By Jared Curtis
jared@dmcityview.com

‘Blind Date’ presented by the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines

Civic Center’s Temple Theater, 10th Street and Locust Street

Through Jan. 22

http://www.civiccenter.org

There’s nothing like the thrill of a first date, because anything can happen. In “Blind Date,” audiences will experience all the excitement and awkwardness of blossoming love as Mimi, a Parisian temptress, goes on a blind date with a different man every night. Adding to the fun, the date is plucked right out of the audience. “Blind Date” is a fast and funny show filled with a unique mixture of improvisation, theatre and social experiment. Admission is $25 to $37.

‘Parade’ presented by StageWest

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

Jan. 13 – 29

http://www.stagewestiowa.com

“Parade” is an epic American musical following the true story of Leo Frank’s trial and lynching in Atlanta in 1913. Ostracized for his faith and Northern heritage, Jewish factory manager Leo Frank is accused of murdering a teen-aged factory girl the day of the annual Confederate Memorial Day parade. The incident gave birth to the premier Jewish civil rights organization — The Anti-Defamation League — but, on the other hand, the case helped launch the rebirth of the KKK. “Parade” is a riveting murder mystery, a gripping courtroom drama, a moving love story and a searing social commentary. Admission is $22-$25.

‘John Tartaglia’s Imaginocean’ presented by the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines

221 Walnut St.

Saturday, Jan. 14, 1 p.m.

http://www.civiccenter.org

Tony Award nominee John Tartaglia has been featured in plenty of fun shows including “Avenue Q,” “Shrek The Musical” and “Beauty and the Beast,” but none has been as close to his heart as his newest creation, “John Tartaglia’s Imaginocean.” The story is a magical undersea adventure for kids of all ages. The story follows three best friends who are fish — Tank, Bubbles and Dorsel — as they set out on a remarkable journey after discovering a treasure map. While searching for clues, the buddies will sing, dance and make new friends, including everyone in the audience. Ultimately they discover the greatest treasure of all is friendship. Admission is $10.

‘Dancing with the Moon’ presented by Tallgrass Theatre

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

Jan. 20 through Feb. 4

http://www.tallgrasstheatre.org

Tom Deiker, winner of the sixth annual Iowa Playwrights Workshop, presents his show “Dancing with the Moon” in conjunction with Tallgrass Theatre. The story follows Kate, an earthy, middle-aged divorcee who is looking for love in all the wrong places. But once she begins tutoring a virgin named Francis on the ways of picking up women, Kate gets much more than she bargained for. Admission is $12 (available at the door or through http://www.tallgrasstheatre.org).

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ presented by The Des Moines Playhouse

831 42nd St.

Jan 20 through Feb. 12

http://www.dmplayhouse.com

Based on Harper Lee’s iconic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird” follows the lives of a wide variety of characters in a small southern town in the 1930s. The story focuses on Scout, a young girl who is being raised by her widowed father, Atticus. She experiences a number of dramatic events that will shape her life to come thanks to her father, a lawyer who is defending a local black man who is accused of a crime. Admission is $20-$29.

‘The Magic Flute’ presented by Des Moines Metro Opera

Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave.

Sunday, Jan. 29, 2 p.m.

http://www.hoytsherman.org, http://www.desmoinesmetroopera.org

Mozart’s delightful commentary on love, forgiveness, tolerance and the brotherhood of mankind has become one of the most beloved operas in all the repertory. Filled with star-studded queens, dragons, bird-catchers, heroes, heroines and noble priests, “The Magic Flute” is a spectacular mixture of worldly and heavenly delights all set with sublime enchantment to some of Mozart’s greatest music. “The Magic Flute” returns to OPERA Iowa after an absence of 10 years and is the perfect opera to delight and dazzle audiences of all ages. Admission is $5-$10. C