Voices soar at 'Desert Stars,' benefiting Desert Ensemble Theatre's education program
After the final note of her song — as cheers and applause echoed through the Palm Springs Cultural Center — Shay's Warriors founder Shay Moraga confessed to the audience that she hadn't sung on a stage since the first grade. She said she decided to take part in "Singing With the Desert Stars" because she wanted to support Desert Ensemble Theatre's (DET) education program while conquering her fear of singing in public.
During a benefit performance on Oct. 7, Moraga and five other talented singers (called "star contestants") were joined by six popular local professionals who served as coaches: Jeff Barnett worked with Jeffrey Norman, vice president of communications & public affairs for the McCallum Theatre; Darci Daniels coached Charles Huff, membership manager for The Center; Patrick Evans served as coach to retired dentist Joe Zakowski; Charles Herrera worked with Winston Gieseke, The Desert Sun's philanthropy and special sections editor; Lizzie Schmelling guided actress and singer Christine Tringali Nunes; and Leslie Tinnaro coached Moraga.
The contestants and the coaches each had a moment in the spotlight with songs ranging from Broadway classics ("I Could Have Danced All Night" from "My Fair Lady" and "The Impossible Dream" from "Man of La Mancha") to pop standards ("Wichita Lineman" and "The Summer Wind"). After the final performance, audience members cast ballots to support their favorite contestant.
When the voting was complete, DET Artistic Director Jerome Elliott Moskowitz announced that the winner — by one vote — was Nunes for her comic performance of "You Make Me Feel So Young." Nunes reacted with shock — which was followed by a big smile — as she received a trophy and sash. Each of the star contestants received two season subscriptions to Desert Ensemble Theatre's 2022-2023 season.
Conceived by Danny Kopelson, the benefit was produced by Kopelson, Moskowitz and DET Executive Director Shawn Abramowitz with musical direction by Constance Gordy. The evening included pre- and post-performance receptions catered by Eight4Nine.
DET’s education programs include an internship in which local high school students gain practical, on-the-job experience in technical theater. During its first 11 seasons, DET provided $21,000 in scholarships to 40 graduating high school seniors. Theater leaders note that several former interns are now working with DET as paid designers, directors and production staff. Others are employed elsewhere in the industry.
After performing, each star contestant shared the ways in which music has been part of their lives. They reminded the audience that a love of the arts — fostered at an early age — can become a lifelong passion.
A self-described "cancer thriver," Moraga tearfully told the audience that her experience with "Singing with the Desert Stars" had been "pure joy."
Her song from Disney's "The Little Mermaid" reflected the aspirations of the students who benefit from DET's education program and people of all ages who love music and theater. Whether performing on stage, working on shows behind the scenes or cheering from the audience, they all want to be "part of that world."
Learn more at desertensembletheatre.org.
Barbara Kerr is a freelance communication specialist with a passion for writing about people, the arts and special events. Inducted into the Dayton (Ohio) Area Broadcasters Hall of Fame, she is a past chair of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) College of Fellows.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 'Desert Stars' benefits Desert Ensemble Theatre's education program
