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Doves Cry as ‘Icons and Idols’ Celebrates Music Greats, Jan. 18, 201

Susan Stein Social Scene

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Finale with the Musical Theatre University "NextGen Broadway" students.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY LORETTA VLACH

The late, great Prince, Janis Joplin, George Michael, and Freddie Mercury were celebrated onstage at the Richards Center for the Arts as part of Michael Childers and Frank Goldstin’s “Icons & Idols” show, a benefit for the Palm Springs Unified School District’s arts programs.

Four performers brought new life to the songs of these legends: Mary Bridget Davies played Janis Joplin, Von Smith was Freddie Mercury, Jake Simpson was George Michael, and Rogelio Douglas Jr. was Prince.

For the show’s finale, students from the Musical Theatre University at Rancho Mirage High School joined the performers (and the audience) in a rousing version of Michael’s anthem “Freedom.”

The concert continues the Palm Springs Unified School District’s Grab Your Seat naming initiative — enabling members of the community to name a theater seat, gallery space, or other building amenity in a loved one’s honor — which is part of an ambitious five-year fundraising campaign for arts education.

Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School
2248 Ramon Road
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760-778-0407
richardscenter.com