The review giving this the ultimate score couldn't have been talking about the productions. The theatre itself rates maybe three stars. Most of the productions rate between two and three stars.
I don't care that they have a low-level union contract. The greater percentage of performers are non-union and many in fact are non-talented.
I've seen 10-15 productions there. Even held season tickets for a season. Went with friends who love the productions. I went to support a local arts organization.
Their production of ""Sweeney Todd"" rated well. Maybe 4-1/2 stars. A few of the performers in ""ShowBoat"" were far better than the rest of the production.
Palm Canyon Theater truly is a vanity theater. Family members own, direct, and in many case star. A question for the ages: How can an actress who was truly spectacular as Julie in ""ShowBoat"" be such a disaster as the lead in ""Hello, Dolly!""? Ego? Terrible direction? Poor concept? Yep, all of those reasons and considerably more.
I'd pass on this theater and its productions. Perhaps it's consider ""professional"" by the locals ... but not by theater-goers who love and appreciate good theater.
Its in the same league as a moderately effective Community Theater but without the charm and commitment.
Two thumbs down ... but Citysearch doesn't allow that type of rating.
Pros: Some good use of local and pseudo professional talent
Cons: Som poor use of local and pseudo professional talent
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