The legacy of Cloris continues

8/6/2025

From the Des Moines Community Playhouse, continually producing work since 1919, to the About Time Theatre Company, just launched this year, participating theatre companies in the Bravo Greater Des Moines footprint gather for a shared celebration of their previous year’s work. The Cloris Leachman Excellence in Theatre Arts Awards reaches a milestone anniversary this August, recognizing the work of thousands of volunteers, staff and patrons who contribute to central Iowa’s vibrant performing arts scene. 

Elegant Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre hosts this annual awards ceremony, and the electric atmosphere of each gathering is as gratifying for the theatre community as it is for the general public to witness firsthand. Thanks to generous underwriters, this event remains free and is a great way to experience a reflective overview of recent seasons of stellar stage work.

 

Cloris blesses, then visits, the awards

The organizational meeting for these awards was in the summer of 2014. Theatre critics Michael Morain, John Domini and John Busbee met at the Des Moines Social Club, the initial awards host and coordinator. A short discussion about naming these awards ended when Morain suggested, “How about Cloris Leachman?” A brief phone call to Leachman elicited an enthusiastic “Yes!” to the request, and the Cloris Awards were launched. Each critic accepted the task of attending every show in the upcoming season for participating companies. 

In the awards’ second year, Leachman would lead a California entourage to attend the 2016 Cloris Awards. The Kum & Go Theatre was filled to capacity, and the ceremony was highlighted with a special Cloris Award to its namesake. 

 

Move to a larger venue

With the need to accommodate more attendees, the Cloris Committee formed a partnership with Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre. This magnificent performing hall has proven to represent the honoring ceremony very well and continues its role in that capacity. With generous underwriting, admission is free and has proven to be a popular event for theatre patrons to experience a Tony Awards-like grandeur in their own community. 

Denise Forney, an active patron of the arts and performer herself, now coordinates much of the process. The judging process has expanded to a vetted team of judges. All have experience evaluating theatre and a commitment to strengthening the cultural community through the performing arts. The judge’s group is self-perpetuating, and people who are interested in joining are encouraged to contact one of the current judges. Membership decisions are based on previous experience evaluating theatre, general knowledge of the craft, neutrality among local companies, and availability. At least three judges attend each production.

Forney said, “This year marks a decade of spotlighting excellence in our vibrant Des Moines theatre community. We’re rolling out the red carpet for the 10th Annual Cloris Awards. With 11 remarkable theatre companies and 42 outstanding productions represented this season, there is so much to honor — from bold new works to breathtaking performances, powerful stories, and the countless artists, technicians, stage managers and volunteers who make magic on our stages year-round.”

Forney sums up the evening, stating “The Cloris Awards have become a celebration of connection, creativity, and community.” There is plenty of room for spectators to enjoy the energy of this awards show, complete with several performances reflecting the 2024-2025 Greater Des Moines theatre season. 

 

A musical to sing about

Ankeny Community Theatre continues its upward trend of more diverse engagement with its audiences while also presenting new theatre fare. Playwright/director John Claes has a tradition of writing original lyrics to a song about every show he’s involved with, undoubtedly the creative genesis of his new musical, “The Perfect Rendezvous: A Musical.” This world premiere is sure to reverberate throughout the intimate confines of the ACT’s space.

The Playhouse continues its partnership with The Penguin Project, presenting “Honk Jr.” For their productions, a group of special needs artists are joined on stage by a dedicated group of peer mentors — youths the same age without disabilities who have worked side by side with the artists through four months of rehearsals. The results are heart-touching performing arts magic, and something that all should experience. 

John Busbee produces The Culture Buzz, a weekly arts and culture radio show on www.kfmg.org, covering Iowa’s arts scene with an inclusive sweep of the cultural brush. He received the 2014 Iowa Governor’s Arts Award for Collaboration and Partnership in the Arts.