Dezart Performs

Jamie Pierce is both “John" & "James” In LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! They are identical twins; “John” is a composer and the dance accompanist for Gregory’s dance company. His demeanor is one of simmering anger and general disdain. “James,” his twin, is gentle, introspective and emotionally open and courageous. Jamie is an Ovation Award-nominated actor whose theatre credits include, Los Angeles: PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT (Celebration Theatre), CAROUSEL (Musical Theatre West), DREAMGIRLS (5-Star Theatricals), URINETOWN (Coeurage Ensemble). New York: THE MUSIC MAN (Helen Hayes Theatre), BROADWAY DANCES (with Karen Ziemba). Regional: EVITA, PETER PAN, PHANTOM (Pioneer Theatre). TV/film credits include, THE FAMILY BUSINESS (BET/Netflix), THE CON (ABC), 79TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS and the title role in the multiple award-winning independent queer film, BILL. See John/Jamie and the rest of the cast in LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! April 9–19. Tickets at dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.

Jason Mannino of Stage and Screen writes about Dezart Performs' LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!: "A moving revival that transforms urgency into reflection without losing its emotional core. Director Philip Wm. McKinley guides this revival with a beautiful, fluid rhythm that makes the nearly three-hour runtime feel like a summer you’ve actually lived through rather than just watched. He gets incredible work out of this ensemble." Tickets at dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179. Photos by David A. Lee.

Stephen Radosh of Gay Desert Guide writes, "Every member of the cast gives a performance that is honest and rings true. Moments of confession are not polished; they tremble. Moments of conflict are not explosive; they bruise. This is a truly sensational ensemble company." "Philip Wm. McKinley’s superb direction wisely resists the temptation to modernize the play into something it isn’t. Instead, the production honors its 1990s setting while emphasizing its timeless emotional stakes. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to feel the weight of 3 weekends that changes everyone present." The show runs from April 9 through the 19th. Tickets at dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179. Photo by David A. Lee.

Michael Shaw is “Perry” In LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! "Perry" is Arthur’s partner. He’s a confident, emotionally grounded businessman who challenges Arthur to claim his independence and self-worth. Michael is the Founding Artistic Director of Dezart Performs. His professional acting career began in Miami at age 22 in the first regional production of AS IS, following its Broadway premiere. He has appeared in more than 35 regional and summer stock productions, including A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, WEST SIDE STORY, MAN OF LA MANCHA, RABBIT HOLE, and THE FOREIGNER. As an actor, he was last seen as Daniel in Dezart Performs’ critically acclaimed DANIEL’S HUSBAND, which received four Desert Star Awards, including Outstanding Drama, and he is deeply grateful for the opportunity to return to the stage in this production of LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!—an experience that has reminded him of the immediacy, vulnerability, and joy that first drew him to the theatre. Michael made his professional directorial debut over 20 years ago and has since directed more than 45 productions. Recent highlights include FAT HAM, GRAND CONCOURSE, and A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD, for which he received the 2024 Desert Star Award for Best Direction of a Drama. His production of EUREKA DAY became the highest-selling show in Dezart Performs history. His productions of THE MOUNTAINTOP and the Pulitzer Prize-winning SWEAT also earned top honors for Outstanding Drama and Direction. As a producer, Michael oversaw the gala opening of the new Dezart Playhouse, including WEST SIDE STORY IN CONCERT. Additional producing credits include WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME and MR. PARKER, both Desert Star Award winners. He is a 40-year member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, and holds a BFA from Florida State University. See Michael and the rest of the cast in LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! April 9–19. Tickets at dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.

Meet the Cast: Matt McConkey as “Arthur” In LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! "Arthur" often seen as the “nice one” and the stabilizing force in his 14 year relationship with Perry. he is a shy, socially awkward accountant. Matt has performed on LA stages including Upright Citizens Brigade, Dynasty Typewriter, Largo, Hudson Theatre, Comedy Central Stage, Atwater Village Theatre and more. TV: AMERICAN AUTO, MARRY ME, HAPPY ENDINGS and the award-winning short THE HOUSESITTERS (now streaming on Screambox). Matt was also a recent guest on Bravo’s WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE to promote his podcast AND JUST LIKE MATT. Training: NYU/Tisch School of the Arts, Stella Adler Conservatory (NYC) and Steppenwolf West. Catch Matt and the rest of the cast in LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! April 9–19. Tickets at dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.

Tim Frangos is “Bobby” In LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! “Bobby” is a blind, gentle, loving person, who is appreciative of his life and surroundings, often exploring he and his lover Gregory’s country home by touch. Tim (he/him) is a recent MFA Acting graduate from University of California, Irvine. He has performed across Southern California with companies including Center Theatre Group, A Noise Within, Kingsmen Shakespeare Company and Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum. Favorite roles include ROMEO AND JULIET (Romeo), THE CIDER HOUSE RULES (Homer Wells) and AIRNESS (Shreddy Eddy). Tim also holds a BA in Theatre and Pre-Law from University of Southern California and trained at the British American Dramatic Academy in Oxford. See Tim and the rest of the cast in LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! April 9–19. For tickets, go to dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.

Oscar E. Fabela performs as “Buzz” In LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! "Buzz" loves musicals, particularly comic ones, and injects a much-needed element of humor and passion to the play as a whole. As well as volunteering at his AIDS clinic, Buzz also makes costumes for Gregory's company. Oscar is an award-winning Mexican-American artist from South Texas, now residing in Los Angeles and a proud Scholar and Legacy Artist of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts. Graduate of UCLA’s School of Theater and The British American Drama Academy and awarded the Golden Globes Acting Fellowship. Other theaters include: South Coast Repertory, Guthrie Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Latino Theatre Company, PCPA, Edinburgh Fringe and REDCAT. Some notable voiceover work includes: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Paramount+, HBO and Audible: including the ODYSSEY, NEWBERY HONOR and SOVAS Award Winning MEXIKID. When not acting, Oscar teaches performance and acting at UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television. @oefabela See Oscar and the rest of the cast in LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! April 9–19. Tickets at dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.

Meet the Cast: Chris Carranza as “Ramon” In LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION As a dancer, “Ramon” represents a younger, uninhibited, and somewhat disruptive force. He adds a dynamic, artistic, and sometimes unpredictable energy to the group at Gregory's country house. Chris’ regional credits include Short North Stage (OH), Mill Mountain Theatre (VA), Creede Repertory Theatre (CO), Mountain Theatre Company (NC), Palace Theatre (NH). Locally, he has performed at The Plaza Theatre, The Bent, Revolution Stage Company and Dezart Performs (GRAND CONCOURSE, WEST SIDE STORY). Additional credits include ALTAR BOYZ, THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST’S WIFE, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, DOG SEES GOD and IN THE HEIGHTS. Featured vocalist with Oceania Cruises in his solo cabaret, CABARET CARRANZA. Instagram: @chrisduhfer_ See Chris and the rest of the cast in LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! April 9–19. Tickets: dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.

Meet the Cast: J. Stephen Brantley as “Gregory." In LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!, "Gregory" is the group’s warm and generous host — the owner of the lakeside house where the friends gather throughout the summer. A successful choreographer, Gregory is thoughtful, supportive, and deeply devoted to his partner Bobby. While he often tries to keep the peace among his colorful circle of friends, he also carries a quiet anxiety about time passing and the fragility of the life and relationships he treasures. J. Stephen Brantley is delighted to make his Dezart Performs debut. His numerous stage and television credits include: ANNAPURNA, FAHRENHEIT 451, THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, MOPE, MURDER IN THE FIRST, OF MICE AND MEN, AMERICAN HORROR STORY, ANIMAL KINGDOM, FBI: MOST WANTED, GOTHAM, and LAW & ORDER, to name a few. Catch J Stephen and the rest of the cast in LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! April 9–19. Tickets: dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.

Presenting the seven-member cast of LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! directed by Philip Wm. McKinley, running April 9 through 19 at the Dezart Playhouse. For tickets, visit dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.

"It is not easy to truly move us to tears—but in this performance, [actress Aleisha] Force TRULY moves the audience,“ writes VJ Hume of CV Independent. "While she leads us through her complex story—and that of her son, and that of the 500-year-old statue—we become her, and we travel her journey. We feel what she feels, and we totally understand it. This is a rare and extraordinary experience. To give you an idea of how emotionally exhausting (in a good way) Force’s performance is, I could not get up when the play was over. That has never happened to me before.” Tickets at dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179.

"Suffice it to say, that if you enjoy thought-provoking, intelligently written, wonderfully directed and amazingly acted theatre, do not allow yourself to miss DESTROYING DAVID," writes Stephen Radosh of Gay Desert Guide. Tickets at dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179. Runs through March 8th. Photos by David A. Lee.