The newly restored Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs will reopen its doors to the public with a monthlong slate of shows, starting Monday with the “Opening Night Gala.”
“Wicked” actress Cynthia Erivo will headline the gala at 7:30 p.m. Monday at 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive. The Plaza Theatre’s restoration process began in March 2024.
Erivo is a Tony-, Grammy-, Emmy-award winner as well as a three-time Academy Award-nominated actress singer and producer. “Opening night at the Plaza is the moment we’ve all been waiting for,” said Senior Vice President of Oak View Group and general manager of the Plaza Theatre John Bolton. “We’re honored to welcome Cynthia Erivo for this milestone performance; it’s the perfect way to begin a vibrant new chapter in the Plaza’s story.”
Her one-night performance will feature Mark Meadows, the acclaimed jazz pianist, and music director, and the Palm Springs Pops Orchestra.
Every ticket will include a copy of her book, “Simply Moore: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much,” a commemorative ticket and a limited-edition poster created exclusively for opening night.
Actress Lily Tomlin will perform at 7:30 p.m. from Dec.2-4. Tomlin has received nine Emmys, two Tony awards, a Grammy, two Peabody awards, the Mark Twain Prize, the Kennedy Center Honor and SAG Lifetime Achievement honor, officials said.
She has starred in “The Late Show,” “9 to 5,” “The Incredible Shrinking Woman,” and Netflix’s “Grace and Frankie.”
The following day filmmaker John Waters will have his comedy revival show, “A John Waters Christmas,” at 8 p.m.
Other scheduled events will include the following:
— Palm Springs Symphony from Dec. 7-July 4, 2026;
— Comedian Fortune Feimster on Dec. 8;
— Palm Springs Icons on Dec. 8;
— Palm Springs Speaks series with Rob Reiner on Dec. 16, and
— Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus from Dec. 19-April 26, 2026.
Since 1936, the venue has hosted a variety of events starting with its opening night with the world premiere of the Oscar-winning film, “Camille,” starring Greta Garbo. It has hosted movie premieres and live radio shows featuring stars like Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Amos ‘n’ Andy, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.
The restoration began in March of last year under the management of Oak View Group and a partnership between it and the Plaza Theatre Foundation and the city of Palm Springs.
Additional events information and tickets can be found at www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com/events.