Maximizing Holiday Sparkle

There are more than a dozen reasons to see and hear "Sparkle" this year and one of those reasons is performer Max von Essen.

According to broadway.com, von Essen made his Broadway debut in "Les Miserables," playing roles including Marius and Enjolras. Other Broadway credits include "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Dance of the Vampires" and the 2012 revival of "Evita," in which he played Magaldi. Von Essen starred in off-Broadway productions of "Hello Again," "Death Takes a Holiday" and "The Baker's Wife" at Paper Mill Playhouse - as well as in national tours of Xanadu and Chicago.

This year, "Sparkle," the desert's most anticipated holiday concert - perhaps its only all-star holiday concert - is headlined by the legendary Florence Henderson, star of innumerable Broadway productions and of course, the actor who played Generation-X's top TV mom, Carol Brady in the series "The Brady Bunch".

Unquestionably, Henderson and "Sparkle" costar, Max von Essen are two of the biggest reasons audiences will want to be a part of this year's rendition of this burgeoning desert holiday tradition. But perhaps the biggest reason to see the show is that "Sparkle" is a fun, heartwarming and joyous way for people to support Desert AIDS Project.

THE RAGE MONTHLY RECENTLY CAUGHT UP WITH MAX VON ESSEN TO ASK HIM WHY SPARKLE CAUGHT HIS EYE...

Why did you want to be a part of Sparkle 2013?

My dear friend, Scott Nevins, first got me involved a few years ago. Not only did I have an incredible time, but I also fell in love with the Palm Springs community. So many wonderful people coming together for such a great cause. I try to return every year to add my voice to this beautiful event.

What's your background as a performer?

Gosh, where to start. I've been in love with music and acting since I was a little kid. Always performing, singing, playing piano, taking classes, etc... I never really imagined I'd go for it professionally, but something inside me just said I had to give it a shot. So, after graduating from college, I moved back to New York and just started pounding the pavement. I was lucky enough to book work immediately and have never looked back. I know I've worked hard, but I'm so fortunate for all the wonderful work that's come my way.

What's your ideal role as a performer?

My ideal role is to originate a new character. I'm currently working on a few projects that I hope will make their way to Broadway in the next couple of seasons. It's just such a thrill to originate a character in a new musical.

What's your ideal career achievement?

I'd like to bounce between mediums until I die. LOL! I love singing, I love doing concerts, I love performing on Broadway, but I'm starting to branch out into TV and film, and I hope that continues. I really just want to do it all. If I can perform, pay my bills and enjoy my life, then I feel like a success!

As a gay man and a Broadway entertainer, do you feel a special responsibility to contribute to the growing acceptance of LGBT people in mainstream society?

A bit, yes. I've learned after working all these years and doing a few Broadway shows, I've developed a bit of a following. It might be small, but if I can be a role model for one young gay or questioning child out there, then my part is important. For every gay adult who stands proud, one more kid somewhere struggling for acceptance among his family or friends might feel a bit more hopeful and that is important.

What is it like to work with a Broadway, Hollywood and TV legend like Florence Henderson?

I actually haven't met her yet, but I cannot wait!

Is there an unspoken rule about no "Brady Bunch" references?

Ha ha, I'm guessing it's probably best to talk about anything but the Bradys. What could I possibly ask or joke about that she hasn't heard? Although I secretly just want to know who was sleeping with whom!

What is different about this year's "Sparkle?"

The only difference is it just keeps getting better. Somehow Scott Nevins and Mark Jones continue to book unique and top-notch talent from both coasts, not to mention an always-surprising and wonderful performer to read " 'Twas The Night Before Christmas." It is the perfect evening to get the Palm Springs community into the spirit.

What are your thoughts about performing a benefit for HIV/AIDS services?

Well, I've always felt like it is important to give back to one's community whenever possible and since the HIV/AIDS situation continues to be a crisis, I'm proud to lend my voice to the cause. We must never be complacent. We must continue to care for those in need and educate everyone in hopes of one day having an AIDS-free generation.

You have a special relationship to New York, in addition to being a Broadway star and consummate New Yorker. Although it's a bit far a-field from the topic at hand, is there anything about having such a strong connection to 9/11 that you bring into the spirit of your performances?

Always! I am a true New Yorker and a real lover of life. Having been so close to the tragedy of 9/11 and witnessing first hand so much loss and sadness, I take nothing for granted. Every day is a gift, and every time I can lend my voice to a wonderful cause, I'm reminded of why I'm here on earth. Working is great, but giving back a little bit is even better.

What do you do in your personal time?

Rest, play piano and spend time with my friends and family. Add wine to any of those, and that's my personal life in a nutshell.

A stunning roll call of stars will join Max von Essen and Florence Henderson for Sparkle, a one-night-only extravaganza happening the evening of Wednesday, December 11 at the Annenberg Theater. The list of stars scheduled to perform includes Emerson Collins (Sordid Lives, The Series, Bravo's The People's Couch), Ginifer King (Nickelodeon's The Haunted Hathaways, Gypsy), Shoshana Bean (Hairspray, Wicked), Matt Zarley (The Who's TOMMY, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Julie Garny� (Lorna Luft's Pink Party Concert, Les Miserables at the Hollywood Bowl), Erin Quill (Avenue Q), Blake McIver (Star Search, Bravo's The People's Couch), Lexi Lawson (RENT, In the Heights), Constantine Rousouli (Ghost, Wicked), Haviland Stillwell (Les Miserables, Fiddler on the Roof) and Kelly King (Billboard Top 20 Recording Artist, Winner: 2013 Best International Singer, "Vi�a del Mar" International Song Festival-Chile). The evening is hosted and coproduced by television personality Scott Nevins (Bravo's The People's Couch, TruTV Presents: World's Dumbest).

For tickets and more information go to sparklepalmsprings.com