PALM SPRINGS (CNS) - The newly restored Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs
will reopen its doors to the public with a monthlong slate of shows, starting
today with the ``Opening Night Gala.''

``Wicked'' actress Cynthia Erivo will headline the gala at 7:30 p.m.
Monday at 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive. The Plaza Theatre's restoration process
began in March 2024.

Erivo is a Tony-, Grammy-, Emmy-award winner as well as a three-time
Academy Award-nominated actress singer and producer. ``Opening night at the
Plaza is the moment we've all been waiting for,'' said Senior Vice President of
Oak View Group and general manager of the Plaza Theatre John Bolton. ``We're
honored to welcome Cynthia Erivo for this milestone performance; it's the
perfect way to begin a vibrant new chapter in the Plaza's story.''

Her one-night performance will feature Mark Meadows, the acclaimed
jazz pianist, and music director, and the Palm Springs Pops Orchestra.

Every ticket will include a copy of her book, ``Simply Moore: A Book
for Anyone Who Has Been Told They're Too Much,'' a commemorative ticket and a
limited-edition poster created exclusively for opening night.

Actress Lily Tomlin will perform at 7:30 p.m. from Dec.2-4. Tomlin has
received nine Emmys, two Tony awards, a Grammy, two Peabody awards, the
Mark Twain Prize, the Kennedy Center Honor and SAG Lifetime Achievement honor,
officials said.

She has starred in ``The Late Show,'' ``9 to 5,'' ``The Incredible
Shrinking Woman,'' and Netflix's ``Grace and Frankie.''

The following day filmmaker John Waters will have his comedy revival
show, ``A John Waters Christmas,'' at 8 p.m.

Other scheduled events will include the following:
   -- Palm Springs Symphony from Dec. 7-July 4, 2026;
   -- Comedian Fortune Feimster on Dec. 8;
   -- Palm Springs Icons on Dec. 8;
   -- Palm Springs Speaks series with Rob Reiner on Dec. 16, and
   -- Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus from Dec. 19-April 26, 2026.

Since 1936, the venue has hosted a variety of events starting with its
opening night with the world premiere of the Oscar-winning film,
``Camille,'' starring Greta Garbo. It has hosted movie premieres and live radio
shows featuring stars like Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Amos 'n' Andy, Bing Crosby and
Frank Sinatra.

The restoration began in March of last year under the management of
Oak View Group and a partnership between it and the Plaza Theatre Foundation
and the city of Palm Springs.

Additional events information and tickets can be found at
www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com/events.

Palm Spring Plaza Theatre Set to Reopen Tonight