Palm Springs is preparing to mark a significant milestone for one of its most storied venues as actor Darren Criss is set to headline an anniversary concert at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre on December 1. The performance will commemorate one year since the historic theatre reopened its doors following an extensive $34 million renovation and will also serve to kick off the venue’s 90th-anniversary celebration.
Located at 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, the theatre underwent a substantial restoration effort that concluded with its reopening in 2025. This project brought the beloved venue back into operation after it had been dark for more than a decade. The extensive work was a collaborative undertaking, involving the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, Oak View Group, and the city of Palm Springs, all committed to revitalizing the historic space.
John Bolton, the venue's general manager, reflected on the theatre's return in a statement. Bolton noted that "a year ago, we brought the lights back on at the Plaza Theatre for the first time in more than a decade." He added that celebrating this moment with an artist of Criss's caliber, while simultaneously launching the theatre's 90th year, represents "exactly the kind of moment this theatre was restored for."
The Plaza Theatre’s history dates back to December 12, 1936, when it originally opened with the premiere of the film “Camille,” starring the legendary Greta Garbo. According to the theatre’s website, its 90th anniversary will officially fall on December 12. This concert serves as an early celebration of that landmark occasion, honoring nearly a century of cinematic and theatrical heritage in the desert.
Darren Criss brings a distinguished resume to the Palm Springs stage. He gained widespread recognition for his role in the television series “Glee,” and further cemented his acting prowess with a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for his compelling performance in "American Crime Story." Beyond the screen, Criss is also an accomplished Broadway performer, having received a Tony Award for his work in the musical “Maybe Happy Ending.” His multifaceted career, spanning television, film, and live theatre, aligns with the Plaza Theatre’s own diverse history as a hub for various forms of entertainment.
Tickets for the upcoming anniversary concert are scheduled to go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. Interested attendees can secure their spots by visiting palmspringsplazatheatre.com. The event promises to be a notable occasion for Palm Springs residents and visitors alike, marking a vibrant new chapter for a cherished cultural landmark.
