Desert Entertainment with Tod
Desert Theatricals Announces 2026 Season at Rancho Mirage Amphitheater Featuring Into the Woods, Sister Act and Man of La Mancha
Desert Theatricals is getting ready to open its eighth season at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater with a lineup of Broadway-inspired productions, new seating upgrades, and opportunities for performers of all ages.
The 2026 season will begin with Into the Woods in October, followed by Sister Act in February and the classic musical Man of La Mancha to close out the season.
“We open the season with Into the Woods,” said Desert Theatricals leaders Josh Carr and Ray Limon. “Then we’re following that with Sister Act, which is going to be a lot of fun, and we’re closing with Man of La Mancha.”
The upcoming productions will feature Broadway and national touring talent, including Katrina Terrell and Lizzie Sosnick in Into the Woods. Terrell previously performed in Desert Theatricals’ production of South Pacific and was part of the national tour of the show.
The season finale, Man of La Mancha, will star Charles Herrera and Anne Fraser Thomas, who has performed on Broadway and was part of productions including Titanic and Queen of Versailles.
Auditions Coming to Desert Theatricals
While some roles have already been cast, Desert Theatricals is still looking for performers for upcoming productions.
Auditions are scheduled for the end of August, with opportunities available for additional roles in Into the Woods and Sister Act.
The company is especially searching for an actress to play Dolores Van Cartier in Sister Act, a demanding role that requires strong acting and vocal ability.
New Seating Experience at Rancho Mirage Amphitheater
Fans attending Desert Theatricals performances will see changes at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater this season.
The venue is moving to reserved seating, allowing guests to select their seats online before attending shows.
Organizers say the changes will eliminate long wait times and provide a more comfortable experience, including new chairs and table seating options with bar service available.
Tickets are already selling quickly, especially for Saturday night table seating.
New Variety Series and Community Theater Programs
In addition to the main theatrical season, Desert Theatricals will present a variety series featuring performances inspired by entertainment legends.
The lineup includes a Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald Christmas show, a variety hour-style performance featuring music from artists like Bob Hope, Dean Martin, and the Andrews Sisters, and a closing performance featuring Eden Espinosa, a two-time Tony Award nominee known for her work in Broadway’s Wicked.
Desert Theatricals is also continuing its commitment to youth theater programs.
After recently presenting Peter Pan through a partnership with the Library and Observatory Foundation, the organization plans to stage The Lion King Jr. in November and potentially Finding Nemo in the spring.
Children ages 7 to 17 interested in performing are encouraged to audition and participate.
Desert Theatricals’ eighth season promises Broadway talent, classic musicals, and expanded opportunities for performers throughout the Coachella Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
July 23, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
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) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber