McCallum Theatre For the Performing Arts

Since its opening in the late 80’s we have been fortunate to see a plethora of performers like Ray Charles, Minnie Ripperton, Michael Franks, Sheryl Crow, Barry Manilow, Jake Shimubukuro, Kenny Loggins, Al Jarreau, Chris Botti, Ottmar Liebert, as well as the Broadway series which included Avenue Q, 42 St., Mamma Mia, Chicago, Jersey Boys, Spamalot etc.
Over the years we have seen dancing groups, from all over the world, Opera singers, the Italian Venice Baroque Orchestra, even Ikzak Perlman in this intimate theatre that seats less than 1200. There really isn’t a bad seat.
Although it was remodeled, I kind of miss the old dated mauve original interior. Haven’t quite accepted the yellow coat of paint yet. Parking is abundant & free and exiting is a breeze. Cocktails in the lobby before and during intermission.
Check out Open Call’s amazing local talent each April. Consider contributing to the Aesthetic Education Program benefitting local students in the Coachella Valley. Read the names engraved on the arm rests of the founders seats like Gerald & Betty Ford. Support our beautiful local theatre.

I recently went to the box office to purchase tickets (1:30) in the afternoon and the box office was closed. There was a sign with the limited box office hours (4:00−8:00 one day, 11:00 — 3:00 another) with a sign stating tickets can be purchased online. I then went home and bought the tickets online. I, unfortunately, bought tickets for the wrong night (my bad). I then went to the box office to exchange the tickets. Of course at the time I went they were not open. I reviewed the sign to see what their hours were that day (4:00−8:00) and subsequently went back during their open hours.
I was told by the lady at the window I could not exchange the tickets because i bought them online. Had I bought them at the box office I could but since I bought them online I can not. Her logic was that the online link could have been forwarded multiple times (doesn’t that logic follow whether or not I exchange the tickets). The tickets have my name printed on them.
I feel this is horrible customer service from a business that has limited hours/​ability to purchase tickets from the box office. I am very disappointed in a theatre I have patronized many times in the past.

Since I’ve seen Chicago, Stomp, Lord of the Dance, Swan Lake, Chris Botti, Blue Man Group (I’m sure I’m forgetting some other performances), and finally Riverdance for the second time last night, I figure it’s about time I write a review. Heck I’ve even been on that stage myself for a nursing pining ceremony.
The only seats I’ve sat in were in the orchestra or the box seats to the side and I was pleased with both. For the best viewing experience, I prefer orchestra seats no father than row J and box seats only if they are the lower level and in the middle. I’m shorter than average but being able to see the stage has never been to big of a challenge for me. The seats aren’t in an ideal position if you happen to be behind someone extra tall but I’ve always managed to enjoy the show.
The woman’s bathroom was clean and spacious. Plenty of stalls to keep the line going. Plenty of sinks are available and a separate, well lit vanity area available as well. The backstage bathrooms I had access to before weren’t nearly as impressive.
The reason I didn’t award all five stars is because it’s not my favorite theater layout. The rows are so close together and it’s a challenge to get by and let people by. Please remember to take full advantage of intermission because walking the narrow pathway in front of people in the dark is a challenge I wouldn’t want to face. Also the small stage will never be able to support larger productions that we get to enjoy in L.A. Still… I do appreciate the charm of the McCallum and hope to visit again soon.

Update… we bought replacement tickets and went to the performance, an effort was made by the ticket office manager to at least acknowledge our mixup. I bumped up from one star to two. Pippin was amazing and it was a great evening — despite my first review: Such a bummer! We had purchased three tickets to Pippin months ago and had been looking forward to another great even at the McCallum. We were completely surprised on the evening of the performance to discover our tickets were for two nights prior — we had missed our evening. Yes, our fault. However when I called the box office the response was -«you had your tickets and missed your performance.» Really? I knew this! How about «We are so incredibly sorry that the date got mixed up — we apologize but there is nothing we can do on this end». Simply not great customer service — our tickets were well over $ 300 — at the minimum a bit more compassion would of went miles and miles. Hopefully management reads this and implements some effective customer service training and appreciation.

Barry Manilow was fantastic! Amazing !

Not a bad seat in the house. We have a great time every time we go. I take the kids and we have amazing experiences that we talk about all the time. Plenty of parking and everyone is so helpful. Even when having 3 kids with me, I never feel rushed or that we’re an inconvenience. Great, great place.

Absolutely a wonderful experience every time we come here! Love the staff and the productions are awesome. I did however wonder why somebody brought a standard poodle to the ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ show… I saw him or her in the foyer just before curtain time and at the very very end I heard a woof… so I guess he or she liked the show too!

My second time here seeing Linda Eder and both experiences were excellent. This time we had a box seat nearest the stage. Viewing the show was superb from the box. Perfect sound system and the whole place is very nice. Beautiful fountains and landscaping outside. Ease in ticket will-​call and theatre assistants were friendly and helpful. Large parking lot and ease entering and exiting. A great venue in the desert.

From easy parking, to great seats comfortable, to an intimate setting for any kind of concert or play. McAllum has it all. We went Thursday night to see the desert symphony. We were in the 10^th row center very nice acoustics. The Desert symphony was excellent playing dining in the rain to big band music. The couple that danced were also excellent. I would defiantly come to this venue again.

Saw Guys & Dolls at 2pm on Valentine’s Day. Everything was great except the AC was blasting. Thus we were thinking about how cold we were the whole time instead of having our full attention on the musical itself. The musical was great, really funny, & most of all entertaining. The AC was the only problem.

Here to see «It’s Magic» with our daughter, who is here from Cold & Snowy Michigan. Looking forward to a nice afternoon. This turned out to be a very fun afternoon. The magicians were Awesome. Even from the box seats, we couldn’t figure out how they did their tricks. We had a wonderful afternoon. Next time they come back I will be at the at the ticket window, buying seats for the box seats !
Dana Daniels was a great host too

This is my second year visiting Palm Desert and the McCallum Theatre is a huge draw. Last year we saw Man of La Mancha and it was spectacular. The sound and acoustics are amazing in this space. This year we’ve seen Argentine Tango and the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain and still to see Guys and Dolls. It is a great venue with a wide variety of shows which change constantly. I highly recommend viewing a show here.

We were here tonight for the Peter White holiday jazz concert — Peter White, Rick Braun, and Mindi Abair.
We sat in the third row right of center, orchestra. Lots of leg room. The seats are all connected so when someone in your row shakes, rattles, and rolls, the whole row shakes. Almost got motion sickness at times.
Hubby felt had we sat further back, the sound might have been better. However, the big pro of sitting in the third row showcased the artist’s musicality for us. Also, by sitting close, we felt the artists connected with the audience as it’s a small stage.
Plenty of free parking.

Beautiful venue.
We traveled in from near Ontario Airport to see the start of Alton Brown’s variety show. The show itself was fun; the theater was comfortable and well-​appointed.
My wife partook of libations from the bar outside; they were quick and made a good drink for her.
I’d be willing to visit again, were they to have a show that caught my eye.

We were lured here because of our adoration of Alton Brown, known for his gosh darn funny, educational «Good Eats» series on Food Network. An unforgettable one night show full of antics, stories, a few choice Alton Brown composed songs (on guitar), puppetry, scientific food experiments, Bessie the Cow, in-​the-​refrigerator shots, lab coats, bow ties, audience participants, and quick thinking come-​backs. All so much fun, as he always is! And it certainly helped having this theatre as the venue.
He is one of many celebrities and entertainers that have come to the Mc Callum Theater. Something about the Palm Springs element seems to lure great talent. Looking at their 2013 – 14 season calendar filled me with awe. Such diversity, featuring such entertainers as Willie Nelson, Lily Tomlin, Shirley MacLaine, Cesar Millan, Spanish guitar music, Chinese acrobatics, Russian ballet, operas, musicals, jazz, and so much more. I must keep an eye on their future engagements!
This theater is located on the campus of the College of the Desert, but is far from austere and uncomfortable.
The seating? I can see how other reviewers emphasized there is not a bad seat in the house. Nothing too high, too far back, no poles in the way, and gradual elevation so nobody’s big head can ruin your view. Also, great lighting, excellent acoustics and audio, and clean. I am particularly entranced by the box seating and balcony sections, and will think about getting one up there next time, now that I know.
Prices? Alton was $ 55 each for us. Not bad. And he commanded a full house. Of course, it varies with the celebrity, but if you buy directly from the theatre website rather than going through a ticket agency, you will avoid a large mark up. And you can print your tickets in the comfort of your own home, if you wish.
Parking? Not bad at all. Free. Even if you came really late, you would not need to walk that far. Easy in, easy out again.
And even though it is a 1 ½ hour drive for me, it is not that bad. Let’s say the 70 mph speed limit didn’t hurt either, (but really, only old ladies do 70 anyway). Surrounded by the timeless charm of the desert oasis Palm Springs, the surrounding rugged mountains and windmills, the excellent cuisine, we could not help but have a wonderful time. Ahhh, Palm Springs, you have found yet another way for me to love you.

Such a beautiful venue! We drove from San Diego to see Jesse Cook perform and were pleasantly surprised by the location.
+ Ample, FREE parking … there was no issue leaving, either. By the time our group left the theatre, there were only three cars left in the lot (ours)!
+ Great acoustics — phenomenal sound. Even when the boys went acoustic for the encore songs, we were able to hear them all the way up in the balcony.
+ Well laid out — the balcony seating was fantastic and offered great views from any seat in the house.
+ Lobby has a bar area if you’d like to grab a beverage and hob nob before the show (or during intermission).
+ Bathrooms were huge and super clean, stocked with fresh flowers and hand lotion.
+ No photography or videotaping allowed in the theatre. They have guards at every entrance making sure of this…(grumble grumble)…
Overall, beautiful venue we look forward to visiting again.

I attended a concert last night at our local McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts. For those of you not familiar with it, our theatre brings in some really big name performers. Last night it was KD Lang… she really packed the house! If you arrive early for a performance you can have a cocktail in the lounge and listen to live music. Afterwards, no long departures in a crowded parking deck, you just walk out to the surface lot to your car. One of the many pleasures of desert living!
Diane Buckingham, real estate agent

My wife and I went here to see Mamma Mia this past weekend.
At 24 years old, the theatre is, sadly, beginning to show its age. It’s generally pretty clean, but it is definitely tired. For the best example of this, walk upstairs and take a look at the macramé mural that runs nearly the entire length of the facing wall. This may have been the zenith of interior design at the time, but now it screams «1970s!»
I am happy that they serve adult beverages before the show and during intermission, but at $ 7 a pop, I would expect that the beverage wouldn’t be served in a small plastic cup. Not really what I would call «high brow.»
The musical itself was just okay. Some of the performers had excellent voices, but sadly, some were a bit off-​key. I had never seen Mamma Mia, but I was surprised at how sparse both the lighting and the sets were. Perhaps they’re planning a run of «Waiting for Gadot,» and don’t want to have to change things up too much.

Went back here again last week to see Kathy Griffin.
Still love this theatre.
The parking it free and really easy in and out!
We got invited backstage for a ‘meet and greet’ with Kathy after the show.
How awesome… and FUN to meet Kathy in person!
She has been coming to McCallum every year in February.
You should go next time.
Great show… and Holy Fcukballs she is funny!

I have been to this theatre twice and I will definitely be back. They have well-​known artists, national tours of Broadway shows, educational events/​performances, and the theatre itself is, well, pretty fantastic. It’s beautifully built and holds well over 1000 people. There are box seats, a balcony (or two) and it is clear it is run professionally, with a smart, helpful, organized staff and crew. Do yourself a favor and be sure to check out an event or two (or ten) at the McCallum.