Cynthia Erivo Reopens Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs With Bravura Performance, After Regaining Lost Voice in the Nick of Time: Concert Review

The historic Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs celebrated its grand reopening this Monday with a gala concert headlined by Cynthia Erivo, an artist whose career elegantly spans theatrical legacy and contemporary Hollywood. The meticulously restored 1936 venue, an atmospheric theater designed to resemble a starlit sky, has undergone a $34 million, two-year renovation to revive its original 700-seat grandeur. Erivo, a two-time Tony Award winner and Oscar-nominated actress soon to appear in the "Wicked" film, provided the perfect bridge between the theater's storied past and its vibrant new chapter.

Her performance was a masterful display of range, expertly calibrated for the intimate space. She moved seamlessly between the full force of the 20-piece Palm Springs Pops Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Parnther, and more nuanced passages with a quartet led by music director Mark Meadows. In a candid moment, Erivo revealed the show was nearly canceled after a recent vocal strain, telling the audience, "I believe that miracles happen." This sense of gratitude infused a setlist that included a powerful, aisle-walking rendition of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," directly engaging the captivated crowd.

A defining highlight was an ambitious, 11-minute improvisation on "Let Me Go," a 2019 neo-soul track by artist Mykal Kilmore. Following an initial powerful delivery, Erivo and pianist Mark Meadows embarked on a spontaneous, extended exploration that held the black-tie audience in rapt attention. This bold creative choice underscored the irreplaceable magic of live performance. As noted by music historian Dr. Alistair Chen, "Improvisation of this scale in a gala setting is rare; it signals a profound trust between artist and musician, transforming a concert into a unique, unrepeatable event." The segment served as a powerful testament to artistic risk-taking.

Erivo's commanding stage presence, marked by grounded, deliberate movement and moments of physical intensity, matched her vocal prowess. The evening culminated in a poignant encore medley, beginning with a reflective take on John Lennon's "Imagine" that subtly incorporated a tender phrase from "Defying Gravity." This was a clever nod to her upcoming role as Elphaba in the two-part "Wicked" film adaptation, the first installment of which premieres in November 2024. The concert thus celebrated a dual revival: the triumphant return of a cherished California landmark—a venue that once hosted legends like Frank Sinatra—and a performance that solidifies Erivo's place as a preeminent entertainer of her generation.