‘Frasier’ actors, producers reunite for Plaza Theatre fundraiser

Producers and actors of the Emmy-winning 1993-2004 NBC comedy “Frasier” will participate in a fundraiser event for the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre.

Television producers David Lee — a Palm Springs resident — and Peter Casey will join actors David Hyde Pierce and Peri Gilpin in “Team Frasier Reunites to Save the Plaza Theatre” on March 19.

The cast and creative team will take a look back at the making of the pilot episode as part of a fundraising event for the restoration of the Plaza Theatre.

The restoration effort calls for infrastructure repairs and the installation of new equipment to meet current fire prevention and Americans with Disabilities Act mandates.

The theater, which opened in 1936, was the site of film premieres, national radio broadcasts, the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies until it closed in 2014.

The building was in disrepair until Palm Springs began a restoration campaign in 2019. Fundraising was in its early stages when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing activity to cease, according to officials.

Fundraising efforts reignited in October when Lee donated $5 million, half of the needed $10 million for the project.

“We are absolutely thrilled that David and the others connected to the show have offered this exciting event,” said Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation president J.R. Roberts.

“David’s donation jump-started the theatre’s fundraising campaign and he has now graciously offered this special look back at a show we all loved. We also thank the cast and production crew for also lending their support to this important project.”

More information about the Plaza Theatre restoration effort and “Frasier” event can be found at savetheplazatheatreps.com.

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