Playhouse to produce benefit performances of HEROES May 24-25 for Veterans Artist Residency program
In HEROES, by Gérald Sibleyras and with English translation by Tom Stoppard, the story of three WWI veterans living in a nursing home for old soldiers in France in the summer of 1959 is hysterically told by the talented cast of three professional actors, including Barry Cutler (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, AN ACTOR’S CAROL, SHYLOCK, TUNE-IN FOR CHRISTMAS), Howard Shangraw (RED, THE RED PRIEST: EIGHT WAYS TO SAY GOODBYE, GOING TO A PLACE WHERE YOU ALREADY ARE) and Patrick O’Neill who is making his HDCC debut. Old war injuries, a masochistic nun, a daring escape plan, and a stone statue of a dog, what could possibly go wrong in this gentle comedy of friendship, old age and glory days long gone past?
Proceeds of these special benefit performances go to support artists’ residencies with the Charles J. Evered House–Artist Residency for Veterans. In Southern California near Joshua Tree National Park, the artist residency venue is specifically meant to serve veterans who are artists. The CJE House is a program division of Hi-Desert Cultural Center.
“The sound of HEROES is the sound of a direct theatrical hit.” – EVENING STANDARD
“Achingly funny… Line by beautifully delivered line the play
proves wonderfully entertaining.” – THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
HEROES plays May 24 and 25 at 7:30 pm. The play is rated PG 13. Doors open one half-hour prior to the performance. Tickets range from $12 to $40. A cash bar is available prior to each performance and during intermission.
To purchase tickets or for more information on the Hi-Desert Playhouse, visit www.hidesertculturalcenter.org, call 760.366.3777, email info@hidesertculturalcenter.org, or visit the Hi-Desert Cultural Center Box Office in person weekdays from 1-5 pm at 61231 CA-62 in Joshua Tree. The Hi-Desert Playhouse is a program of Hi-Desert Cultural Center, a GuideStar “Gold Status” non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves as the regional visual and performing arts organization and arts agency for the communities of Joshua Tree National Park.
PHOTO CAPTION (FROM LEFT): Actors Howard Shangraw, Barry Cutler, and Patrick O’Neill will star in two special performances of HEROES to benefit the Hi-Desert Cultural Center’s Charles J. Evered House—Artist Residency for Veterans program.
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ABOUT HI-DESERT CULTURAL CENTER
With its multi-venue performing and visual arts centers located in Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley, California, the Hi-Desert Cultural Center (HDCC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation (Federal Tax ID# 23-7425816) that has been serving as the regional performing and visual arts organization and arts agency for the gateway communities of Joshua Tree National Park for more than 50 years. The Cultural Center owns and operates its own performance venues and facilities and produces award-winning community and professional live theater, concerts, art exhibits and galleries, festivals, the Joshua Tree Philharmonic symphony orchestra, a master chorus, an artist residency for veterans, an extensive educational arts and technology academy program for youth and adults, and more. The Cultural Center is the largest and oldest non-profit arts organization in the region with several million dollars in assets, employing over 30 full-time and part-time employees, and with an annual budget exceeding half-a-million dollars. Having achieved GuideStar Gold status and recognized as an organization of artistic excellence by the National Endowment for the Arts, it instructs over 700 adults and youth weekly and operates a significant financial aid and scholarship program so that no children are turned away from programs due to their socioeconomic situation. Learn more at: www.hidesertculturalcenter.org
