The Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs, California originally opened in 1936, but it hasn't shown movies in many years. The historic movie theater reopened recently after an extensive restoration project.

Located at South Palm Canyon Drive and East Tahquitz Canyon Way on the western edge of Palm Springs, the theater reopened December 1, 2025 with a live musical performance by Cynthia Erivo, who currently stars on the big screen in Wicked: For Good. She was joined by Mark Meadows and the Palm Springs Pops Orchestra. The performance was fitting, given that it appears the theater will be hosting live performances as well as movies going forward.

The Los Angeles Times covered the theater's return in an article recently (see below). It interviewed J.R. Roberts, president of the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, who wanted to make it clear that this was not a remodeling project, but rather a restoration: "If we walked in here in 1936, this is exactly what it looked like, down to every color, every detail, every light."

Restoring the theater to its 1930s state was likely an act of love, for both the theater building and for the community that gets to enjoy it. The article mentions that there are two differences that guests may notice. There is now an LED screen behind the stage and the seats are red instead of the previous white leather coverings.

Showtimes

Movies were last shown in 1991, and movies are coming back to the historic theater, if only on a limited basis. The next movie showings are Camille on December 12 and a sing-along of White Christmas on December 24. The former showing is appropriate, as it was the first movie that played at the theater when it opened in 1936.

We're hoping to publish their showtimes when they are showing movies, so keep an eye on the Showtimes page for the Plaza Theatre for updates! Until then, you can visit the theater's website and social media channels for more information.

Related News Articles

• A desert theater’s comeback: Palm Springs historic treasure reopens after $34-million renovation -- Los Angeles Times [Dec. 9, 2025]
• Exclusive: Palm Springs Plaza Theatre grand reveal -- News Channel 3 [Nov 19, 2025]