The curtain goes up Tuesday, Jan. 17, on the first showing of Coachella Valley Repertory's production of “Dirty Blonde” starring Tony Award-winning actress Cady Huffman.
“CVRep is excited to be able to start the new year with the exceptional talents within the cast of ‘Dirty Blonde,’” Executive Artistic Director Adam Karsten said in a press release. “It is the goal of CVRep to bring the highest quality, intimate theater to the Valley, and we are pleased to be able to do so with Cady, Bill and Joshua under the direction of Phil McKinley for this premiere production of ‘Dirty Blonde’ here in Coachella Valley.”
“Dirty Blonde” originally opened on Broadway in 2000 and was nominated for four Tony nominations, four Drama Desk nominations and won the Theatre World Award. Written by Claudia Shear and James Lapine, it has been described as a play with music, rather than a straightforward musical.
The Coachella Valley Repertory production of “Dirty Blonde” will be directed by Broadway veteran McKinley, and the cast will have Broadway experience in William Ryall and Joshua Morgan, the release said.
“Dirty Blonde” is about two lonely fans of Hollywood actress Mae West who meet and share their passion for her, as it examines West’s place in pop culture history.
According to the release, the CVRep production features set design by Jimmy Cuomo, costume design by Frank Cazares, lighting design by Moira Wilke and stage management by John M. Gallo.
Performances are at 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Jan. 17-22 and Jan. 24-28, with matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday. Following the show on Thursdays, there will be a free audience talkback where the audience can discuss the production with the directors and cast.
According to the release, tickets will cost between $58 and $73 and can be ordered online at cvrep.org, by calling CVRep at 760-296-2966, ext. 115, or visiting the CVRep box office at 68510 East Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City.
Coachella Valley Repertory is a nonprofit, professional theater that stands out as the only theater in the Coachella Valley with Small Professional Theatre status with the Actor's Equity Association, a national theater union, the release said.