November 9th, 2024

Unwanted Laughter

by award winning, internationally acclaimed playwright

Marty Martin

This three-character, two-act play, features the region's most talented and skilled actors: Yo Younger in the role of Tallulah, Jason Mannino as Tennessee, and Sonia Boyd Reavis as Tallulah’s understudy, Sandy.

In the summer of 1956, a potentially historic production of Tennessee Williams’ classic drama A Streetcar Named Desire starring the irrepressible Tallulah Bankhead is on the rocks. Her portrayal as Blanche Dubois draws laughter from the audience during the play's most sensitive scenes. Desperate, a special rehearsal has been called for the hard-drinking, savagely competitive pair to solve the problem. Unfortunately, it isn’t faring any better, as together, these bitingly hilarious old friends face the brutality of aging after a lifetime of excess in what could prove to be their last bid for triumph.

Although the play occurs at the legendary Coconut Grove Theater in Miami, Florida, Tallulah and Tennessee were not strangers to Palm Springs. From the 1920s and throughout the 1950s, Greta Garbo, William Haines, Liberace, Rock Hudson, Tab Hunter, Cary Grant, and Eartha Kitt, to mention a few escaped the rigors of the studio system’s strict contractual Morals Clause to live authentically behind the verdant walls of their estates and bungalows.

In the context of Streetcar Named Desire, Unwanted Laughter promises hilarious wit and heartbreaking insights into the lives of two of America’s legendary thespians during a time of sexual repression and legal jeopardy.

This fundraising event is scheduled to benefit the Museum of Ancient Wonders, the LGBTQ+ World History Museum, and Temple Isaiah's LGBTQ+ Twice Blessed Program.

Check back for more information on how to purchase tickets.

Click here to read a letter Tennessee Williams wrote to the New York Times on March 4, 1956 reviewing Tallulah's performance in Streetcar Named Desire.

Tallulah Bankhead and Tennessee Williams

Return to Palm Springs for one night only

November 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.,

Temple Isaiah Community Center

332 W. Alejo Road - Downtown Palm Springs

January, 2025

Join MoAW and the LGBTQ+ World History Museum at V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar in Palm Springs for our first event of 2025.

Come have a drink, a bite to eat, dance to the live music, meet friends old and new, and support MoAW and the LGBTQ+ World History Museum.

Check back for more information on the date and how to purchase tickets. See you there.

March, 2025

The Necessary Luxury Company

The Necessary Luxury Company, a one-woman show about Alice B. Toklas and her life with her partner Gertrude Stein. Written by award winning playwright Marty Martin, this captivating show was first performed in Palm Springs in November 2023 and stared beloved actress Barbara Kerr.

Check back for more information on this developing event including date and location.

See you there.