Dezart Performs Brings Bold, Timely Revival of Falsettos to Pearl McManus Theater

Falsettos, Dezart Performs, Pearl McManus Theater, Palm Springs theater, Tim Ewing, Stephanie Lynn Mason, Desert Entertainment, AIDS crisis, LGBTQ stories, Coachella Valley arts, musical theater

ARTICLE:
The Coachella Valley arts scene is about to welcome a bold and emotional musical revival as Falsettos opens April 18 at the Pearl McManus Theater, presented by local company Dezart Performs. The two-act musical, written by William Finn and James Lapine, dives into life, love, family, and identity during a time of seismic cultural change in 1980s America.

On a recent episode of Desert Entertainment, host Tod Macofsky sat down with stars Tim Ewing and Stephanie Lynn Mason to talk about the upcoming production. For Ewing, the role of Marvin is deeply personal—he first encountered the show decades ago while standing by for the original cast during its New York run. “Marvin was the role that suited me,” Ewing said. “He’s every man, spinning out and pulling it back together. He’s deeply human.”

The character of Marvin navigates divorce, coming out, fatherhood, and a new relationship with a younger man—all while trying to hold his unconventional family together. Stephanie Lynn Mason plays Trina, Marvin’s ex-wife, who Mason describes as a woman rebuilding her life. “She’s a mother. She’s trying to make sense of it all and find her voice. It’s an incredible journey,” Mason said.

Falsettos resonates with modern audiences through its exploration of masculinity, identity, and love in the face of fear—especially during the early AIDS crisis. “It’s about forgiveness and learning, even when we’re afraid of what we don’t understand,” Mason added, drawing parallels to recent global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Directed and choreographed by Dennis Courtney, the show blends humor with heartbreaking moments, all underscored by a dynamic score. When asked about the title, Ewing reflected, “It’s an examination of what it means to be a man. ‘March of the Falsettos’ is a song about fitting in—and not fitting in. That theme carries through the entire piece.”

The production runs April 18–27 at the Pearl McManus Theater, with tickets available now at DezartPerforms.org. But act fast—shows are almost sold out.

Also highlighted on Desert Entertainment this week:

• April 9 – The Gann Band’s Hey, Hey, We’re the Monkees tribute at Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs.

• April 11–12 – Donna McKechnie brings her Sondheim cabaret Take Me to the World to the Purple Room.

• April 12 – Tony Award winner Leslie Odom Jr. performs at the McCallum Theatre.

• April 12–14 – Hairspray comes to life at Rancho Mirage Amphitheater, presented by Desert Theatricals.

To Tim Ewing and Stephanie Lynn Mason: thank you for shining a light on this beautifully complex story. Falsettos is poised to be one of the season’s most poignant and must-see productions.

Explore more: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.