The Plaza Theatre in Downtown Palm Springs has played an impressive role in the history of the City. The theatre’s iconic identity was established on its opening to the public in 1936 with the world premiere of the Oscar-winning George Cukor film, Camille, with its legendary star, Greta Garbo, who allegedly slipped into the back of the theatre after the lights went down. In addition to being a movie theatre, it was also the venue for nationally-broadcast radio theatre programs by such luminaries as Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, and Amos ‘n’ Andy. In its later years, the theater was home to the critically acclaimed and revered “The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies,” a salute to the vaudeville shows of days past – and all the performers were 55 years and older!

 

The historic theatre was granted a Class 1 (Landmark) status in 1991 by the Palm Springs City Council, which protected the building from being altered from its original design. Over the decades, the Plaza Theatre deteriorated, so the City of Palm Springs acquired the building in 2015 with the condition to maintain its operation as a performing arts venue. The Plaza Theatre Foundation was established to raise funds in order to support the City of Palm Springs’ effort to fully restore the historic theatre.

 

The goal is to prepare this one-of-a-kind community facility for its “Next Act” by replacing or restoring most systems, installing new seats, sound, and lighting, adapting the structure to meet current ADA requirements, and providing the theatre with modern facilities needed to provide Palm Springs and the Valley with a venue accessible and affordable for everyone. As of January, 2024, the restoration project is now underway. A construction company was hired to oversee the comprehensive renovation of the historic building. The restoration work will take approximately one year to complete, allowing the Plaza Theatre to open in 2025.

 

When restored, the Plaza Theatre will be the only place available for the entire community to come together and utilize it as an affordable community venue showcasing diverse programming for all people, local youth organizations, promoting multicultural programming in film, music, live theater, education, comedy, and entertainment for all. The Plaza Theatre will once again become a major economic driver for the City, generating millions in economic activity and will bring hundreds of visitors and locals per week to the downtown to see quality entertainment.

 

To find out more, go to www.savetheplazatheatreps.com.