Mann On The Aisle
Eureka Day at Dezart Playhouse: One Mann's Opinion
In the debut of a new theater review series, "One Mann's Opinion," for NBC Palm Springs, critic Kevin Mann delivers a glowing recommendation for Eureka Day, the inaugural production at the brand-new Dezart Performs Playhouse. While billed as a comedy, Mann classifies Jonathan Spector’s play as a "dramedy" due to its poignant exploration of a community in crisis.
Set in an ultra-progressive, inclusive private school in Berkeley, the story follows a parent board obsessed with consensus. This fragile unity shatters when a mumps outbreak triggers a Department of Health vaccine mandate, forcing the "inclusive" community to confront deep-seated ideological divides.
Mann praises the production's high professional standards, noting that most of the cast are Equity members. The technical elements—from Jason Reale’s immersive set design to Christopher Metzger’s character-defining costumes—receive high marks. A standout moment is the Act 1 finale: a virtual town hall where projected chat-box insults create a "comedic masterpiece" of digital chaos.
The cast is uniformly excellent, with Michelle Miller Day delivering a heartbreakingly subtle monologue as an anti-vax mother, and Richard Perloff providing comedic perfection as the conflict-averse principal. Mann’s only minor critique was the staging of a hospital scene within the classroom set, which felt slightly distracting. Ultimately, he argues that the play’s exploration of "truth" and community is essential viewing for the Coachella Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
January 16, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
You know campaign texts are out of control when they text you a video of yourself to tell you how to vote 😆 How many campaign texts have you received this week? #therogginreport #measurep #localnews #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
Meet Amelia McMahon, the woman behind Amelia’s Donuts Bakery & Cafe in Idyllwild, where a passion for baking has turned into a community gathering spot — and an inspiration to other women chasing their dreams. After bringing homemade donuts to the kids at school, Amelia turned that passion into a business. This December, she’ll celebrate seven years in business! ❤️ For National Women’s Small Business Month, we’re celebrating Amelia and the female entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities. Her advice to women who dream of starting their own business? Have a plan, surround yourself with supportive people, believe in yourself, and just go for it! 🎥 Kai Beach shares Amelia’s inspiring story with NBC Palm Springs. #WomensSmallBusinessMonth #WomenInBusiness #SmallBusiness #Idyllwild #WomenEntrepreneurs NBCPalmSprings InspiringStories
Candy and costumes! Halloween is a time for festive fun, but some of those holiday hallmarks can stress out our pets. Patrick Cornell shares tips to keep your fur friends safe through all the spooky excitement.
Salton city resident Abraham Feinbloom is expected to be sentenced today after pleading guilty to torturing and killing 17 year old Hemet teen T’Neya Tovar. Tune in to our midday and evening newscast as @newsbyalondra brings us all the latest details from the courtroom.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you like a good jump scare?
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Aiden Pope with the punt return TD, 2) Mason Flores with the dime on the run, 3) Colton LaCrone with the sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the contested snag, or 5) Anthony Aguirre with the sack #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
The midterms inch closer and the prices get higher
The hiring of interim City Manager Jim Vanderpool is drawing criticism online over allegations of previous homophobic remarks and harassment. Vanderpool is pushing back, saying the complaint at the center of the controversy was misinterpreted. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for the full report #palmsprings #lgbtqcommunity #coachellavalley #localnews #760
🦷🇺🇸 George Washington’s teeth had a story of their own… and trust us, it’s WILD. 😂👀 Forget the cherry tree—this is the history lesson nobody saw coming! 🍒🤯 Would YOU want to know the truth? 👇😂 🎭 Catch the laughs with Mann on the Aisle! #MannOnTheAisle #GeorgeWashington #WeirdHistory #HistoryFacts #comedytheatre
As Palm Springs Pride organizers prepare for the annual celebration, one local organization is questioning the reasons why they won’t be allowed to participate. Our @newsbyalondra has the full story in the 5,6 and 11 p.m newscast.