In like a lion with DMPA programming
3/4/2026
National Tour of “The Music Man” transforms Des Moines into River City for a week. Photo credit: “The Music Man” national tour Marketing Department
While climate traditions are being tested, Des Moines Performing Arts assures us that their March theatrical offerings come in roaring like a lion, and continue to roar. Whatever the swings of nature, a marvelous bounty of performing arts awaits cultural consumers.
Also, nothing helps dispel the winter blues like pondering options for youth to explore performing arts during summer camps. This month will begin a two-month exploration of possibilities beginning with Tallgrass Theatre Company’s Seedlings program.
DMPA’s bounteous offerings
From national touring productions with Tony Award accolades to family fare to the alluring variety at the Temple Theatre, DMPA is a regional cultural magnet. Its programming often draws patrons from contiguous states.
We central Iowans are fortunate to have such a vibrant, successful organization as DMPA. In addition to its programming, it serves as a partner for several local organizations such as the Des Moines Symphony, Iowa Stage Theatre Company, Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre, and other groups.
From the first through the 28th, DMPA presents 10 shows. Add the closing show for Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre’s “Winnie the Pooh,” Iowa Stage Theatre Company’s season-opening “The Seagull” run mid-month, and two Des Moines Symphony concerts — “Reflection” (March 14-15) and the Pops 3 “The Wizard of Oz” in concert (March 28) — and DMPA’s performing venues are continually filled with cultural adventures. The Symphony’s concerts are especially intriguing. “Reflection” draws from Smetana and Mozart, and a debut performance by celebrated violinist Stella Chen with Beethoven’s lyrical “Violin Concerto”. The third Pops concert will be an absolute delight, as audiences immerse themselves in the magical journey to Oz as the Des Moines Symphony performs the famous score from MGM’s original film projected on a larger-than-life screen.
Adding to the programming is Jerry Seinfeld, “The Twilight Zone Unscripted, The Music Man,” Complexions Contemporary Ballet, “Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales” as part of the Family Series, and several music acts at the Temple.
Shake off the winter doldrums and fill your calendar with local to national shows.
Tallgrass Theatre Company’s evolution to add its youth component
With the popularity of activities programming for young people, it is never too early to think about summer programs. TTC has made impressive development steps in since Jesse Phillips and James Stephenson founded it almost 25 years ago. In 2018, it started offering children’s theatre programming through West Des Moines Parks and Recreation.
Now in a campaign to expand classrooms at their facility through “Here We Grow Again,” TTC has dedicated itself to anchoring their engagement path with its Seedlings youth classes and productions.
“The expansion will allow Seedlings to grow its workshops and camps, with a special focus on technical theatre training and offering a wider array of options,” Maranda Turner, Director of Education and the Seedlings program, said. She continued by explaining this growth will “…introduce students to scenic design, set building, stage management, lighting, and other technical areas. This summer, the Seedlings’
Backstage Ninjas program will offer multiple camps and workshops, including an opportunity for students’ work to be showcased in a Seedlings production that is part of TTC’s Mainstage season.
“Camp offerings include skills-based camps in storytelling, improv, playwriting, two musical in a week’ camps set in Ancient Egypt, a half-day performance camp inspired by pop culture game shows and classic storybook villains, and expanded programming for both preschoolers and our first ever “ONE ACT IN A WEEK” camp focused colder campers (11 and older).”
Seedlings has been a core part of Tallgrass Theatre’s mission for years, providing a safe, creative space where young people can build skills, friendships and connections to the local theatre community. ♦
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 Iowa Governor’s Arts Award for Collaboration and Partnership in the Arts. He has performed in more than 100 musicals, including many leading roles.
