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The Piano Man in Rancho Mirage, and "On The
Air" at the Camelot Theatres
Posted by Nicholas Snow | March 14, 2016
Celebrities go “On The Airâ€​ to Benefit Dezart Performs
On The Air is a gala evening of live radio show classics, set for the Camelot Theatres March 17th at 7:00 p.m., all
to benefit the awarding-winning Dezart Performs.  Expect “a truly special theatre experience bringing neverbefore-seen, cutting-edge theatre to Palm Springs and all of the Coachella Valley.â€​
This popular event brings together a cast of celebrity performers recreating on stage some of radio's funniest and
most memorable shows from the 1940s and '50s. Complete with vintage microphones, "on the air" and "applause"
signs, the actors, musicians and sound effects crew will provide an unforgettable evening of uproarious
entertainment. Afterwards, VIP guests will be treated to an exclusive reception where they'll have a chance to
meet the show's stars.
Directed by Gregg Oppenheimer, this one-night-only event stars Gavin MacLeod, Joyce Bulifant, Steven Brand,
Ron Masak, Millicent Martin, Roger Perry, Melinda Peterson, Sal Mistretta, Lee Meriwether, Phil Proctor, Devon
Sorvari, Bob Bergen and Valorie Armstrong with Francesca Amari, Darci Daniels, Jaci Davis and Andrea McGuire
and hosted by Bob Hardt. Get your tickets while they last.
Meet the Man Behind Dezart Perform's Curtain (As recently featured in out "PS I love you because"
column)
Michael Shaw
My sources reveal, "MICHAEL SHAW (Producer, Artistic Director of DEZART PERFORMS) hails from southern Florida
where he worked as a professional actor. In 1987, he left the Miami sun for the west coast, and has called
California home ever since. In the 30 years as a thespian, Michael has performed in, directed and/or produced
over 75 productions including BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, THE FOREIGNER, AS IS, WEST SIDE STORY, THE
IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, MISALLIANCE and BRILLIANT TRACES. Before moving full-time to Palm Springs
in 2012, Michael lead a 15-year career in advertising and marketing as a designer and creative director in Los
Angeles. While visiting Palm Springs eight years ago, the idea of returning to his theatre roots and starting a small
company in the valley intrigued him. He co-founded Dezart Performs in 2008, the award-winning non-profit
theatre company located in downtown Palm Springs.
The cast of Dezart Performs’ production of the dark comedy THE RECEPTIONIST, directed by Michael.
Adina Lawson performs with Michael Shaw in the West Coast premiere of EXQUISITE POTENTIAL for Dezart
Performs.
Michael speaking at the Palm Springs Walk of Stars ceremony for Joyce Bulifant and Roger Perry.
Michael with Joyce Bulifant and Roger Perry at their Palm Springs Walk of Stars ceremony.
Photos in this story: Clark Dugger and Sharon Letz
As the Artistic Director of Dezart Performs, Michael has produced every production since its founding including
four West Coast premieres and three World Premieres. In 2014, the Desert Theatre League awarded Michael with
the 2014 Sidney Harmon Award for the advancement of theatrical excellence in the Coachella Valley. Michael
most recently directed the critically-acclaimed dark comedy THE RECEPTIONIST in November and the World
Premiere of the comedy-drama SUICIDE DOGS this past January.
Visit this link for more information about On The Air
Michael and his husband, Clark Dugger.
Clark Dugger and Michael Shaw’s wedding day, October 2008.
Michael says, "PS I love you because..."
1. of the sunsets and the mountains above this gorgeous valley. I look out my front door every morning
and evening to be greeted by something so stunning and breathtaking. It really is paradise here.
2. in this small and close-knit town, there is this desire to look after each other. My husband, Clark
and I have made many dear friends here in the valley, and would do anything for them. And I know that
it’s mutual. We feel very fortunate. I so appreciate being a part of a community that takes care of its
neighbors and residents.
3. this town allows me opportunities to get more involved in the things that I really want to, unlike a big
city where I either didn’t have the time or didn’t have easy access to things.
4. of your art and culture. There is nothing the Coachella Valley doesn’t offer from music, theatre, art,
cinema to photography and architecture. It’s all here. And there is so much talent!
5. there is never a dull moment here. If you ever find yourself sitting at home wondering what to do on any
given day, you need a hound dog. Among all the galas, entertainment venues, incredible dining experiences
and special events, there is so much to do here. Just look around you! Hiking the many trails, exploring
downtown, volunteering, walking through the fabulous neighborhoods or sitting peacefully in the many
family-owned coffee shops provide residents and visitors great opportunities.
Michael handing out flyers during the Gay Pride Parade.
Sing Us a Song, The Piano Man...
Sing us a song for free?  Yes!  You’re in for a treat this week, as talented J. Scott Beaty presents a free
concert in collaboration with Rancho Mirage Public Library.Â
It’s all happening March 16th at 7 p.m., but
arrive early for a good seat!
Scott has been a pianist with the McCallum Theatre for over 19 years. Originally from Rochester, New York, Scott,
whose mother was also a pianist, began playing the piano at the age of three.
After studying music and theater in college, Scott began a six-year stint playing the piano at the Ritz-Carlton hotel
in Austin, Tex. Relocated to the Palm Springs Ritz-Carlton as their high-tea pianist, Scott’s first day included
playing the piano for Ruby Keeler, who became a good friend. The late actress Loretta Young adopted Scott as
her personal pianist.
When the Palm Springs Film Festival first began, Scott was asked to join the festival playing the piano for VIP
events. He was with the festival for 10 years. He has had the honor of playing for stars, former President Gerald
Ford and Betty Ford, and was invited to play at Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration.
Along with his duties at the McCallum, Scott is working on his certification for the Dalcroze Eurythmics, a method
of teaching music that is especially beneficial for developmentally disabled youth.Â
Scott Beaty is an
accomplished musician who is well-known and beloved throughout the Coachella Valley and around the world. He
is just as comfortable with performing Berstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Gershwin, Cole Porter and local desert
composer, Jerry Herman. More info.Â
Find Your Favorite Happy Hour
There's never a shortage of Happy Hours in the Coachella Valley.  Discover them with our Happy Hour Finder!
Hot Deals in the City
Getting up to 50% off at some of your favorite places by in our Hot Deals section! Â More info.
No Need for FOMO! (Fear of Missing Out)
In addition to those we’ve highlighted above, there are hundreds more events listed here.
Compiled by Nicholas Snow from a variety of sources.
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