College of the Desert’s spring musical production of The Phantom of the Opera took home a total of nine awards in various categories during the Desert Theatre League’s 2019 Desert Stars Awards on Sunday, October 13, 2019, at Sun City Palm Desert.
During the event, which recognized the top performances of the 2018-19 season in the desert empire region, the College’s Phantom of the Opera was the winner in every category it was nominated in.
List of Awards Received
Outstanding Production Cabaret/Revue
The Phantom of the Opera - In Concert - College of the Desert
Outstanding Director of a Cabaret/Revue - Professional
Michael Hadley - The Phantom of the Opera - In Concert - College of the Desert
Outstanding Musical Director of a Cabaret/Revue - Professional
Darlene Romano - The Phantom of the Opera - In Concert - College of the Desert
Outstanding Lead Male Performer in a Cabaret/Revue - Professional
Jason Livesay - The Phantom of the Opera - In Concert - College of the Desert
Outstanding Lead Female Performer in a Cabaret/Revue - Professional
Sara Elizabeth Combs - The Phantom of the Opera - In Concert - College of the Desert
Outstanding Lead Male Performer in a Cabaret/Revue
John Helms - The Phantom of the Opera - In Concert - College of the Desert
Outstanding Supporting Male Performer in a Cabaret/Revue
Raul Valenzuela - The Phantom of the Opera - In Concert - College of the Desert
Outstanding Supporting Female Performer in a Cabaret/Revue
Michelle Fiore - The Phantom of the Opera - In Concert - College of the Desert
Outstanding Lighting Design - Professional
Keith Smith - The Phantom of the Opera – In Concert – College of the Desert
The event also recognized College of the Desert’s Dr. Darlene Romano, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Romano joined College of the Desert's Music/Musical Theatre faculty in January of 1985 and has served the District as Fine Arts Division Chair, Associate Dean of Instruction and Chair of Arts & Media.
The Desert Theatre League is a nonprofit organization supporting theater in the low
and high deserts. It judges performances throughout the year and presents awards to
member groups, including most local theater producers.
Congratulations to all award recipients and all involved!