McCallum Theatre — Attraction in Palm Desert

Way back in April I bought tickets for my family to see Jake Shimabukuro. My wife is from Hawaii and had seen Jake perform back in the 90s with his band, Pure Heart. My daughter (8) has been taking ukulele lessons and she’s been watching videos of Jake online, getting inspired by such a talented musician. Needless to say, we’ve all been looking forward to this for almost 8 months. As we neared the entrance to will call, we were rapidly approached by several security officers asking if our daughter was vaccinated. We said she wasn’t and were immediately told she cannot enter and that the rules that the Board of Trustees have put in place require all patrons to be vaccinated. My daughter burst into tears and we were all devastated. Immediately a full refund was offered but it was so heartbreaking as my daughter cried in disappointment. I understand this is a private business but to have such strict, unwavering and unethical requirements for children is just too much. Shame on the Board of Trustees for moving at such a glacial pace in lifting their COVID protocols. Even at a time when the CDC categorizes the threat in Riverside County as “Low”. Needless to say, we won’t be returning here. Be warned that you and your families will not be allowed in if any one of them is...

This two-star rating is given solely in recognition of the outstanding work by the cast, crew, and backstage personnel involved in the recent production at McCallum Theatre. Their professionalism, courtesy, and behind-the-scenes dedication were exceptional and deeply appreciated.

However, the experience with the back office staff was notably disappointing. Several individuals carried themselves with an air of superiority and dismissiveness. It felt as though some people’s presence was viewed as an inconvenience, rather than being welcomed as part of a collaborative effort. Basic engagement—such as asking questions, offering support, or simply existing in the space—seemed to bother them, as if others were beneath them or unwelcome.

This attitude contradicts the foundational values of respect, teamwork, and shared purpose that productions like this are built on. A successful event requires humility and cooperation at every level—on stage, backstage, and behind the scenes. While the hands-on staff clearly upheld those principles, the back office presented a sharp and...

We had mobile tickets to see the Grinch that stole Christmas on November 2, 2025. When we arrived 45 minutes before the show, we were advised they were unable to scan our mobile tickets and would have to get in line which was around the block to get a paper ticket. We both have mobility issues so we had to wait until the line was short enough to proceed. As we stood in line way past show time, we were motioned in without a paper ticket after an employee wrote down our mobile ticket number. Once we got in to our box seats we had missed 30 minutes of the show that started on time even though many off us were still outside waiting to get in. As a result of this mess, we found two people in our seats as we arrived. They were seated in seats one and two which is totally obstructed to the stage. We had three and four. These folks figured we weren't coming and decided to take our seats. They moved. Very disappointed in McCallum. They relied on technology to expedite arrivals but not prepared to regroup when their scanners...