By
Jared Curtis
jared@dmcityview.com
‘Scriptease’ presented by StageWest
First Unitarian Church,
1800 Bell Ave.
July 3
http://www.stagewestiowa.com
StageWest’s free, monthly play-reading series
“Scriptease” continues on the last Tuesday of
every month at 7 p.m. July’s show is “Rope”
by Patrick Hamilton. Seeking adventure and danger,
Wyndham Brandon convinces his weak-minded friend,
Charles Granillo, to assist him in the murder
of a fellow undergraduate. After committing
the crime, they put the body in a wooden chest
and invite some acquaintances over, including
the dead youth’s father, to a party with the
chest serving as a supper table. The horror
and tension unwinds, and eventually they break
down under the guilt and confess their crime.
Admission is free.
‘Rent’ presented by The Des Moines
Playhouse
Des Moines Playhouse, 831 42nd St.
July 15-Aug. 7
http://www.dmplayhouse.com
“Rent” is one of the most sacred Broadway shows
thanks to a story that fans of all ages enjoy.
The story, which takes place in New York City’s
East Village, follows a group of friends finding
their place in this world as they discover love,
life and how they must live for today. Tickets
are $35.
‘Shakespeare-Under-The-Stars 2012’
presented by The Iowa Shakespeare Experience
274-8989
July 18, 20-22 (rain date July 23)
http://www.iowashakespeare.org
The most sacred love story of all time — “Romeo
and Juliet” — is a rich, classically Renaissance
rendition with all the trimmings, set as Shakespeare
himself planned the show in Renaissance Italy.
Classic Madrigal and Gregorian music underscores
the gorgeous text while original ballet and
choreography from Dance-A-Cross studios blends
to create true magic. Featuring premier area
talent, plus the stunning classical vocals of
Renee J. Schwartz, lyrical operatic soprano
often seen with the Cedar Rapids Opera.
For each event, the grounds will open at 6 p.m.
for picnics (pick up pre-ordered picnic box
supper “Shakesperience Specials” at The Cheese
Shop on 42nd Street, the exclusive picnic provider
to Iowa’s Shakesperience Festival) and wine
tasting.
At 6:15 p.m., the “Bard’s Bailiwick” Gourmet
Court opens in the upper plaza with an array
of exclusive food purveyors featuring the “Old
Verona” Italian flavor of the town in which
Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” play was set.
Enjoy The Gustomobile of Gusto Pizza with the
“Romeo and Juliet” special slice, homemade Italian-style
Gelato by Chocolaterie Stams and Jasper Winery’s
al fresco wine tasting garden.
At 7 p.m., the “Picnic-with-Panache” informal
contest kicks off, with guests encouraged to
bring a picnic feast with all the accoutrements
like candelabras, fresh flowers, fine linens
and crystal or dress in your best summer frocks
or Renaissance attire. Winners will be awarded
an automatic VIP seating upgrade. Each event
offers a special theme and live entertainment.
For more information, visit http://www.iowashakespeare.org.
‘Caucasian Chalk Circle’ presented
by the Des Moines Social Club
Des Moines Social Club,
400 Walnut St.
July 19-22
http://www.desmoinessocialclub.org
“Caucasian Chalk Circle” will be the featured
show during the Des Moines Social Club’s third
annual All Metro Student Play. Students will
handle all aspects of the show in a professional
theatre atmosphere, which will cultivate in
a performance at the Kirkwood Theatre. “Caucasian
Chalk Circle” deals with a servant girl who
sacrifices her plans for the future to save
the life of an abandoned baby in the midst of
government upheaval. Tickets are $10.
‘Parfait’ presented by DMACC Huff Theatre
July 20-21 at the DMACC Ankeny Campus, Building
6
July 28-29 at the Civic Center of Greater Des
Moines
http://www.facebook.com/hufftheatre
The DMACC Huff Theater presents their 84th
production, “Parfait.” Dissatisfied with the
ordinary world and unable to hold a job, a young
woman is drawn to a theatre company, which is
comprised of people who likewise would use theatre
as a substitute for reality. Admission is $1.
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