by June August

Bravo to Dezart Performs for bringing A Case For the Existence of God--a thoughtful, intense, and sometimes unsettling play--to the Coachella Valley. From season to season, Michael Shaw and Clark Duggar have consistently raised the bar in the quality and content of their programming. The current production, directed by Michael Shaw, is no exception.

In a stunning, 90-minute duologue, we see two men, about to lose everything they hold dear, struggle to rationalize their fears.  Caught in a maelstrom of inevitable defeat and hopelessness, they reach out to each other for support and understanding. The acting is seamless.

Ryan (Jacob Alden Roa), a straight white man, and Keith (Dennis Renard), a gay black man, meet at the day care center where they leave their toddlers. Ryan is trying to buy a 12-acre plot of land that once belonged to his family. He wants to build a house where he can raise his daughter.  With just enough for a minimal downpayment, Ryan is desperate for additional financing. Learning that Keith is involved in real estate loans, Ryan seeks his help.

The relationship begins with a misunderstanding. Keith must clarify that he is not a lender; he is only a broker who explores possible sources of loans. Ryan is a poor credit risk. Stuck in a dead-end, low-paying job, he is also in the middle of a custody battle. Keith has a good job, but his personal life threatens the adoption of his foster daughter. As they both face declining prospects for the future, they discover a common bond.

New York reviewers called this play a must-see, and I am willing to apply their comments to the Dezart production. The technical crew consists of Clark Dugger (Producer and SoundDesigner); Paul James Tenaglia (Production Stage Manager); and Jimmy Cuomo (Set designer).

 A Case For The Existence Of God will run for five more performances, on Friday, November 10th at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, November 11th, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, November 12th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Performances are at the Pearl McManus Theater, in the Palm Springs Woman’s Club, 314 S. Cahuilla Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262. To purchase tickets, call the box office from Tuesdays through Fridays, from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m., at 760-322-0179, ext 1, or buy them online at the Web site, www.DezartPerforms.org. Dezart, as a 501(c)(3) organization, welcomes donations, either through the Web site, or by mailing to Dezart Performs, 611 S Palm Canyon Drive Suite 7538, Palm Springs, CA 92264. 

 Photography by David A. Lee

The last performance of Dezart Performs’ 2023-24 season consists of:

 Mr. Parker (April 12 – 21), a drama written by Michael McKeever, whose play Daniel’s Husband was the sell-out sensation of Dezart’s 2020 Season.  Directed by Randy Brenner, the play finds 54-year old widower Terry Parker adjusting to a newly single life after the loss of his partner of 30 years.