Public Record, The: Pitching a tent? You betcha

Talk about short-fuse planning....

Dick Taylor, a seasoned Palm Springs entertainment producer, has announced plans to stage a cirque-themed show in a new tent-type venue in downtown Palm Springs during the 2005-06 tourist season that begins in November.

Taylor, who has produced a variety of shows in casinos, nightclubs and other venues for nearly 40 years, said the project will cost about $2 million and be funded by unidentified private investors.

The venue, a heavy-duty tent-like structure with seating for 1,000 customers, will be called the Pavilion Theater. The proposed site is a section of Desert Fashion Plaza, a virtually vacant downtown shopping mall just off Palm Canyon Drive. Taylor said mall owner John Wessman has agreed to clear the site by demolishing one on-site building. Taylor said the agreement calls for Wessman to lease the space to him for $1 annually.

"We're excited about this entertainment addition to downtown and about the number of people it will bring in for the merchants and the restaurants," said Wessman. "This is one way we can assist as we work to help re-create a vibrant downtown."

Such a project would appear to be a significant initial step for Wessman in reconfiguring the mall to turn it into a profitable enterprise. Plus, in the big picture, the mall is seen as a critical factor in an equation that would revive downtown Palm Springs, which has been hit by numerous business closings and reduced foot traffic in recent years.

Taylor said he plans to stage eight shows a week, combining matinee and evening performances, from Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 24-27) through April. The show format would combine a variety of acts including jugglers, clowns, dancers, stilt walkers, flying acrobats and gymnasts. Ticket prices are likely to start around $25 or $30 and go up to $60 or $70.

Taylor said he was encouraged by the success of a cirque extravaganza called Balagan which he created and produced for the January grand opening of Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio. There were 13 performances.

"Cirque-style entertainment is one of the most popular forms of live performances in the country today," said Taylor. "The success of Balagan is a clear indication to us that we will do well with this style of family entertainment in downtown Palm Springs."

Palm Springs Mayor Ron Oden represented the city in discussions regarding the venture.

"Although this is certainly not something that's a cure-all for downtown, it will put another entertainment venue in that sector," said Oden. "And it's a prime location, at the mall. It should bring people to downtown Palm Springs and therefore assist stores by getting more foot traffic in the area."

The announcement surprised some downtown insiders, partly because of what looms as a tight schedule to keep for a November opening. There's also risk for those who are planning to fund the project.

"We've put our finances together intelligently, but there is a risk," said Taylor. "We're going to look to the cooperation of businesses downtown. as well as the Chamber of Commerce, to support us. We hope the community does, too."