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Lucie Arnaz To Introduce Riveting Plaza Theatre Presentation During Modernism WeekCaptivating Talk Showcases Newly Restored Historic Theatre and Traces Its Rich Hollywood Past
Emmy award winning entertainer and producer Lucie Arnaz will introduce a lively and enchanting presentation about the significant Hollywood history of the newly restored historic Plaza Theatre in Downtown Palm Springs during Modernism Week in February. The event, Hollywood Meets the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre: A Multimedia Journey, will transport participants to the golden age of Hollywood and Palm Springs, revealing the remarkable story of how the Plaza Theatre helped shape this iconic desert getaway. This will be the first Modernism Week event to take place in the restored theatre and will provide a rare opportunity for the public to view the masterful restoration. The 1.5-hour dynamic presentation will take place on Friday February 20, 2026 at 9:30 am. Tickets are $125, and a include hardcover copy of the newly published book Desert Dream to Silver Screen: The Story of the Historic Palm Springs Plaza Theatre by Catherine Graham and Jim Cook. Tickets may be purchased at modernismweek.com.
The event will start with an introduction by Hollywood royalty Lucie Arnaz, daughter of actors Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who will share rarely seen home movie footage of the construction of the Arnaz-Ball family home designed by midcentury modern architect Paul R. Wiliams in the Thunderbird neighborhood of Rancho Mirage in 1954. Arnaz will also share other priceless home movie footage of her family's life in the early days of Palm Springs.
Following this, renowned historian and showbiz expert Jim Cook will take the audience on an engaging journey through the rich history of the Plaza Theatre, illustrating how Palm Springs earned its reputation as the ultimate "Playground of the Stars” by recounting the many connections between Hollywood and Palm Springs. The visually stunning presentation will feature rarely seen videos, exclusive interviews, and captivating archival photographs from the Palm Springs Historical Society, Library of Congress, National Archives, California Library System and the Academy of Motion Pictures.
“We are so pleased to offer all Modernism Week guests a rare opportunity to hear about and see the Plaza Theatre’s incredible past while observing first-hand the magnificent restoration of the iconic building,” said Plaza Theatre Foundation President J.R. Roberts. “The Plaza Theatre played a crucial role in the early evolution of the city, including star-studded film premieres, beloved radio performances, and twenty-three seasons of The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. The book that is included with the ticket chronicles this history and details the inspiring restoration of the theatre that has preserved this important cornerstone of Palm Springs’ cultural history.”
Following the presentation, there will be a post-show discussion with Cook, Arnaz, and Roberts about the exciting Plaza Theatre restoration and its vision for the future as a centerpiece of downtown entertainment. For more information, go to modernismweek.com.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, United States, California 92262
Tickets
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