By Annie Gardner
Upcoming shows in November
“Duck Hunter Shoots Angel” presented by The Des Moines Playhouse
The Des Moines Playhouse, 831 42nd St., www.dmplayhouse.com
Nov. 5-21
“Duck Hunter Shoots Angel” is the story of two bumbling Alabama brothers who may have never shot a duck but think they shot an angel. As they lament their fates in a murky swamp, a cynical tabloid journalist and his reluctant photographer chase them down. They don’t believe the brothers’ story until they discover feathers, wings and a tiara along the way. Audiences have hailed “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel” a rare comedy with a surprisingly heartfelt lesson. Tickets are $16-$27.
‘Thursday’s Children’ presented by Unexpected Company
State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust St., www.thursdays-children.com
Nov. 6-7
“Thursday’s Children” is a locally produced musical, inspired by the events of the 1965 black ramband protest that lead to the landmark civil rights case of “Tinker v. the Des Moines Independent Community School District.” Tickets are $15-$18, available through www.midwestix.com.
“Blackbird” presented by Locust Productions
Des Moines Social Club, 1408 Locust St., www.desmoinessocialclub.org
Nov. 11-21
“Blackbird” is a harrowing examination of a relationship that never should have happened. Fifteen years after their affair destroyed both their lives, Una tracks down Peter at his workplace. What unfolds between them in the conference room will unearth old secrets and leave both of them changed forever. Tickets are $9-$12
Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes
Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St.
www.iowaeventscenter.com
Nov. 16-17
Get ready for some high kicks as The Rockettes return to Des Moines. In 2008, the brand new Arena tour debuted to rave reviews with the launch of the biggest production in the show’s 77-year history and redefined family entertainment in an Arena setting. The growth of “The Christmas Spectacular” arena tour will allow new audiences to experience the magic of this one-of-a-kind holiday production. Don’t miss the largest Christmas Spectacular tour ever. Tickets are $27 - $61.50.
Dane Cook
Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St.
www.iowaeventscenter.com
Nov. 19
Comedian Dane Cook combines energetic comedy, clever wordplay and trenchant observations about human behavior in his unique brand of stand-up. Cook catapulted to media headlines when his sophomore comedy CD/DVD, “Retaliation,” bucked industry trends by debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. The album, which has hit double platinum, marked him as the highest charting comedian in 27 years, earning him a place alongside best-selling comedy vets Bill Cosby, George Carlin and Steve Martin. Last year, his last album, “ISolated INcident,” was the highest rated special on Comedy Central and became his second album to debut at number No. 4 on the Billboard charts, making him the only comedian in history to achieve that feat. Tickets are $34.75 to $69.75.
‘Mary Poppins’ presented by The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
Civic Center, ww.civiccenter.org
Nov. 26 – Dec. 12
Featuring the irresistible story and unforgettable songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, “Mary Poppins” is everything you could ever hope for in a Broadway show. The show features brand-new breathtaking dance numbers and spectacular stagecraft. Get whisked away in the magical world of “Mary Poppins” before it’s too late. Tickets are $20 to $78.25.
The Funny Bone
560 S. Prairie View Drive, Ste. 100, West Des Moines
www.symfonee.com/funnybone/desmoines/home/Index.aspx
The Funny Bone has a number of performances in November including John Morgan (Nov. 3-7), Jimmy Shubert (Nov. 10-14), BT (Nov. 24-27) and Ed Vos (Nov. 28.). But the two most note-worthy shows of the month are “Last Comic Standing” winner Felipe Esparza on Nov. 21 and TJ Miller (“Cloverfield,” “She’s Out of My League”), who shined as Marmaduke in the awful TV show “Carpoolers,” Nov. 17-20. Visit the website for ticket prices. CV
