Cynthia Erivo Opens Newly Restored Plaza Theatre

The historic Palm Springs Plaza Theatre officially reopened its doors in a high-profile celebration led by Tony and Grammy Award–winning performer Cynthia Erivo. Taking the stage, Erivo delivered a powerhouse performance that filled the newly renovated theater with electric energy, captivating the audience with her signature emotional depth and vocal brilliance. The sold-out opening night gala, priced at $1,250 per ticket, marked the first major event inside the theater since its completion of a $34 million restoration.

Erivo, dressed in a leopard-print gown and backed by a full live orchestra, brought star power to the long-anticipated unveiling. Her performance was met with standing ovations, solidifying the Plaza Theatre’s return as a premier entertainment venue in Palm Springs.

But while the night glittered with prestige and excitement, the celebration has also spotlighted a growing divide in the community. Many working-class Palm Springs residents say that the reopening feels more symbolic than inclusive, given that the very people who helped fund the renovation through public dollars were priced out of attending.

The Plaza Theatre has long been considered a cultural anchor for the city, a place where locals once gathered for films, community events, and entertainment. The massive taxpayer-supported renovation was widely accepted as a historic preservation victory and an investment in the city’s future. Yet last night’s opening reinforced fears that the venue’s new chapter may cater more to wealthy patrons and visitors than to the community that surrounds it.

Residents expressed frustration that the first event in the publicly funded theatre came with a ticket price entirely unattainable for most families. Some worry this sets the tone for the kind of programming the Plaza Theatre will prioritize — glamorous galas, upscale performances, and experiences tailored to affluent demographics.

Community leaders and cultural advocates argue that the theater now has an obligation to build a calendar that reflects Palm Springs’ diverse population, including affordable shows, local artist showcases, youth programming, and events centering the city’s historically marginalized neighborhoods. Without this commitment, they fear the Plaza may become another downtown attraction built with public dollars but inaccessible to the public.

The opening made one thing clear: the Plaza Theatre is back, restored, and ready for the spotlight. What remains to be seen is whether its future will also shine on the residents who call Palm Springs home — those who deserve a seat inside as much as anyone in the gala audience.

As the theater enters this new era, many locals are hopeful that the dazzling opening is only the beginning of a more inclusive and community-centered cultural revival.