of Environment and Memory: CVRep’s “Good People” is a Marvelously Acted Look at the Conflict Between Truth and Rationalization
Reviewed by V.J. Hume for Coachella Valley Independent
– Looking for the Good in People
“Good People” Reviewed by Winston Gieseke for Palm Springs Life
– A Stage Review of “Chess”
Reviewed by Dee Jae Cox for Coachella Valley Weekly
– “Chess” Reviewed by Stephen Radosh
for Gay Desert Guide
– CVRep of Cathedral City Premieres the Musical “Chess” in their New Venue
Reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– Checkmate! CVRep Opens uts Stunning New Playhouse with a Fantastic Production of the Musical “Chess”
Reviewed by Bonnie Gilgallon for Coachella Valley Independent
– A Stage Review of “White”
Reviewed by Dee Jae Cox for Coachella Valley Weekly
– “CVRep Theatre Stages WHITE as its Final Production at their Atrium Venue”
Reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– “WHITE at CVRep Theater”
Reviewed by Kay Kudukis for BroadwayWorld.com
– “White” Reviewed by Stephen Radosh
for Gay Desert Guide
“White” Reviewed by Winston Geiseke for Palm Springs Life
– “WHITE: Race, Gender, Sexuality, Politics, Theatrical Gold”
Rage Monthly Magazine interview with Ron Celona. Written by Tom Andrew
– “How I Learned To Drive” at CVRep Theater is More Than Worth the Trip
Reviewed by Kay Kudukis for BroadwayWorld.com
– A Stage Review of “How I Learned To Drive”
Reviewed by Dee Jae Cox for Coachella Valley Weekly
– Potent and relevant drama “How I Learned To Drive” at CVRep Theatre Rancho Mirage
Reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– “How I Learned To Drive” A Review by Stephen Radosh
for Gay Desert Guide
Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre – Desert Living Show from Desert Living Show on Vimeo.
– CVRep Presented Cabaret Singer Leslie Page in her new show “A Tapestry Through Music”
Reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalnews.com
– A Lovely, Light-Hearted Ride: CVRep’s “2 Across” Is an Upbeat, Fun Success
Reviewed by Bonnie Gilgallon for Coachella Valley Independent
– “2 Across” at Coachella Valley Repertory
Reviewed by Stan Jenson for BroadwayWorld.com
– Fans of Crossword Puzzles Will Enjoy CVRep’s Latest Comedy “2 Across”
Reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– A Stage Review of “2 Across”
Reviewed by Dee Jae Cox for Coachella Valley Weekly
– “2 Across” A Review by Stephen Radosh
for Gay Desert Guide
– Absurd and Awesome: CVRep’s “The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?” Soars Because of an Impeccable Cast and Fantastic Direction
Reviewed by V.J. Hume for Coachella Valley Independent
– “The Goat, or Who is Sylvia” Reviewed by Stephen Radosh
for Gay Desert Guide
– Powerful Dark Tragicomedy Now On CVRep Stage in Rancho Mirage
“The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?” reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– Thought-provoking (second item down)
“The Goat, or Who is Sylvia” recommended by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun “Hot Picks”
– Electric Chemistry: CVRep’s “Romance/Romance” Offers Two Phenomenal Journeys
Reviewed by Bonnie Gilgallon for Coachella Valley Independent
– CVRep’s “Romance/Romance” is a Sweet, Feel-Good Winner
Reviewed by Audrey Liebross for BroadwayWorld.com
– CVRep Theatre of Rancho Mirage Presents a Four Character Musical Gem
“Romance/Romance” reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– “Romance/Romance” A Review by Stephen Radosh
for Gay Desert Guide
– “Romance/Romance” (second item down)
Recommended by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun “Hot Picks”
– CVRep Artistic Director Ron Celona discusses plans to renovate the former IMAX theater in Cathedral City into a new Carol Channing Playhouse
Article written by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun
– Casting Chaos: CVRep’s Fantastic “Venus in Fur,” With Its Sexual Power Dynamics, Could Not Be More Timely
Reviewed by V.J. Hume for Coachella Valley Independent
– A Flawless Riveting “Venus In Fur” Onstage at CVRep Rancho Mirage
Reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– A Stage Review of “Venus In Fur”
Reviewed by Dee Jae Cox for Coachella Valley Weekly
– “Venus In Fur” (second item down)
Recommended by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun “Hot Picks”
– CVRep Presents an Excellent Production of a Disturbing Play
“Venus In Fur” Reviewed by Audrey Liebross for BroadwayWorld.com
– “Venus In Fur” A Review by Stephen Radosh
for Gay Desert Guide
– Know a Theatre: Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre of Rancho Mirage, Calif.
American Theatre Magazine interview with CVRep Founding Artistic Director Ron Celona
– CVRep’s “Later Life” Evokes Thought on Embracing the Twilight Years
Reviewed by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun
– A Reunion at a Party: CV Rep’s Masterful Production of “Later Life” Shows Off Great Acting, Universal Lessons
Reviewed by V.J. Hume for Coachella Valley Independent
– A.R. Gurney’s Comedy “Later Life” Now On Stage At CVRep
Reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– CVRep’s “Later Life” is an Engaging Play, Expertly Presented
Reviewed by Audrey Liebross for BroadwayWorld.com
– CVRep’s “Disgraced” is an Eye-Opening Achievement of Theatre
Reviewed by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun
– A Stage Review of “Disgraced”
Reviewed by Dee Jae Cox for Coachella Valley Weekly
– Culture, Religion and Identity: CV Rep’s Splendid Production of “Disgraced” Couldn’t Be More Timely
Reviewed by Bonnie Gilgallon for Coachella Valley Independent
– Powerful Award Winning Drama On Stage at CVRep
“Disgraced” Reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– A Stage Review of “Baby, The Musical”
Reviewed by Dee Jae Cox for Coachella Valley Weekly
– Coachella Valley Rep gives birth to hit musical “Baby”
Reviewed by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun
– CVRep Theatre Debuts a Delightful Musical
“Baby” Reviewed by Jack Lyons for Desert Star Weekly
– Oh ‘Baby’! Coachella Valley Repertory’s Latest Musical Hits All the Right Notes
Reviewed by Bonnie Gilgallon for Coachella Valley Independent
– Coachella Valley Repertory Starts its Season with a Spirited Production of “Annapurna” a Comic Drama with Heart
Reviewed by Audrey Liebross for BroadwayWorld.com
– A Stage Review of “Annapurna”
Reviewed by Dee Jae Cox for Coachella Valley Weekly
– Know Your Neighbors: CVRep Shows the Power of Theater to the Valley’s Students
“Push” article by Anita Rufus for Coachella Valley Independent
– Finely drawn characters drive “4000 Miles” play
Reviewed by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun
– Coachella Valley Repertory Scores Another Coup with its Production of “4000 Miles”
Reviewed by Audrey Liebross for BroadwayWorld.com
– Generational Gaps and Identity: CVRep Wraps Up a Masterful Season with “4000 Miles”
Reviewed by V.J. Hume for Coachella Valley Independent
– A Stage Review of “4000 Miles”
Reviewed by Dee Jae Cox for Coachella Valley Weekly
– CVRep Theatre Ends 7th Season with Poignant Drama
“4000 Miles” Reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– Coachella Valley Repertory’s “I Am My Own Wife” is Another Must-See
Reviewed by Audrey Liebross for BroadwayWorld.com
– A True Tour de Force: Vince Gatton’s Performance in CVRep’s “I Am My Own Wife” Is Simply Stunning
Reviewed by V.J. Hume for Coachella Valley Independent
– Acclaimed Drama Debuts at CVRep Theatre
“I Am My Own Wife” Reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– CVRep’s “I Am My Own Wife” a Meditation On Identity As Dress-Up
Reviewed by Armin Callo for InfluxMagazine.com
– A Stage Review of “I Am My Own Wife”
Reviewed by Dee Jae Cox for Coachella Valley Weekly
– “Class Act” is what Edward Kleban did for love
Reviewed by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun
– CVRep Launches Second Production of 2016 Season with “A Class Act” – A Musical About Musicals
Reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– They Put in the Work: “A Class Act” CVRep’s Most Ambitious Production to Date
Reviewed by V.J. Hume for Coachella Valley Independent
– CVRep’s “A Class Act” is Enjoyable Musical Theatre
Reviewed by Audrey Liebross for BroadwayWorld.com
– CVRep play “Happy Hour,” is good enough for New York
Reviewed by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun
– Coachella Valley Repertory’s “Happy Hour” is Outstanding in Every Way, and Another Must-See
Reviewed by Audrey Liebross for BroadwayWorld.com
– World Premiere Comedy-Drama About Aging at CVRep
“Happy Hour” reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– Raise Your Glasses: CVRep’s World Premiere of “Happy Hour” Deserves a Rousing Toast
Reviewed by Bonnie Gilgallon for Coachella Valley Independent
– Know Your Neighbors: CVRep Puts the Spotlight on Girls Who Bully Other Girls
“The Secret Life of Girls” article by Anita Rufus for Coachella Valley Independent
– A Stage Review of “The Secret Life of Girls”
Reviewed by Dee Jae Cox for Coachella Valley Weekly
– Final Weekend
“Hold These Truths” reviewed by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun
– Compelling Story of One Man’s Courageous Stand For Justice is On Stage at CVRep Theatre
“Hold These Truths” reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– CVRep’s “Hold These Truths” is a Tour de Force
Reviewed by Audrey Liebross for BroadwayWorld.com
– The Nail That Sticks Up: Blake Kushi Is Magnificent as a Real-Life Hero in CVRep’s “Hold These Truths“
Reviewed by Bonnie Gilgallon for Coachella Valley Independent
– Hot Picks: Coachella Valley Rep Scores Again
“La Gringa” reviewed by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun
– A Stage Review of “La Gringa”
Reviewed by Dee Jae Cox for Coachella Valley Weekly
– Family Ties: CVRep’s “La Gringa” Reminds That Home Is Where the Heart Is
Reviewed by Bonnie Gilgallon for Coachella Valley Independent
– Charming Family Comedy/Drama Scores at CVRep Theatre
“La Gringa” reviewed by Jack Lyons for Desert Star Weekly (page 19)
– “Having Our Say” is Another Brilliant CVRep Production
Reviewed by Audrey Liebross for BroadwayWorld.com
– Continuing Drama (second story in Bruce Fessier’s weekly A&E column)
“Having Our Say, The Delany Sisters’ First Hundred Years” reviewed by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun
– The Wisdom of Age is Tenderly Played Out on CVRep Stage
“Having Our Say, The Delany Sisters’ First Hundred Years” reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– Just Beautiful: H. Chris Brown and Regina Randolph Make CVRep’s “Having Our Say” a Touching Triumph
Reviewed by V.J. Hume for Coachella Valley Independent
– A Stage Review of “Having Our Say, The Delany Sisters’ First Hundred Years”
Reviewed by Dee Jae Cox for Coachella Valley Weekly
– Winning Comedy Drama About Aging Touches Audiences
“Happy Hour” reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– CVRep Launches Stage Season with Eye-Opener
“The Chosen” and “A Magical Evening of Luminaries” reviewed by Bruce Fessier for The Desert Sun
– We Identify: Five Talented Actors Deliver Powerful Universal Themes in CVRep’s “The Chosen”
Reviewed by V.J. Hume for Coachella Valley Independent
– CVRep Launches 2014-2015 Season with Poignant Drama “The Chosen”
Reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– “The Chosen” Knocks One Out Of The Park in Rancho Mirage
Reviewed by Audrey Liebross for BroadwayWorld.com
– Awkwardness Of Intimacy Portrayed With Sensitivity At CVRep’s Season Closer
“Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune” reviewed by Armin Callo for InfluxMagazine.com
– Chemistry in Spades: CVRep’s “Frankie and Johnny” Is Funny, Moving and Simply Fabulous
Reviewed by Bonnie Gilgallon for Coachella Valley Independent
– Deliciously Provocative “Ganesh” Served To Perfection At CVRep
“A Perfect Ganesh” reviewed by Armin Callo for InfluxMagazine.com
– Terrence McNally Drama On Stage at CVRep in Rancho Mirage
“A Perfect Ganesh”reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– “The Story Of My Life” at CVRep Proves That It’s A Wonderful Life Indeed
Reviewed by Armin Callo for InfluxMagazine.com
– Two Man Musical at CVRep is Poignant and Winning
“The Story Of My Life” reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– Bravo! Bravo! Marina Re Is Stunning as Maria Callas in CVRep’s Production of “Master Class”
Reviewed by VJ Hume for Coachella Valley Independent
– Terrence McNally’s Acerbic “Master Class” Dominates at CV Rep
Reviewed by Armin Callo for InfluxMagazine.com
– CVRep Theatre Receives A+ For “Master Class” Production
Reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– “Sunset Limited” shines for the Palm Springs faithful and nonbelievers
Reviewed by Will Dean, editor of Desert Outlook Magazine
– Strong Performances At CV Repertory Theatre
“Sunset Limited” reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– CV Rep’s Plays Engage Students on Touchy Subjects
“Thank You for Flushing My Head in the Toilet…” reviewed by Jim Powers for Palm Springs Life
– CVRep Company Debuts 2nd Season With A Winning Production
”Collected Stories” reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– New Theatre Gives Birth To A Winning Production
”The Woolgatherer” reviewed by Jack Lyons for DesertLocalNews.com
– CV Repertory is profiled in prestigious LA Stage Times magazine!