After an extensive restoration and years of silence, the historic Plaza Theatre is preparing to reopen as a central cultural venue in downtown Palm Springs. The nearly 90-year-old theater has been reimagined for a new era — equipped with advanced technology, a lean operational model, and a programming strategy focused on close-up performance and community collaboration.
On Wednesday, media guests toured the almost-complete renovation, getting the first look at a space designed to deliver an experience distinctly different from large-scale entertainment venues. With just 700 seats, the Plaza Theatre is positioned as the intimate counterpart within the Oak View Group portfolio, offering audiences a close connection to the performers and the architecture around them.
A Unique Role in a Global Network
Oak View Group manages hundreds of venues worldwide, including arenas, convention centers, and performing arts centers. The Plaza Theatre stands out as one of the most historically significant and character-rich facilities in that roster.
Its business model reflects its scale. Rather than pursuing large touring productions that require extensive crews and equipment, programming has been curated for artists who thrive in smaller spaces and whose touring operations align with the theater’s size and technical footprint. The result is a lineup designed to highlight the strengths of an intimate room and create an environment where both artists and audiences feel the benefit of proximity.
The reopening season begins December 1 with a gala performance headlined by Broadway and film star Cynthia Erivo. Despite its modest staff — just eight full-time employees — the Plaza Theatre anticipates a robust calendar comparable to much larger venues. In addition to touring performers, it will also serve as a dedicated home to several local and regional arts organizations. Among them: the Palm Springs Symphony, Gay Men’s Chorus, Modern Men, the Jazz Festival, Script-In-Hand with David Zippel, Modernism Week cultural programming, Pops at the Plaza, Arts Teach youth programming, and the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Restoration Rooted in History and Modern Functionality
The restoration carefully preserves the building’s architectural identity while addressing modern accessibility, comfort, and performance standards.
The lobby — once partially outdoors — has been expanded to create a shaded, enclosed gathering space suitable for pre-show hospitality. The seating count was reduced from 800 to 700 to meet upcoming ADA requirements and improve comfort and sightlines.
Technical improvements include a next-generation sound system and a high-end projection screen provided by the team behind Las Vegas’ Sphere. One of the most iconic interior features, the original hand-punched starfield ceiling, has been recreated using programmable LED technology. The new system replicates the historic night-sky effect while meeting today’s safety and building codes.
A Theatre With a Legacy
Since debuting on December 12, 1936, with the premiere of Camille starring Greta Garbo and Robert Taylor, the Plaza Theatre has been woven into the cultural identity of Palm Springs. During the 1940s, it served as a broadcast stage for some of the nation’s most popular entertainers and later became a local venue for major film premieres including My Fair Lady and The Music Man.
After decades of use and eventual decline, the theater was brought back to life in 1990 with the launch of The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, which ran for nearly 25 years and inspired the Oscar-nominated documentary Still Kicking.
A New Chapter for a Historic Gem
The newly restored Plaza Theatre represents more than a functional improvement — it marks the return of a defining cultural asset. With a programming strategy centered on artistic connection and a venue designed to celebrate intimacy, the Plaza is positioned to once again play a central role in Palm Springs’ artistic life.
Now ready for its next chapter, the theater stands as a rare combination of history, performance, and community — a place where every seat feels close to the moment.
The community will have its first chance to step inside during a public open house tomorrow, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can explore the restored theater through guided tours and experience live performances throughout the day, offering a preview of the kind of programming the venue is built to showcase. The event marks the beginning of the Plaza Theatre’s new chapter — not only as a performance space, but as a cultural destination once again open to all.
