Plaza Theater announces Icons Event in December
Jesus Reyes
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Plaza Theatre announced Palm Springs Icons, a grand opening celebration honoring the legacy, artistry, and enduring cultural impact of eight extraordinary figures whose work has shaped Palm Springs and beyond.
The one-night-only event takes place Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., and proceeds will benefit Arts Teach Kids, supporting arts access and education for young people across the Coachella Valley.
Created exclusively for The Plaza by Scott Coulter’s Spot-On Entertainment and produced in partnership with the Plaza Theatre Foundation, Palm Springs Icons will pay tribute to a remarkable inaugural class of honorees: Lucie Arnaz, Michael Childers, Paul Feig, Michael Holmes (and The Purple Room), Larry Luckinbill, Trixie Mattel, Brian Ray, and Frank Sinatra.
Designed as a signature annual event, Palm Springs Icons honors individuals whose artistry, innovation, and influence have become woven into the cultural fabric of Palm Springs. This intimate, elegant evening will blend storytelling, video, live musical moments, and special guest appearances, celebrating each honoree’s unique contribution to the city’s identity and creative history.
The event will be hosted by the renowned Billy Stritch, the acclaimed composer, arranger, vocalist, and jazz pianist.
Tickets are on sale now and available via palmspringsplazatheatre.com.. Guests are encouraged to secure seats early for this special inaugural event.
“Palm Springs Icons is exactly the kind of celebration The Plaza Theatre was restored to host,” said John Bolton, SVP, Oak View Group and GM, Plaza Theatre. “This inaugural class represents the heart and soul of Palm Springs: the artists, innovators, storytellers, and trailblazers whose impact reaches far beyond our city. We’re honored to welcome them and thrilled to share an unforgettable evening with our community.”
2025 HONOREES
LUCIE ARNAZ
Lucie Arnaz is an Emmy-winning producer, celebrated actress, and acclaimed musical theatre performer whose career spans television, film, and Broadway. Known for her breakthrough role on Here’s Lucy, she went on to star in Broadway hits including They’re Playing Our Song, Pippin, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, as well as the Golden Globe–nominated film The Jazz Singer. She continues to champion her family’s legacy while building her own remarkable artistic imprint.
MICHAEL CHILDERS
Michael Childers is an internationally recognized photographer and producer whose work spans fashion, theatre, film, and fine arts. A founding photographer for Interview and After Dark, he has created more than 200 magazine covers and 150 album covers, with his photography held in prestigious collections including the National Portrait Gallery, Palm Springs Art Museum, LACMA, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. His celebrated retrospectives, award-winning documentary work, and decades-long artistic contributions make him a pillar of Palm Springs cultural history.
PAUL FEIG
Paul Feig is a DGA-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, writer, producer, author, and founder of Feigco Entertainment. He most recently directed and produced Another Simple Favor, starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, which premiered as the opening night film at SXSW Austin and became the #1 film on Prime Video for several weeks. Up next, he directed and produced The Housemaid, based on the bestselling novel by Freida McFadden and starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, and Michele Morrone, set for theatrical release by Lionsgate on Christmas Day. His films — including Bridesmaids, Last Christmas, The Heat, Ghostbusters, Spy, and A Simple Favor — have collectively grossed more than one billion dollars worldwide. Feig is also the creator of the award-winning gin brand Artingstall’s and the author of the cocktail book Cocktail Time! published by William Morrow.
MICHAEL HOLMES & THE PURPLE ROOM
A beloved entertainer and impresario, Michael Holmes has revitalized the legendary Purple Room, the storied supper club once frequented by the Rat Pack. Known for his long-running hit The Judy Show, Holmes blends musical mastery, comedic brilliance, and improv flair, channeling icons from Judy Garland to Bette Davis. Under his leadership, The Purple Room has become a premier destination for live music, classic Palm Springs glamour, and unforgettable nights out.
LARRY LUCKINBILL
Tony-nominee and Emmy winner Larry Luckinbill is a distinguished actor, playwright, and director whose career includes acclaimed performances on Broadway, in film, and on television. Known for his one-man shows portraying figures such as Ernest Hemingway, Clarence Darrow, and Lyndon B. Johnson, as well as his memorable role as Sybok in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. Also a celebrated journalist, Luckinbill has contributed to The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, American Theatre Magazine and Esquire.
TRIXIE MATTEL
Trixie Mattel is a globally recognized drag performer, singer-songwriter, comedian, entrepreneur, and “Skinny Legend.” Winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 3, Trixie is a chart-topping recording artist, successful touring act, bestselling author, cosmetics mogul, and half of the massively popular Trixie & Katya comedy duo. Her cultural influence, humor, and artistic reinvention have made her a modern entertainment icon.
BRIAN RAY
Brian Ray is an acclaimed guitarist, bassist, singer-songwriter, and musical director who has been a key member of Paul McCartney’s touring band since 2002. Before joining McCartney, he spent 14 years performing with Etta James and went on to collaborate with artists such as Smokey Robinson and Shakira. A solo artist and member of the rock band The Bayonets, Ray also serves on the Board of the Plaza Theatre Foundation.
FRANK SINATRA
An undeniable Palm Springs legend, Frank Sinatra’s contributions to music, film, and local community life remain a defining part of the city’s heritage. His presence and legacy continue to shape the cultural identity of Palm Springs, making him an essential inclusion in the inaugural class of Palm Springs Icons.