Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs Historical Society
Nestled in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, the Plaza Theatre has been a beacon of entertainment and culture since its grand opening in 1936. As it prepares to reopen its doors in December 2025, this beloved venue is in the midst of a historic restoration effort – one that’s being fueled by the passion and generosity of the community. Here are some fascinating facts and ways you can be part of its story.
A Star-Studded Inception
The Plaza Theatre made its debut with the world premiere of the Oscar-nominated film Camille, starring Greta Garbo. Legend has it Garbo quietly attended the screening, slipping in unnoticed after the lights dimmed. It was an unforgettable beginning for what would become one of Palm Springs’ most cherished landmarks.
A Hub for Hollywood Icons
Through the years, the Plaza Theatre became a hotspot for celebrities and national entertainment. It hosted live radio broadcasts featuring Bob Hope, Jack Benny, and Bing Crosby, and welcomed performers like Frank and Nancy Sinatra to its stage, further cementing its place in the city’s golden age of glamour.
The Fabulous Follies
From 1991 to 2014, the theatre was home to The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, a popular vaudeville-style revue celebrating the music and dance of the 1930s to 1950s. The cast featured performers aged 55 and older, including Guinness World Record-holder 85-year-old Dorothy Kloss (the world’s oldest showgirl).
A Unique Architectural Experience
The Plaza Theatre was designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and features an atmospheric interior that transports you to an old Spanish village under a starry night sky. This immersive design helped make each performance an experience beyond the stage.
The Restoration Journey
When the Plaza Theatre closed its doors in 2014, its future was uncertain – but the Palm Springs community wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Residents, city leaders, and dedicated supporters stepped up to preserve this historic gem. Among them was Frasier co-creator and Hot Purple Energy client David Lee, whose generous contribution helped propel the campaign toward the $20 million+ that has been raised.
On A More Personal Note
At Hot Purple Energy, the Plaza Theatre restoration isn’t just a cause we support – it’s personal. Our CEO, Nate Otto, has deep family ties to the theatre’s history through close family friends to Earl Strebe and his family. Nathan’s grandfather played a key role in many of the Strebe family’s construction projects and was even in charge of the La Plaza and Plaza Theatre renovation in the 1960s. One of the most cherished family stories is of Nate’s grandmother sitting beside Albert Einstein one evening at the theatre – just one example of the theatre’s iconic past.
Today, those connections continue through the generosity of our HPE clients, many of whom have given their time, resources, and leadership to the revival of the theatre. Whether serving as board members, volunteers, or sponsors, the dedication of our community (and HPE family) is both touching and inspiring.
Double Your Impact
The Plaza Theatre isn’t just a building – it’s a piece of Palm Springs history. And right now, there’s an opportunity to be part of its comeback.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of (HPE client) Brad Prescott, who has pledged a $500,000 matching gift, we now have the chance to double the impact of every donation.
Thank you, Nate Otto
C.E.O. Hot Purple Energy