Tennessee Williams’ powerful and iconic portrayal of love, lust and loneliness
 
Theatre 29 continues their 24-25 season with Tennessee William’s “A Streetcar Named Desire” opening February 28 for a 3-week run. Generally regarded as one of the finest plays of the 20th century, the classic was written by Williams during a period of change in America after World War II. It was first produced and published in 1947 and the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for that year.  
 
After losing her home to creditors, Blanche moves in with her younger sister and brother-in-law, Stella and Stanley Kowalski. Undermined by romantic illusions, Blanche is unable to cope with life’s harsh realities. Though she finds a moment of hope in Stanley’s friend Mitch, Blanche cannot face the truth of her own troubled past and ultimately descends into madness.
 
Director and designer Gary Daigneault has crafted the production carefully to honor the playwright and pay homage to the American classic. His set, based on the original, is a two-bedroom apartment on the first floor of a building in New Orleans' French Quarter. The set is designed to allow the audience to see outside and observe the characters on the street. A special touch is a live street musician, master trumpeter Matthew Bennett, who provides both the ethereal theme of the show and the New Orleans vibe while perched on an onstage balcony.   
Making this a must-see production, the core cast is made up of working professionals who have recently moved to the desert and auditioned to hone their craft at Theatre 29. Leading the impressive cast is Bobbie Breckenridge as Blanche DuBois, Victoria Shupe as Stella Kowalski and Deacon Ledges as Stanley Kowalski. The cast is completed by Ronald Erickson as Mitch, Sharianne Greer as Eunice, Booker Harrap as Steve, Dennis “Easy” Boos as Pablo and Greyson Hayles as the collector. The ensemble is made up of Joe Rego, Laura Harwood, Britney Vachon-La Guardia, and Lula Allen.

Joining Daigneault on the production team is lighting designer Nena Jimenez (on a brand-new LED lighting system), sound design by Ron Bottorff and costuming by Tera Bottorff. The Stage Manager is Mike Lipsitz, Assistant Director is Cindy Daigneault and Cam D’Angeles is assistant to the director. Kevin Maddrey is the scenic artist with construction by Mark Van Horn. 

“A Streetcar Named Desire” will run for nine performances from February 28 – March 16, 2025, with a gala opening night hosted by the Twentynine Palms Rotary Club. Opening night tickets are available for $25.00 from the Rotarians, with some available by calling the Theatre 29 Box Office.

The Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:00pm, and the Sunday matinees are at 2:30pm. After opening night, Tickets are $20.00 for General Admission, Seniors and Military $17.50, and $15.00 for Students with ID, service fee is included. Because of mature themes the show is not recommended for children under 16. Tickets are available at theatre29.org or by calling the Theater 29 Box Office at 760-361-4151.
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Theatre 29 was founded in 1999 and is an all-volunteer, non-profit Community Theatre organization. Donations are being actively sought and will be greatly appreciated.
 
Photo:
Deacon Ledges as Stanley Kowalski in the Theatre 29 revival of The American classic “A Streetcar Named Desire” opening February 28th (Cindy Daigneault photo)

The Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms recently welcomed two newcomers to their ranks. Dann and Emily Rothwell came to Twentynine Palms in of April of 2024, and became members of the Club in January 2025. They bring a background in art, music, and community event planning. 

Emily has a background in caregiving and tutoring for special needs children & young adults, while Dann has a longstanding career in the specialty coffee industry. They moved to Twentynine Palms with plans of opening a sit-down coffee shop “Kooks Café” downtown. Dann recently launched Twentynine Palms' first skateboard shop, Escapade, located inside Corner 62 downtown, and plans to offer an all-ages skate school.  

The 29 Palms Rotary Club, established March 15, 1948, is the oldest service club in the Morongo Basin. Dedicated to community service, they meet Wednesdays at noon at the Little Church of the Desert Meeting Hall. 

Photo:
From Left, Rotary President PJ Welch, Inducting officer Gary Daigneault, Dann Rothwell, Emily Rothwell, and sponsor Matthew Finnegan. (Rotary Club Photo) 

Almost 200 riders set off in the pre-dawn darkness for the latest JT 55 bike ride Saturday, Feb. 1. They left from Knott Sky Park on their way to Key’s View in Joshua Tree National Park and back. Rotary 29 volunteers were waiting at Key's View with snacks, pickle juice and encouragement.