By Jared Curtis
jared@dmcityview.com

‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’ presented by Stage West

The Civic Center’s Stoner Theatre, 221 Walnut St.

Sept. 29 – Oct. 9

http://www.stagewestiowa.com

StageWest keeps the music going with another show based around the music of iconic singer Billie Holiday. “Last Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” follows one of the last performances by Holiday, four months before her death. More than 12 songs are interlaced with memories and stories to project a riveting portrait of the lady and her music. Tickets are $22-$25.

‘Lonely Planet’ presented by Tallgrass Theatre

Rex Mathis Auditorium, 1401 Vine St., West Des Moines

Sept. 30 – Oct. 15

http://www.tallgrasstheatre.org

Tallgrass Theatre opens its season with “Lonely Planet,” a tale about Jody and Carl, whose friendship evolves in the age of AIDS. Jody owns a shop, and Carl has been bringing chairs of dead friends into the store. When it’s time to take an AIDS test, Carl tries to convince Jody that he must take responsibility for his life, or he will join the set of chairs that are gradually filling the store. Tickets are $15.

‘Anne of Green Gables’ presented by The Des Moines Playhouse

831 42nd St.

Sept. 30 – Oct. 16

http://www.dmplayhouse.com

A beloved children’s tale makes its way to the Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre with “Anne of Green Gables.” When Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert are looking for some help on their farm, they decide to adopt an orphan. But instead of getting a boy, they get a red haired, freckled-face girl named Anne. The story follows the life of Anne on the farm and all of the trials and tribulations she faces as she grows older. Tickets are $12 - $15.

‘La Cage Aux Folles’ presented by The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines

221 Walnut St.

Oct. 11-16

http://www.civiccenter.org

The touring production of “La Cage Aux Folles” takes over the Civic Center for a limited number of performances. The story follows Georges, the owner of a glitzy nightclub in Saint-Tropez and his partner, Albin, who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse, Zaza. When Georges’ son brings his fiancée’s conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair, the bonds of family are put to the test. Tickets are $20-$47.50.

“Men of Steel” presented by Locust Productions

Kirkwood Building, 400 Walnut St.

Oct. 13-23

http://www.desmoinessocialclub.org

Get ready for some superhero action with “Men of Steel.” The story follows Captain Justice, a superhero created by the military that protects the innocent from evildoers. But after killing two murderers in revenge, Captain Justice is thrown in jail. But don’t fret, Captain Justice isn’t the only superhero. Other characters include Maelstrom, a wealthy playboy with a collection of gadgets; Bryant, a drag queen who doesn’t feel pain; and Liberty Lady, Captian Justice’s sidekick. Tickets are $9-$12.

‘The 39 Steps’ presented by The Des Moines Playhouse

831 42nd St.

Oct. 21 – Nov. 6

http://www.dmplayhouse.com

Based on the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film, “The 39 Steps” tells the story of Richard Hannay, whose night of fun turns into anything but after he is involved in an attempt to smuggle top secret information out of the country. Accused of murder by Scotland Yard and carrying a secret that could save King and country, Hannay must solve the mystery of The 39 Steps in order to acquit himself and stop a war. Bringing the show to life is a cast of four actors who play more than 140 characters throughout this comedic thriller. Tickets are $20-$29. CV