The upcoming performing season is highly anticipated at the McCallum Theatre. 

After the pandemic forced an extra-long intermission, the McCallum team is thrilled to announce marquee favorites including “Hairspray,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Jersey Boys” and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" on the calendar. 

"All sensational titles and surefire audience pleasures," Tony Jilek-Guidry, McCallum's new VP of Marketing, Sales and Guest Services said of its Broadway season lineup, noting that McCallum's Broadway return is nearly simultaneous with New York's. "We are also excited to have our National Geographic Live series return and are looking forward to presenting some of the finest female vocalists of all time."

Performances this year will include "Hairspray," "Jersey Boys," and many beloved others. | McCallum Theatre

Those vocalists include Patti LuPone, Vanessa Williams, Judy Collins, Kristin Chenoweth, Bernadette Peters, Linda Eder, LeAnn Rimes, Melissa Etheridge and Storm Large.

Jilek-Guidry said he is most looking forward to the vocalist Linda Eder, having been a fan ever since she starred as Lucy in "Jekyll and Hyde" with Theatre Under the Stars, but added that patrons can't go wrong with any of the performances on the books this year. 

"I cannot wait to see Bernadette Peters," added Yvonne Bell, the theatre's new VP of Development. "She is an extraordinary interpreter of work from some of Broadway’s finest composers."

Drawing the curtains for the first time in a long time, Jilek-Guidry explained that McCallum wanted to plan a season that would both appeal to longtime McCallum fans and attract new audiences. 

"We have put together a 'greatest hits' season featuring artists that are beloved by McCallum audiences and also love performing at our venue including The TEN Tenors, Pink Martini, Chris Botti, Steve Tyrell, and more," he said. 

The VP joins McCallum after a long history of performing arts work, most recently the AudienceView Ticketing Company. 

"I came here for the opportunity to live in the Coachella Valley and work at my dream job at the McCallum," Jilek-Guidry said. "After 600+ days, I can’t wait to welcome our patrons back to the Theatre." 

Having spent the last 20 years in nonprofit theatre organization The Center Theatre Group, Bell says she is looking forward to working for one of the most well-respected performing arts venues in the country. 

"[My goals are] to share my love of the theater and performing arts with other people who have a passion for live entertainment and to help identify the role they can play in making it possible for the McCallum to continue its vital role as the Coachella Valley’s premier arts venue and provider of arts education opportunities to thousands of area youngsters," Bell said.

Tickets and schedules for McCallum's 2021-2022 season can be viewed at mccallumtheatre.com. 

About McCallum Theatre

Located in beautiful Palm Desert, California, the McCallum Theatre was introduced to the world by Bob Hope with a nationally televised concert on Jan. 2, 1988. McCallum Theatre was founded with the mission to provide desert residents and visitors a world-class performing arts venue diverse in its programming, patrons, and educational opportunities. The world’s best artists have appeared at the McCallum, the valley’s premier performing arts venue, ranging from rock and pop icons and dance legends to classical soloists and orchestras, as well as the finest Broadway shows and many of the most cherished stars of stage, screen, television, and song.