By
Jared Curtis
jared@dmcityview.com
‘Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman
Smells!’ presented by The Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd St.
Nov. 18 through Dec. 11
http://www.dmplayhouse.com
Adapted from the Junie B. Jones series of books
by Barbara Park, “Junie B. in Jingle Bells,
Batman Smells!” is a holiday fun for all ages.
It’s holiday time, and Room 1 is doing a lot
of things to celebrate including making elf
costumes and singing carols. When Junie B. picks
a name for Secret Santa, she gets stuck with
Tattletale May, who keeps ruining her holiday
glee. Tickets are $12-$15.
‘The Sound of Music’ presented by The
Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd St.
Dec. 2 - 30
http://www.dmplayhouse.com
The hills will come alive with music at the
Des Moines Playhouse as it presents “The Sound
of Music.” When Maria proves too high-spirited
for the religious life, she is sent to serve
as governess for the seven children of a widowed
naval captain. Her growing rapport with the
youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit,
gradually captures the heart of the stern captain,
and the two marry. After returning from their
honeymoon, they discover Nazis have invaded
Austria. The family’s narrow escape over the
mountains to Switzerland provides one of the
most thrilling finales in theatre. Admission
is $20 - $35.
‘Caucus! The Musical’ presented by
Right Brain Productions
Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, 221 Walnut
St.
Dec. 7 - 31
http://www.civiccenter.org
The local musical that became an international
sensation in 2008 returns to Des Moines. “Caucus!
The Musical” is a timely and laugh-out-loud
funny look at the role Iowa plays in the presidential
nominating process. When an unassuming Iowa
farmer is dubbed “the typical caucus voter”
by the press, the candidates will do anything
to win his vote. Admission is $30.50 ($22.50
opening night).
‘The Nutcracker Ballet’ presented by
Ballet Des Moines
Hoyt Sherman Place
http://www.hoytsherman.org,
http://www.balletdesmoines.org
Dec. 9 -11
Under the artistic direction of Serkan Usta,
“The Nutcracker Ballet” features nearly 300
local dancers and performances by professional
artists including Kenneth Easter, Melanie Hamrick,
Stanislav Ivanov, Stacy Lowenberg and Stanko
Milov. Admission is $23 - $69.
‘The Santaland Diaries’ and ‘A Christmas
Memory’ presented by the Repertory Theater of
Iowa
Des Moines Social Club, 1408 Locust St.
Dec. 9 – 23
http://www.rtiowa.com,
http://www.desmoinessocialclub.org
The Repertory Theater of Iowa is offering double
the Christmas cheer with two different shows
— “The Santaland Diaries” by David Sedaris,
and “A Christmas Memory,” by Truman Copote —
to put you in the holiday spirit. RTI Artistic
Director Joseph Leonardi kicks things off with
“A Christmas Memory,” which takes place in the
1930s and focuses on the seven-year-old narrator
and an elderly woman who is his distant cousin
and best friend. In “The Santaland Diaries,”
John Earl Robinson reprises his role as Crumpet,
a disgruntled Macy’s Elf, in this sardonically
irreverent tale. Admission is $12 - $22.
‘Utopia: The Iowa Musical Revue’ presented
by Right Brain Productions
Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, 221 Walnut
St.
Dec. 14 - 31
http://www.civiccenter.org
“Utopia — The Iowa Musical Revue,” celebrates
— while poking a little fun at — the unique
people, places and traditions of the great state
of Iowa. Featuring 16 independent songs and
sketches, including five new segments written
specifically for this production, this homegrown
show will bring a smile to your face. Admission
is $30.50 ($22.50 opening night).
‘The Nutcracker’ presented by Iowa
Dance Theatre
Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, 221 Walnut
St.
Dec. 17 -1 8
http://www.civiccenter.org
The Iowa Dance Theatre celebrates its 29th
season with “The Nutcracker.” The story of a
girl, her nutcracker and the special dream they
share, “The Nutcracker” is choreographed and
directed by a team of professionals from seven
area studios, with dancers from more than 25
studios. Admission is $17.50 - $37.50. CV |
