It only seems like Coyote Stageworks has been wandering homeless in the desert for 40 years. Actually, it's just been one year since the prize-winning company mounted a play.

But, after attending last weekend's opening of "Buyer and Cellar" at the Helene Galen Theatre at Rancho Mirage High School, I'd say the Coyote Stageworks production is worth the wait.

This one-man farce starring Emerson Collins as multiple characters is beautifully evolved from a great idea that TV writer and playwright Jonathan Tollins got from reading the book, "Barbra Streisand: A Passion For Design."

Tollins' bio on says Barbra Streisand is his idol and that she almost bought the movie rights to one of his plays in the 1990s. So Tollins reads this book on how Streisand designed her Malibu house to include a virtual shopping mall in her cellar, and imagines a super Streisand fan getting hired to work there as a one-man shop keeper.

Tollins takes his fantasy to outrageous heights and it is hilarious. The main character is Alex, an out-of-work actor whose recent job at Disneyland actually prepared him for his role as a fantasy land merchant. He's hired by a raspy, world-weary assistant to a Malibu resident who can't be identified. But, when Alex resists signing a non-disclosure contract, the assistant hints that the resident is (gasp!) Babs!

Several days after tidying up and organizing Streisand's possessions in faux department stores, including a doll shop, gift shop and boutique dress shop, Alex is visited by the lady of the house, a character that is an exaggerated but not-over-the-top caricature of Streisand. Without admitting who she is, this lady compliments Alex's work and takes her fantasy to another level. Moving into the doll shop, she says she'd like to buy the doll named Fifi. So, how much does it cost?

Alex is baffled that Barbra Streisand wants to buy her own doll and is asking him what it costs. He goes along with the charade and says he'll give it to her for a bargain at $850. But she dickers, offering $500. When he won't budge, she asks to put it on hold. So Alex slyly asks for the name under which it should be held. "Sadie," the woman says.

The next time "Sadie" comes downstairs, she has a "store" coupon for $350, making the net price of the doll exactly what she initially offered. With tax the bill comes to $536 and Sadie gives him $540 in cash. But Alex doesn't have change. "What kind of a business are you running?" Sadie barks. "No wonder I never ever see anyone in here!"

Barbra eventually acknowledges she's just play-acting, but this type of exchange goes on for the rest of the show. A funny locals-only moment is when Babs says she's having Sen. Barbara Boxer over for dinner and "she's one of the most powerful women in the world." She asks Alex to stay late because she's thinking of getting Boxer a gift. So, Alex mans the cellar gift shop while guests attend a party upstairs. Finally Streisand comes down alone and says, "That Barbara Boxer thinks she knows everything!"

The concept is brilliant. It makes Streisand seem almost as kooky as Michael Jackson, but it's done with love, like Todd Haynes' film biography of Bob Dylan, "I'm Not There."

The execution is as brilliant as the idea. Collins, who currently co-stars in the Bravo hit, "The People's Couch," moves in and out of characters as if he's changing coats. When you see Alex talking to Barbra, you expect Barbra to appear before your eyes on the mark Alex is looking at.

There's a plethora of laughs, but Collins also mines the drama between Alex and his partner, Barry, who gets jealous of the relationship between Alex and Barbra. He eventually demands that Alex choose between being a slave to Streisand and being a boyfriend to him.

What's most amazing is that director Larry Raben and producer Chuck Yates mounted this show after just two weeks of rehearsal. The sets are more suggestive than realistic and sometimes they seem like blueprints. But Collins and his team, including critical lighting designer Phil Murphy, transport you to a world of imagination. So maybe a more realistic set would be self-defeating.

The show is slated to come to San Diego and Los Angeles, but for this Thursday through Sunday, Rancho Mirage is the only city besides New York presenting this wonderful, wonderful play. Barbara Boxer should definitely go see it. Reservations: (760) 318-0024 or

Am Docs wrap

Attendance at the American Documentary Film Festival was up by 30 percent going into Monday's closing night film, with several sellouts and lively Q&As.

I moderated a Q&A with festival honoree Peter Bogdanovich after his documentary on Tom Petty, "Runnin' Down A Dream," and that was remarkable in that half of the small theater audience stuck around to ask questions and commend Bogdanovich on the four-hour film.

I thought it was the most cinematic music documentary I've seen. It was told in chapters, but the natural arcs made it feel like a four-act play with ups-and downs resolved in every segment. The music supported Bogdanovich's premise that Petty and the Heartbreakers are the best U.S. band still working after 30 years. The film easily trumps The Eagles' four-hour 2013 documentary.

Bogdanovich spent three days at the festival and founder Teddy Grouya said he was so impressed, he's accepted his invitation to be on the Am Docs advisory board.

Another highlight, Grouya said, was the cinematographers panel on "The Mating of Documentary and Narrative Film." It climaxed an ongoing discussion on the importance of documentary film and how it impacts communities at large.

Tachevah wrap

Wednesday's final Tachevah Band Showcase again revealed the amazing diversity of musical talent playing in the desert area.

Strangers You Know, returning to the desert after playing the Rhythm, Wine & Blues Experience at the Empire Polo Club in February, had what we judges considered the most commercial songs of the night. But their performance was severely affected by their sound problems. They were so disjointed, we couldn't vote for them even though I knew they had played well at the RWB.

The Chase Walker Band of Riverside has a solid, in-the-pocket sound with good lyrics to match Walker's excellent lead guitar and vocals. But Songwriters Hall of Famer judge Billy Steinberg wanted to hear more melody. I thought with a little tweaking they could become a good modern country band.

The BrosQuitos displayed some fun tunes along Weezer lines. They just need more good songs and perhaps more depth to sound less poppy. Zavier of moZaiq has a super voice for reggae, but his songs just weren't as engaging as their set-closing rendition of "Let It Be."

Little Red Spiders have a great rhythm section and lead vocalist Jesse Williams has rock star qualities. We wanted more harmony from the female vocalists, but the Spiders were the most Coachella-worthy band of the night. They'll at least get to see Coachella because every winning band member will receive free festival tickets.

The Spiders perform Friday at the Coachella Valley Art Scene in Cathedral City with their bassist and drummer's primary band, Slippin' Into Darkness, and Facelift. Tachevah: A Palm Springs Block Party is April 15 outside the Spa Resort Casino.

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