Author: Alfredo Casuso

media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Dezart Performs 12 Desert Star Awards:
Most Ever For Esteemed Palm Springs Company 

Winners Were Announced By The Desert Theatre League October 1
in Live Ceremony at Sun City Palm Desert

www.dezartperforms.org

3 October 2023 – Palm Springs, CA: Call it the “Little Theatre Company That Could” and does. Now in its 16^th season Dezart Performs of Palm Springs (www.dezartperforms.org) won a recording breaking 12 Desert Star Awards – the most ever for the company – including top prize for “Outstanding Drama – Professional for A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT AT THE MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER OF NEW YORK CITY and “Outstanding Comedy – Professional” for A BRIGHT NEW BOISE.  

“I am always humbled when not only our audiences but the Desert Theatre League judges acknowledge the quality of our work” said Dezart Performs Founding Artistic Director Michael Shaw. “And the fact that many of our awards were in the top main categories is particularly gratifying.” 

The complete list of “Desert Star Awards” winners for Dezart Performs are as follows:

Outstanding Production – Comedy – Professional
A BRIGHT NEW BOISE

Outstanding Production of a Drama – Professional
THE GARBOLOGISTS

Outstanding Director of a Comedy – Professional
Michael Shaw, A BRIGHT NEW BOISE

The Michel Cruickshank Award for Outstanding Director of a Drama – Professional
Michael Matthews, CHOIR BOY

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy – Professional
Eric Zak, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE…

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy – Professional
Nicole Delsack, A BRIGHT NEW BOISE

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama – Professional
Dennis Renard, CHOIR BOY

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy – Professional
Jacob Cherry, A BRIGHT NEW BOISE

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama – Professional
David Alan Madrick, CHOIR BOY

Outstanding Stage Design – Professional
Jimmy Cuomo, THE GARBOLOGISTS

Outstanding Props
Greg Thorneycroft, THE GARBOLOGISTS 

The Bill Groves  Award for Outstanding Original Writing
Lindsay Joelle – THE GARBOLOGISTS

Details about the upcoming 16th Season for Dezart Performs follow:

THE THANKSGIVING PLAY

A comedy written by Larissa FastHorse

Directed by Michael Shaw
November 3-5; 10-12, 2023

Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in Larissa FastHorse’s wickedly funny satire, as a troupe of terminally “woke” teaching artists scrambles to create a pageant that somehow manages to celebrate both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month.

“Hilarious. A cheerfully cutthroat production!”
– The New York Times

“Hysterically funny and brutally on target.”
– Forbes

“A hilarious envelope in which [the playwright] delivers a brutal satire about mythmaking, and thus, in a way, about theater itself.”
– The New York Times

*    *    *

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

A dramatic comedy written by Heidi Schreck

Directed by Craig Wells
January 19 – 21; 26 – 28

2019 Pulitzer Prize finalist
2019 Tony Award nominated, Best Play
2019 Obie award for Best New American Play
2019 Off-Broadway Alliance Award, Best New Play
2019 Drama Desk Award, Outstanding Play

Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful and achingly human new play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.

“…brilliantly crafted show, harrowing and funny and humane, that accesses the political through the deeply personal.”
– New York Magazine

“A highly entertaining, deeply informative and ultimately hopeful examination of the document that impacts every single one of us, every single day of our lives.”
– Chicago Sun Times

“This funny, tragic and deeply unsettling one-woman tour de force shows who the US constitution serve — and who it lets down.”
– The Guardian

*    *    *

A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

A drama written by Samuel D. Hunter

Directed by Michael Shaw
March 1-3; 8-10

2022 Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play

A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD unfolds in a cubicle where two seated people unexpectedly choose to bring one another into their fragile worlds. Keith, a mortgage broker, and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker seeking to buy a plot of land that belonged to his family many decades ago, realize they share a “specific kind of sadness.” At this desk in the middle of America, loan talk opens up into a discussion about the chokehold of financial insecurity and a bond over the precariousness of parenthood. With humor, empathy and wrenching honesty, Hunter commingles two lives and deftly bridges disparate experiences of marginality.

“Must-see heartbreaker of a play!”
– The New York Times

“Another extraordinary play by Samuel D. Hunter!”
– New York Stage Review

“Easily one of the best of the year!”
–The Wall Street Journal

“…one of the most moving new plays of the year!”
– TheatreMania

“‘A Case for the Existence of God’ Finds What Connects Us All and Holiness in Humanity.”– The Observer

*    *    *

MR. PARKER

A drama written by Michael McKeever

Directed by Randy Brenner
April 12 – 14; 19 — 21

At 54 years old, Terry Parker finds himself at a crossroads in his life. After the loss of his partner of 30 years, he finds himself suddenly single and unable to adjust to a world that has moved on without him. After a night of heavy drinking, he wakes up with a 28-year-old bartender-slash-Uber-driver. These two very different people begin a tentative relationship, and what starts out as a one-night stand becomes a journey of self-discovery for a man trying to let go of the past and move forward, while dealing with the pressures of being middle-aged, gay and alone in the ever-changing landscape of today’s America.

“A very intelligent, absorbing look at contemporary relationships and the conflicts that keep us all from aging with joy and peace of mind. This play is a real discovery!”
– Rex Reed

“The protagonist of this new play by Michael McKeever steps gingerly out of grief’s stasis and into the unknown.”
–The New York Times

media contact:  DP&A, Inc / David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Saturday, October 14 (1pm – 4pm) “Bloom to Harvest” in Union Square Highlights the District’s New “Bites and Bar” Boom

Bill Ortiz of Santana Fame Headlines Free Music Concert Food Trucks, Gallery Exhibits, Wine,Spirits, & Art Walk,
Pumpkin Give-Away and Inaugural “Bloomie Awards” Round Out Family Friendly Celebration

www.visitunionsquaresf.com

3 October 2023 – San Francisco, CA: Welcome Autumn: the real San Francisco summer.  This is the month when the weather heats up and arts, culture and culinary experiences take center stage, literally.  On Saturday, October 14 (1pm – 4pm), Union Square (www.visitunionsquaresf.com) celebrates fall with “Bloom to Harvest”, an afternoon of free music by the legendary Bill Ortiz, in-the-square dancing, food trucks, bar hopping, wine-sipping and even a pumpkin giveaway. Additional music will be provided by the band Rennea y Sus Amigos.

It’s a fitting grand finale to this year’s popular Union Square in Bloom campaign which brought over-the-top floral creations to area stores, restaurants and bars.  Recognizing the “best” of those floral creations will be the inaugural “Bloomie Awards”, a public award ceremony, dedicated to honoring the exceptional businesses that participated in Bloom.

“Union Square represents the region’s cultural identity. Where the past and future of San Francisco come to celebrate life’s most wonderful moments,” explains Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of Union Square Alliance. “The ‘Union Square in Bloom’ initiative has not just beautified our beloved square but enriched it, turning every block into a blend of cultural, artistic, and culinary narratives.”

A blend of traditional and contemporary, the event is a showcase of the district’s rich culinary scene, featuring iconic establishments like John’s Grill celebrating its 115^th anniversary and welcoming new entrants, such as Chotto Matte and Adriano Paganini’s Corzetti.  Add to that the news Chef Tyler Florence’s restaurant group, has been selected to revitalize two spaces within Union Square Plaza, and it’s clear that Union Square is in the midst of a “Bites and Bar Boom.” Chotto Matte, soon to be the largest restaurant in San Francisco with its rooftop overlooking the square , brings its acclaimed Nikkei Cuisine to the city, merging Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavors. Adriano Paganini’s Corzetti, inspired by the celebrated chef’s summers spent near Italy’s Ligurian Sea, brings yet another global flavor to the area’s already international culinary palette.

“Union Square continues to be a convergence point for culinary innovation and tradition,” says Laurie Thomas, Executive Director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association. “The addition of these new culinary gems is a clear indication that Union Square is a living, breathing culinary canvas.”

In contrast, John’s Grill, with its 115-year legacy, stands as a testament to the enduring charm and culinary excellence that has defined San Francisco. This historic establishment, known for its impeccable steaks and seafood, is not just a restaurant but a narrative of the city’s evolving yet enduring allure. And, for history buffs, it’s where Dashiell Hammett’s legendary detective “Sam Spade” raised a glass or three.

“Tourism in San Francisco is a sensory experience and one inextricably tied to the City’s rich history, like the legacy of John’s Grill,” says Alex Bastian, President and CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco. “Many of our cities most famous and iconic hotels are in Union Square, so what goes on here is a living postcard that our visitors take home with them; a delicious menu that they savor here and remember forever.”

Just as important, however, as offerings for visitors, is what the new restaurants, and renewed optimism in Union Square mean to locals, and to local businesses. Rodney Fong, President & CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, sees the combination of food, culture and street life as a pathway for economic revival.

“Every new restaurant, every event, it’s not just a celebration but a stride towards bolstering local businesses and ensuring that the entrepreneurial spirit of San Francisco continues to thrive,” says Fong. “It takes more than the worst pandemic in 102 years to keep San Francisco down. Union Square’s new vitality is a harbinger of this City’s economic recovery and renaissance.”

The program for “Bloom to Harvest” will feature an eclectic array of activities, including a Bar Garden, Food Truck, live performances, dancing, interactive games, family-friendly harvest festivities, an Art/Wine Walk and the first-ever Bloomies Awards.  Renowned for his sweet, full-tone and clear, assertive attack, Ortiz has solidified his position as one of the most sought-after trumpet players in the vibrant Bay Area music scene for over four decades.

Complimentary pumpkins will be given away while supplies last. Participants will have a five-minute time limit to explore the pumpkin patch select a pumpkin, and record Instagramable moments during the event.  Note: advance registration is required for specific time slots online at www.visitunionsquaresf.com 

The Bloomie Awards will recognize this year’s Bloom participants including the 33 Bloom locations and the 14 Union Square bars that added floral cocktails to their menu, totaling 30 beverages. 

At 4pm, following the concert,  the public is invited to embark on a Bloom to Harvest walk and experience art and seasonal drink specials from Union Square art galleries, bars, and restaurants. At each stop, attendees will collect stamps for a chance to win tickets to the Ice Rink, set to open November 1. At the end of the night, participants are encouraged to send a photo of their stamp card to @unionsquaresf on Instagram, or email it to info@unionsquarealliance.com with the subject line “Bloom to Harvest 2023” for a chance to win tickets to the ice rink.  Additionally, there will be a social media contest, with amateur-and-professional influencers making  sure to tag @UnionSquareSF throughout the walk at each venue, as winners will be hand-picked throughout the day to receive additional prizes.

Of course, no event in Union Square would be complete without our “ABCs”: Art, Bars and Cocktails. Participating gallery and bar venues, and their featured offerings, for the Bloom to Harvest celebration include:

• CK Contemporary: José Basso presents “Lucs del Sur del Mundo,” 5pm-8pm with the artist present. His serene yet intense landscapes strip nature to its essentials—light, air, space—incorporating human elements. Bold colors and fine brushwork enhance universal appeal. Layers of oil paint create shifting gradients. Bold horizon lines separate the human and metaphysical worlds. Basso’s work captures solitude, serenity, longing, and memory through haunting equilibrium, leaving representational naturalism behind.
• Sin Titulo:  Join Sin Título Gallery in welcoming the harvest season and enjoy the current art exhibit by Uruguayan artist Alejandro Rubio. We’ll be serving and featuring two Pinot Noir wines from California: Tributus from Carneros in Napa Valley and Ten to Life from the Sonoma Coast. Tributus is a sophisticated red wine with ripe cherry aromas balanced by flavors of strawberries, blackberries, and a hint of spice. Ten to Life is a red wine displaying aromas of sun-dried tart cherry, cinnamon, rose petals and red rock candy, backed by notes of graphite and black tea.
• Chateau Montelena – Tasting Room at The Westin St. Francis: $25 wine tasting served in a souvenir Montelena logo Riedel glass. One of the featured wines is the Estate Zinfandel; accompanied with a recipe card for the perfect fall pairing entrée.   
• Macy’s Wine Bar: Pumpkin Ale 
• The Westin St. Francis Clock Bar: Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
• Cafe Rito: Toasty Marshmallow Mocha Latte
• John’s Grill: Pear Martini

“Union Square truly is the heart of the City,” sums up Rodriguez  “After an obviously rough start to the decade, truly, now, I believe we’re ready to make it a new ‘roaring ‘20s.”

The Union Square in Bloom Summer Music Series is a collaboration between the Union Square Alliance, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, and the Office of Economic Workforce Development (OEWD) funded by their SF Live grant.

The Union Square Alliance serves members and creates a high-quality visitor experience by managing and activating public spaces, attracting new investment, and advocating for the District’s future success. Union Square is the vibrant heart of San Francisco and an international destination where visitors come to enjoy exceptional retail experiences, luxury hotels, world-class cultural institutions, and great public spaces found only in the City by the Bay. A lively 27-block community surrounding Union Square Park in the heart of San Francisco makes up the Union Square Alliance. It is generally bordered on the north by Bush Street, on the east by Kearny Street, on the south by Market Street and on the west by Taylor Street. For more information on the Alliance, go to www.visitunionsquaresf.com

Friday, September 29, 2023 

Contact: Mayor’s Office of Communications, mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org  

SAN FRANCISCO PAYS TRIBUTE TO SENATOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN 

San Francisco City Hall and other city buildings will lower the American flag to half-staff in honor of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein beginning Friday, September 29 through October 1. 

Additionally, residents and visitors are invited to sign their condolence messages in City Hall’s Fourth Floor South Gallery on Friday, September 29, between 12 and 4 p.m.  

We will not be able to accept mementos, flowers or other gifts. 

Mayor Breed’s remarks on the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein 

“Dianne Feinstein was an icon and a trailblazer. She was a fierce and unrelenting champion for our City, our State, and our Country.   

As Mayor of San Francisco, she bravely led this City out of dark, difficult times, lifting the spirits and hopes of so many who felt lost in the wake of tragedy. As the first woman to serve as Mayor, she showed everyone growing up in this city, including me, what could be accomplished by a strong and determined leader. Dianne Feinstein didn’t just break glass ceilings. She opened up new horizons. 

As a Senator, she fought for the health, safety, and prosperity of everyone in California and the United States of America. She was a fierce and principled national leader who never backed down from a fight, while also working across divisions to bring people together and make meaningful change.   

My sympathies and prayers go out to her entire family and all San Franciscans who loved and admired her. Her dedication to public service was only exceeded by her love for San Francisco, and this City loved her back. Her legacy as one of San Francisco’s true leaders will be admired for generations to come.  

Simply put, there will never be another Dianne Feinstein.”