WHEN THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS
(AND IN THE ART WORLD)
For a limited engagement, Kevin Rolston brings his darkly whimsical Deal with the Dragon to the Palm Springs Cultural Center, and it’s a thrilling, compelling reminder of how a single performer can conjure an entire world onstage.
Written by and starring Rolston, Deal with the Dragon is part twisted fairy tale, part psychological thriller, and part biting satire of the art world. Under M. Graham Smith’s crisp direction, Rolston nimbly shifts between three sharply drawn characters: a desperate artist, a zealous protector of the creative spirit, and a flamboyant rival fighting for a coveted spot in a museum exhibition. Each character is vividly distinct, and Rolston’s performance crackles with energy, humor, and an undercurrent of menace.
The show is at once wickedly funny and emotionally charged. Rolston’s script is full of barbed wit and unexpected turns, making the audience laugh even as it hints at shadowy truths beneath the surface. His performance is a masterclass in precision, timing, and the power of suggestion—whether embodying an anxious artist or channeling the sly, manipulative energy of the titular “dragon.”
The staging is as lean as the script is layered. A simple stool and a few lighting shifts (designed with subtle flair) are all Rolston needs to draw the audience into his world. The result is a taut, intimate experience that feels both theatrical and personal.
Deal with the Dragon is a gem of a solo show—smart and unexpectedly touching. For theatergoers in the Coachella Valley, it’s a must-see: a reminder of how one artist, in the right role, can create a world that’s both fantastical and unnervingly real.
photos by Tara Howard
Deal with the Dragon
TigerBear Productions
in association with Desert Ensemble Theatre
Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 East Baristo Road in Palm Springs
Thurs-Sat at 7:30; Sun at 2
ends on June 8, 2025
for tickets ($42), visit Deal with the Dragon and Desert Ensemble Theatre
